Sermons on Spiritual Growth (Page 15)
Add Faith, Too
We live in a world of struggles We all long for meaning and significance. Everyone wants to put their trust in something immovable. Belief in something that is valuable beyond question Faith in Something It is expressed in life through ‘acts of worship.’•Time•Money•Good deeds•Fellowship•Discussion Faith in Something It brings meaning•Convictions that matter•Ideals to be lived up to•Ideas to uplift the spirit Faith in Something It brings Community•Camaraderie•Friendship•Mutual trust 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence,…
Seeing Yourself
Human beings are not famous for seeing themselves as they really appear. It’s not the outside. It’s our habits that build over time… . Thoughtlessness•Rudeness in the name of humour•Arrogance•Messiness•Eating habits•Wastefulness•Selfishness•Aggression•Judgmental•Bad language 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB) 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Add Love, Too
Conditional v Unconditional Love Love—Dangerous when ill-defined. It pays to check for any unrealistic conditions The Greatest Commandements GOD IS LOVE !!! 2 Peter 1:7 (NASB) 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
Add Godliness, Too
Does the 21st century person know what ungodliness is? We have dragged some our 20th century habits along with us! We still believe: “As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, it is not sin.” Very Naïve! 2 Peter 1:3 (NASB) 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us [a]by His own glory and [b]excellence.
Criticism…Again?
Always going to be those—1.Professional complainers2.Burdened down with hurt to share3.Sinners reflecting their guilt4.Who just-don’t-care how you feel5.Selfishly looking to take advantage6.Who think they’re funny7.Are poor communicators8.We just don’t get Forms of criticism…1. Blame2. Condemnation3. Protest4. Destructive behaviour5. Silence6. Withholding of payment7. Boycott Criticism Best Defeated Through Resilience Proverbs 11:14 (NASB) 14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,But in abundance of counselors there is [a]victory.
Add Moral Excellence, Too
Man is made in the Image of God God’s Character is reflected in man Love Goodness Kindness Mercy Compassion Grace Righteousness If there was ever a time that was in need of moral heroes, this would be the time. Our generation is very much like those described in the book of Judges where it says that “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) 2 Peter 1:5 (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in…
The church—What do you see?
One Upon a Time … They say…1.The people turned up to church to work, because they believed that the work was theirs.2.When they went to worship they went to work.3.When you came to share in praise, you also came to share in sacrifice. They say…also:1.Times have changed.2.Around the world there are still places where the church is growing as it once did.3.But in our society many things are falling apart that we could once rely on. Ephesians 5:29-30 (NASB) 29 for no…
Add Knowledge, Too
The Knowledge that MattersThe Facts are— •If you are not teaching your children who God really is,… I assure you the world is giving them their version •The Bible has transformed civilization. Its impact is unquestioned •The Bible will transform you! The Bible gives: •Peace in fear •Calm in crisis •Power and strength in weakness •Light in darkness 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral [a]excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and…
Endure to the End
Rather you, than me 1.Demands great physical and mental stamina 2.Excessive investment –Years of work. –Long distances –Controlled Diet 3.Punishing toll –Injuries –Hours alone Could be doing something else 4.For what? –A medal –Fame –Money –Personal satisfaction Spiritual Endurance 1.Demands great physical and mental stamina. •Struggle against the devil •Excesses of this world •Staying focus amidst constant distractions 2.Excessive investment –2Cor.12:15—“I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls.” –Mt.19:21—“Sell all and give to the poor…come follow me”…
Add Self-Control, Too
A. Without Self-control our lives simply fall apart 1.Things that mask your demise: a.You’ve had better days •Fumes of past success b.Skills have kept you in place c.Enablers have propped you up d.Resources •Money 2 Peter 1:5-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral [a]excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. Without Self-control our lives simply fall apart.