December 31, 2005 - January 1, 2006, Philippians 2:12-13

BEGIN THE JOURNEY IN 2006!

***For many Christians there is uncertainty about spiritual growth.
***When it comes to spiritual growth, people tend to take one of two extreme positions:

1. Spiritual growth is solely GOD’S JOB, any human effort is ANTI-GRACE.

Romans 7:18 (NIV)
18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

2. Spiritual growth is a product of MY COMMITMENT LEVEL.

Leviticus 11:44 (NIV)
I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground.

THE TRUTH IS THAT SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS A JOINT PROJECT.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

GOD WORKS IN, WE WORK OUT.

Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Working Out:

1. Understand that spiritual growth is a PAINSTAKING PROCESS.

- It involves living COUNTERCULTURALLY with an INSTANT GRATIFICATION society.
- It also involves exercising a SHORT MEMORY.
Philippians 3:13 (NIV)
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

2. Make spiritual growth STANDARD, not OPTIONAL.

- Everyone is being spiritually FORMED by something or someone.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed.

- We’re either TRANSFORMED to God’s will or we’re being DEFORMED by the world.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NASB)
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;

Hebrews 12:14 (NASB)
Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

Heart Check: Are you pursuing spiritual growth with full resolve?

My Excuses:

3. Connect yourself to the POWER that FUELS spiritual growth.
- Transformation is something that HAPPENS TO YOU - but not without your PERMISSION.
**A good example: NAVIGATING A SAILBOAT

How does God want to train me in this moment to persevere? What spiritual practices is God most changing me lately?
- Take advantage of the opportunities at CCC provides for the Journey: THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH PLAN.
- Remember that spiritual growth is never MECHANICAL.

4. Pursue spiritual growth for the sake of GOD and OTHERS.
- The goal of growing spiritually can be summed up in one word: LOVE.
- It is seen in the difference between being SANCTIFIED vs. being SANCTIMONIOUS.

Q - Is your relationship with God & the practices of your faith, making you a more or less loving and joyful person?