Summary: This is the first in a series of short sermons on Spritual Growth that I preached at Wednesday Prayer Meetings.

Spiritual Growth and Fitness

Prayer

2 Peter 3:10-18

Text 2 Peter 3:18

Paul says that we are to grow in Grace.

There are three essential things for a person to grow up healthy. (we want to be healthy, don’t we?)

(Ask)

Food

Exercise

Rest

Over the next few weeks we are going to study the things we need in our life to grow…

-We will build them around these essentials.

A. In the food there is the materials we need to grow.

(vitamins)

B.Exercise means we must get out and move around.

-watching exercise shows don’t count

-We must do it!

C. Rest means that we stop and allow ourselves to

recover, regenerate, and just absorbe the benefits of

the first two.

These must be in balance

On Wednesday night we are going to take a vitamin. (Short Bible Study)

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto

God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly

dividing the word of truth.

Then we are going to exercise – do it. (there will be assignments)

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not

hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

And then we will rest and see what God does as a result

Hebrews 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Our first vitamin is the P vitamin -- Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray,

A. Pray specifically. (Philippians 4:6)

B. Pray consistently. (daily)(1 Thess. 5:17)(Daniel 6:10)

C. Pray fervently. (James 5:16)

James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Exercise:

Commit to spending a specific amount of time in prayer

every day.

Ask God for something that only He can do.

Rest: Watch and see God answer