Theme: Spiritual Growth/A New Beginning (Jan.

10,16)

Text: 2 Peter 3:18, 2 Peter 1:3-8

Devotion: 2Pet.3:18a (Eph. 4:15)

Title: Planning for Spiritual Success

Introduction:
Good morning to every one of you. Before we continue, let us have a word of prayer…
Many people know about the importance of starting the year right. Already a week has
passed since the first of January, and we become aware that time goes by so fast. That is why I
urge every one of you to make the most out of this new year, and let us not waste any moment,
even if we are still at the beginning. All of our days are a gift from the Lord, and we should make
the most out of them. Knowing this, I’m sure you would agree with me that an excellent use of
our time then is to examine ourselves, our lives, and to make sure that we are growing in our
Christian Life. This is something we all should do, no matter how far you’ve come in your
spiritual journey.

Like the beginning of the year, our right and proper relationship with the Lord also has a
beginning. It began in salvation. But take note of that: it is only the beginning. Where ever and
whenever was the time you surrendered your life to the Lord, be it in the church, in a bible
study, or even in a personal encounter with God, remember that your decision to put your faith
in Christ was not the finish line but is only the beginning of your life as a Christian. After coming
to faith in Christ, we should develop a deeper relationship with God, learn more of the biblical
truths, and commit your life to serve the Lord. No matter how old you are or how long you have
been a Christian, our lives should always be characterized by Spiritual growth. God’s message
for us today concerns us with starting this year on the right path and mindset, namely: Planning
for Spiritual Success.

To all of you who are serious in this task, I hope that God’s word today speaks to your
hearts, and to continue to kindle this passion of knowing God, and growing into maturity as He
has willed for us. Let us all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Exegetical Idea: The biggest priority in our personal Christian life is growth. Over and over
scripture tells us that we should grow: as Christians, as the children of God. Spiritual growth is
the means we Christians attain to spiritual maturity.

Proposition: Brothers and sisters in the Lord, as children of God, we are reminded by the Word
of God that we are to grow. As Christians, we should be growing continually in our lives
spiritually.

I. Spiritual growth is the will of God

 This is the first thing about spiritual growth, is that it is God’s will for us as Christians.
Many epistles in the New Testament that are addressed to individual churches always has the
exhortation of growing in the Christian life. Spiritual growth is essential in the life of a Christian,
just as physical growth is essential in the life of a child.

A. It is expected of the Christian – Eph.4:15; Heb.5:12; Heb.6:1a

The first thing why this is our priority is that it is expected of us believers. If we
say that we are Christians, if we say that we are saved, if we say that we are children of
God, and have put our faith in Jesus Christ, then, God’s word itself says that we are to
grow. As we read earlier in our morning devotion, Eph.4:15, It says that we ARE to grow.
It is not optional, and it is not forced, it means that it is a natural part of being a child of
God. God expects us to grow. The writers of many epistles always admonish those
children of God who are not growing, such as found in Heb.5:12. Time and time again
Paul mentions to those who are in the faith that they should be growing. Although all of
us start our Christian life at the bottom, we are reminded that we should not stay there.
Heb6:1a clarifies this, as this tells us that we are to mature in our Christian faith.
Spiritual Maturity is the result of growing spiritually.

B. It is essential to the Christian – Eph.4:11-14; 2 Pet.3:15-18

The second thing that tells us why this is to be of utmost priority is that it is
essential to a believer. We do not grow for no reason. We do not become mature for no
purpose. The reason for these things is so that we become strong Christians, well-
founded in our faith in Jesus Christ, and are not so easily swayed or tricked by false
teachings and wrong doctrines. This is the very reason God has given us spiritually gifted
people, to teach us, train us, and mold us, so that we are not so easily moved. Eph.4:11-
14. This is our responsibility in a world full of lies and empty promises. We can avoid and
rebuke evil men who twist and corrupt the word of God if we grow spiritually.
2Pet.3:15-18 When we are growing, we are able to continue in this fallen world but
doing the things that are pleasing to God. We become better equipped on how to live
our lives as Holy people, people who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Chris.
In the practical sense, when we grow, we understand what the will of God is in our lives
and we obey it, and in the end, see the countless blessings of obeying His perfect will.
(kaya nga ang pagiging kristyano ay hindi patungkol sa pagpapalit ng titolo, o religion, or
katuruan lamang, ang pagiging kristyano ay pagkakaroon ng bagong buhay kay Hesus)
before, all of us felt bitterness, sadness, emptiness in our lives. But through our faith in
Christ, He brought us Joy, contentment and peace. (pag sinunod ng tao ang kanyang
natural na kaisipan at pamamaraan, dadalhin lang siya nito sa kapahamakan, pero ang
paglago natin kay Kristo ay ang magdadala satin sa magandang kinabukasan, at higit sa
lahat, buhay na walang hanggan.)

C. The goal is to be more like Jesus – 1Jn.2:4-6; 1Cor11:1; Luke 6:40

The chief end and purpose of spiritual growth is to become more like Jesus
Christ. He is our Lord, our teacher, our mentor, and our greatest example in our lives.
Apostle John gives us a startling reminder: 1Jn2:4-6 Whoever says that he/she abides in
 Him, ought to walk (live) in the same way in which He walked. Quick question, are we in
Jesus Christ? We know that salvation lies in our relationship with Jesus. Jn14:6 So again I
ask: Are we in Jesus Christ? The next question is: are we living and going about our lives
the same way Christ did? Do we have the same love? The same patience? The same
forgiveness? The same compassion? The same willingness? The same purpose? The
same determination to do the will of God? He is our greatest example, and we know
that we can do anything through Him who gives us the strength. Paul understood this
and gave his simple exhortation: 1Cor11:1 and even Jesus Himself has said in Luke6:40
When a student becomes fully trained, the student will be like his teacher. Jesus is our
master teacher. The goal of our spiritual growth is to become more like Jesus.

God has already given us His revelation, and we have already have knowledge of who
Jesus is and what He has done. He has already set his example, and the only thing
remaining is to follow Him. That is what spiritual growth is all about. It is becoming
more like Jesus.

Application:
We can see now why Spiritual growth is so important, and is our priority in the Christian
life. If you are a Christian, well and good. But if you are a Christian that is not growing, you have
a big, big problem. A physical body who does not grow is a problem, the same goes for a
Christian who is not growing spiritually. The good thing is if we submit to the Lord, ask for His
help, and do our responsibility, it is still not too late to grow as Christians.

II. Avoiding wrong ideas of spiritual growth

For my second point, here are some observations about the seeming misconceptions
that are related to the topic of spiritual growth. I hope both old and new Christians take note of
these things, as they are relevant for all of us.

A. It isn’t dependent on time

There are many people who have been saved for a long period but have grown
very little. There are many people who have been saved for a brief period and have
grown very much. Certainly, time is a factor in spiritual growth: those who continue to
grow over a long period of time will often be more mature than one who has grown
over a shorter period; not only that, spiritual growth in itself takes time for every
Christian. But growth is not just based on the amount of time spent; this isn't the sole
focus; it is the commitment to growth that makes all the difference in the lives of God’s
people. We don't measure spiritual maturity by the calendar. Time is just a by-product
of our commitment to the Lord. We cannot measure spiritual growth and maturity just
by the length of time that a person has been a Christian, or maybe even just professing
it. Certainly, new Christians should seek the help of old-timers in the church. But just
because they have been attending church for 20 years now doesn’t automatically mean
they are spiritually mature. Heb.5:11-14

B. It isn’t dependent on knowledge

 Sometimes we tent to equate spiritual maturity with what a person knows, but
that also isn't the key. Knowledge alone is not the issue; the issue is what you do with
what you know. The Bible says, "...Knowledge puffs up..." 1Cor. 8:1. This verse is fitting,
because we know of the reputation of the Corinthian believers in the New Testament.
Out of all the other churches written to by Paul, the Corinthians are the ones who were
advanced in knowledge, philosophy, and even economy. Yet the epistle written to them
contains the most rebuke and correction among all the New Testament books.
1Cor.3:18-21 Knowledge on its own in the life of a believer will eventually make them
arrogant. When a believer becomes prideful; of what they know, what they
experienced, spiritual growth is immediately hindered. Having a knowledge of facts,
even of the bible does not always equate with spiritual maturity. Only when those facts
conform us to the image of Christ does our knowledge relate to our growth.

C. It isn’t dependent on religious activity

Some think that if they have been active in the church (they serve in a ministry,
or rigorously attend all church services), then they have grown spiritually. In other
words, if you're busy enough, you must be spiritual. As with all the other points we have
studied, religious activity is also a factor in our growth, but not dependent on it. A
spiritually maturing Christian, would of course engage in the work and mission of God’s
church here in the world. You cannot say you are growing but then are not involved in
any ministry of the kingdom of God. But just because you are doing something right
now, doesn’t mean you are growing in the spirit. What matters here is the heart.
Remember the Pharisees: they were so busy in religion, and yet they were furthest from
the truth. Matt.23:27-28 Jesus warns everyone In Matt7:21-23 Jesus said, "Many will
say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not...done many wonderful works? And then
will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me...." Being busy , even in the
kingdom of God, doesn't qualify anyone for salvation, more so with spiritual growth.

D. It isn’t dependent on prosperity

Many people equate their economic situation with the favor of God. If they
possess much, they think God has blessed them because they are such wonderful
Christians. God may have blessed them, but that isn't necessarily an indication that they
are spiritually mature. Don't equate positive circumstances with God's approval of your
spiritual maturity. Many people are prosperous even though they are not Christians,
many Christians endure hardships, even though those who are faithful to the Lord.
Prosperity is not necessarily related to growing spiritually in the faith. 1Pet.4:12-16

Application:
If spiritual growth is not dependent on time, knowledge, activity, and prosperity, even
though they are still important, what then is spiritual growth? It is not a result of some clever
secret or formula that can be easily applied to life as a guarantee of the future. Spiritual growth
is simply matching our position with our practice. Now, my position in Christ is perfect: we are
complete in Him. We have all things that pertain to life and godliness. We have received all
spiritual blessings in heaven. But we need to progress in our life in a way that is equal with our
position as children of God who were saved by Jesus’ blood. Eph.4:1

III. The keys to spiritual growth

The key to spiritual growth, is best summarized by 2 Peter 1:3-8. In it, we see and realize
that everything we would ever need to grow in our faith, has already been given by Jesus Christ.
We lack nothing. Today, right here and right now, if you decide to follow Jesus fully and submit
to His will, I assure you that nothing would ever hinder your spiritual growth. In the practical
sense, we have two major things to keep in mind:

A. Spiritual growth should be intentional in our life

Did you know that you can be a Christian and you can never grow up spiritually?
Heb. 5:12-13 Growth has stopped or slowed down so much that you can’t even notice it
anymore. They should be mature. They’ve had enough time. But tragically, they’re not!
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes time, effort. There is no shortcut to spiritual
growth. There’s no instant pill I could give you that today you could take and tomorrow
you’re going to be spiritually mature. It takes time. It takes an intentional pursuit. It
won’t come automatically or quickly. People try a lot of shortcuts. Some people look for
an emotional experience — “If I just get this certain experience, then all my problems
will be solved and I will be a mature Christian.” Other people say, “If I just go to this
seminar…. If I just read this book… If I just listen to this tape/watch this video…” Other
people say, “If I just keep a certain set of rules, then I could be all God wants me to be.”
But the Bible says, no. It’s a continual process. You have to learn to be mature. 1
Tim.4:7b Is physical fitness automatic? No. Neither is spiritual fitness. It takes time and
trouble. Just like to be physically fit you’ve got to exercise, develop some basic habits.
That’s true in the Christian life. The Bible says, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of
godliness.” That’s the NASV of the same verse. It takes discipline. A simple prayer can
make you a Christian, but maturing requires life-time attention to transformation of
character and submission of the will. It’s about training.

B. The study and application of God’s Word – 2Tim3:16-17

Again, let me say that God had already given us the manual to live our life
worthy of God. It is all contained in His Word. 2Tim3:16-17 scripture is profitable to us,
not just for our salvation, but to bring us to growth and maturity. Just by scripture alone,
all of us can be equipped by God for every good work that is pleasing to Him. but take
note of this: it is not enough that we study the word of God. it is not enough that we
meditate on it. It is not enough that we memorize it. It will only be fully effective in our
lives if we apply it. The study AND application of God’s word. Read it, study it, meditate
it, but also do it, and live it. There are no short cuts in our journey toward spiritual
growth and maturity, but at the same time God did not make it impossible for us to
undertake. We have been given all the necessary tools in order for us to succeed.
Psalm119:9-11 with this, no one can give any excuse.

C. To walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh – Gal.5:16-24

 Again Paul reminds the believers that we have been set free from the bondage
of sin and of the works of the flesh. But the problem lies not with God, but with us. We
have been set free, but still act like prisoners of sin. That should not be the case any
longer! Jn.8:36 those who have believed and put their faith in Jesus have been set free.
No longer should we obey the lusts of the flesh and the desires of the world, but we
should set our hearts to submit to the will of God. God has given us The Holy Spirit, the
helper and the comforter, so that all of us may grow. Gal.5:16-24 we have full access to
the power of our victorious God! So let no one of us be defeated by the works and
desires of the flesh. (oras na naiisip mo na “hindi ko kaya to, hindi ko alam gagawin ko”
galling lamang yun sa ating laman. Kontrahin mo agad ng mga aral at salita na Diyos na
nagsasabing “di kita iiwan, di kita pababayaan” ang Diyos ang ating sandigan at
tagapanguna sa buhay. Anong magagawa ng mundo at kaaway laban sa atin? Natatalo
lang tayo kung magpapadaig tayo. )

Application:
We can see the key things to spiritual growth. God has given us everything we need to
grow and mature. 2Pet.1:3 and although they are simple, they need to be practiced continually
and thoroughly. If we will not do our responsibility as growing Christians, it is we ourselves who
will hinder our own growth. (hindi sa tagal mong umatend, hindi sa dami ng aral na alam mo,
kundi ginagawa mo ba ang pinapagawa ng Diyos sayo? Sinusunod mo baa ng kanyang kalooban
sa buhay mo sa pang araw-araw? Ang banal na Espiritu baa ng nangunguna sa buhay mo? Kung
hindi ito ang ginagawa mo sa buhay kristyano mo, hindi ka talaga lalago.

Conclusion:
For my conclusion, brothers and sisters in the Lord, spiritual growth is not
instantaneous. It is not automatic just because you memorized a bible verse. Like physical
growth, it is a long and sometimes even painful process. For a little baby to grow into a fully
mature adult isn’t achievable overnight, to learn how to talk, to walk, to do things on your own
was a long process. The same goes for our spiritual growth. God has given us everything we
need to grow, and we just need to do what is needed. Some grow faster, others slower,
whatever your pace may be, the most important thing to realize early this year is that we
should be growing. I exhort every one of us, commit yourself to grow this year! Grow spiritually:
grow to maturity, and grow to become like Jesus Christ. 2 Pet.3:18 To God be the glory!