Time to Grow Up

Change is part of life. And we can change for good or change for the not-so-good. In the language of the Bible, changing for good is called growth. It’s normal for living things to grow—under one condition—if they’re nourished. In other words, growth doesn’t happen when we do nothing. Growth is the result of cooperating with God as He works in our lives. Ultimately, He makes things grow. God repeats this urgent message throughout the Bible: It’s time for us to grow up!

How would you define spiritual growth? In our LifePoint language, what is the difference between finding Jesus and following Him?

Read the following passages: 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 4:15, Colossians 2:7. How would you explain God’s heart for your spiritual growth?

How do you wrestle over the tension of your responsibility to take growth seriously verses God’s reminder that He causes the growth? Compare the following two passages: 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 and 2 Peter 1:5-9.

Is it possible for a believer in Jesus to not grow spiritually? Is spiritual growth automatic? In what sense are the commands for us to grow reminders that we might not. Sift through these verses for insights: 2 Peter 3:17-18, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, 2 John 2:28.

Let’s get very practical. What are you doing to cooperate with God to insure you’re growing and making spiritual progress? What are your greatest hinderances to growth?