Ephes. 4:14-16 How to Grow Up Successfully
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. [KJV]
A group of tourists asked an old man if any great men were born in this small town. "No. Only babies."
Growing up is necessary for success.
Growing up is a necessary part of the church’s growth.
Just as every family grows through individuals, so does the church’
Aaron- just a small baby yesterday- now a toddler w/ ideas, words, attributes. Now he is to be a big brother- just one of the things in his continual growth.
We are the same as God’s children.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, [NASB-U]
We must leave the elementary things to begin our ministry and sanctification.
Oftentimes we find ourselves being hindered by certain problems.
1 Cor. 3:1-3
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. 2I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? [NASB-U]
Here at the church at Corinth Paul found that attitudes were keeping from healthy growth.
I believe that similar situations today hinder where we need to be. - but the Bible tells us how to get to a growing place.
Here are some suggestions for us to consider.
1. Remember that you are part of the body-
let your calling motivate you.
Ephes. 4:14-16
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. [NASB-U]
A. God has purposed us to grow into our role as Christians.
Some: teachers,preachers,encouragers, soul-winners, prayer warriors.
Whatever your calling fulfill it!
2. Don’t judge the things of God by the world- let His wisdom guide your growth.
1 Cor. 2:6-10
Yet when I am among mature Christians, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world, and not the kind that appeals to the rulers of this world, who are being brought to nothing. 7No, the wisdom we speak of is the secret wisdom of God, which was hidden in former times, though he made it for our benefit before the world began. 8But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would never have crucified our glorious Lord. 9That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."
10But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God’s deep secrets. [NLT]
A. The world operates on a totally different scale than do we.
We look at Biblical truth- the world leans on their own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. [NASB-U]
He knows the way that is best for his children.- Abosolute Truth
Am I closed minded?
Why shouldn’t we be if we know the truth!
Often times the fact that we know the Bible and what God wants will lead us to fail because of our lack of spiritual esteem.
We begin to feel as though we have gone too far. Maybe God doesn’t really want us!
This leads us to..
3. Don’t let mistakes be your downfall- learn from them.
A. The Bible teaches that we all sin from time to time.
Noah was a drinker
David was an adulterer & murderer
Jonah was a complainer & disobedient
Thomas was a doubter
Peter was a liar
Paul & Timothy argued
We could keep on going
However, they all were repentive and kept on working for God!!!
Therefore their sins were areas in which they learned hard lessons.
Someone once suggested the following points to help us overcome our sin-nature
Seven rules that promote good health in babies can be adapted and applied to a Christian’s spiritual growth.
1. Daily Food. Take in the "pure milk of the word" through study and meditation.
2. Fresh Air. Pray often or you will faint. Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.
3. Regular Exercise. Put into practice what you learn in God’s Word.
4. Adequate Rest. Rely on God at all times in simple faith.
5. Clean Surroundings. Avoid evil company and whatever will weaken you spiritually.
6. Loving Care. Be part of a church where you will benefit from a pastor’s teaching and Christian fellowship.
7. Periodic Checkups. Regularly examine your spiritual health.
But striving and reaching goals may make us a little lathargic!
It may even land us in a rut
4. Don’t ever be satisfied- ask God to move you to further maturity.
1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire (long for) the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: [KJV]
A. Satisfaction stops all growth right in its tracks.
It happens all too often.
An old farmer frequently described his Christian experience by saying, "Well, I’m not making much progress, but I’m established!" One spring when he was hauling some logs, his wagon wheels sank down to the axles in mud. Try as he would, he couldn’t get the wagon out. Defeated, he sat atop the logs, viewing the dismal situation. Soon a neighbor who had always felt uncomfortable with the farmer’s worn out testimony came along and greeted him, "Well, brother Jones, I see you’re not making much progress, but you must be content because you’re well-established!
Have you become mired up in the name of satisfaction-
A rut is just a grave with the ends punched out !!
Wouldn’t it feel good to be on the move once again
That’s God’s desire:
1 Cor. 14:20
Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. [NASB-U]
However, sometimes we just need to let go and start where we are.
5. Get past age, pride, or any other thing that keeps you from growing- get saved, repent, make things right.
A.This is necessary for growth.
A right heart- Seed
Prayer & Study- Fertilizer
Obedience- Light
Relationship- Growth
Let God work for results!
James 1:4
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. [KJV]
