Sermons on Spiritual Growth (Page 19)

Guidance

Guidance comes in various forms… a.First an foremost the Word of God—Not an optional extra, but the words of life. b.The Word being taught and lived around us. c.Godly advice from others d.Experiences – Good and bad. Proverbs 12:15 (NASB) 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

Spiritual Disciplines

c.Stir up one another… i.Excited Christians—Not a common thought. ii.Exciting each other iii.Not always welcome iv.Bring out of spiritual stupor v.“The word of God is living and active…” Jesus challenged everyone to change through his teachings, miracles and his death, burial and resurrection Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Tolerance-Eph 4:1-2

Every relationship needs it If you think that no one ever has to tolerate you, you might want to ask the Lord for clarification on that point—but be prepared for disappointment With a scoffing tone we ask, “How do you put up with that?” Sanctification takes time No one changes over night We have to accept matters of opinion I don’t always have to be right Ephesians 4:1-2 (NASB) 4 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner…

Greet One Another-Mark 14:44-46

This is something for us to avoid at all cost. That cost is the cost of change. Change is our ability to deal with others outside of our comfort zone. Mark 14:44-46 (NASB) 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away [a]under guard.” 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 They laid hands on Him and seized Him.

The Sword that brings Peace-Matt 10:34-36

•Not everything in the Bible is going to sound— •Easy •Pleasant •Pleasing •Some things are ‘Hard to understand,’ as Peter puts it (2Pet.3:16). Matthew 10:34-36 (NASB) 34 “Do not think that I came to [a]bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.

How to Improve Relationships-Pro 22:24-25

Difficult people in the Bible What would you do with… A Hot-tempered Person Proverbs 22:24-25 (NASB) 24 Do not associate with a man given to anger;Or go with a hot-tempered man,25 Or you will learn his waysAnd [a]find a snare for yourself.

Blinded by the Light-John 19:2

The curse of Blindness A blind priest couldn’t serve in the temple Unless exceptional, a blind person was a liability A drain on family resources Someone needed to look after them Destined to beg to stay alive John 19:2 (NASB) 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him;