As children, we’re often excited to grow up and experience the freedom that comes with getting to be “a big person.” As we reach adulthood, we want to hang onto our youth and let go of responsibilities that come with age. But when it comes to our faith, the Bible says we are not meant to remain as children but instead are to grow up in Christ. In this message, Pastor Rick Warren gives us an inside look into our spiritual growth campaign, 40 Days of Prayer. You’ll learn six laws of spiritual growth and action steps toward a deeper relationship with God. Discover the importance of feeding on the Word, developing spiritual habits, and growing together in community. Find out why now is the time to grow up spiritually!
Notes DO YOU REALLY WANT TO GROW ? (What’s behind our Annual Spiritual Growth Campaign) 40 Days of Prayer – Part 1 Rick Warren “We are not meant to remain as children at the mercy of every chance wind of teaching . . . Instead we are meant to hold firmly to the truth in love, and TO GROW UP IN EVERY WAY INTO CHRIST . . .” Ephesians 4:14 (Ph) SIX LAWS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
WE GROW WHEN WE ______________________ Jesus: “People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every Word of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NLT) Paul: “. . . the Word of grace is able to build you up and give you all the blessings that God has for his people.” Acts 20:32 Hear . . . Read . . . Study . . . Memorize . . . Meditate . . . Apply Action Step: __________________________
WE GROW WHEN WE ______________________ “In many different ways John preached the good news to the people.” Luke 3:18 (CEV) By Listening (Auditory) By Watching/Reading (Visual) By Talking (Verbal/Oral) By Doing it (Physical/Kinesthetic) “God speaks in different ways, and we don’t always recognize his voice.” Job 33:14 (CEV)
WE GROW WHEN WE ______________________ “Now that you know these things, you’ll be blessed if you practice them!” John 13:17 “Solid food is for mature people, whose minds have been TRAINED BY PRACTICE to know the difference between good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14 (GW) “All good athletes train hard and practice to get better. They do it to win a prize that won’t last. But we practice to win a prize that will last forever!” 1 Corinthians 9:25 Habit of weekly large group worship Habit of small group fellowship Habit of a daily time alone with God (Bible & Prayer) Habit of memorizing God’s Word
WE GROW WHEN WE ______________________ “I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” Romans 1:12 (NCV) “Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the HABIT of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more . . .” Hebrews 10:24-25 (TEV) Action Step: _______________________
WE GROW WHEN WE ______________________ Jesus said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” Matthew 9:29 (NIV)
WE GROW WHEN WE ______________________ God: “You’ll find me when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else . . .” Jeremiah 29:13 (Message) Action Step: _______________________ Nehemiah: “In view of all this, we are MAKING A COVENANT TOGETHER in writing, and all of us are signing our names to it . . .” See Nehemiah 9:38 “Our greatest wish and prayer is that you will become mature Christians.” 2 Corinthians 13:9 (TLB)
