Bible Reference: Ephesians 4:1-16
God equips and gifts people to do functions in Church so that people can grow up and become mature people in the Lord. Then we grow the body of Christ.
Hebrews 6:1 - going onto maturity
We're to stop going over basic teachings and grow up. When a family doesn't grow up, it goes everywhere and broken. Each person of the family are to contribute. Growing Up takes time and it can be wonderful. Being human want to speed up the process and we in the West, want it now. It's a lifetime journey where we develop and grow. People won't remember what you owned but will remember what you contributed. At the core of this journey are disciplines.
We are the sum of our habits. People will know and remember what you do over what you say.
Facts v Truth. God is not a fact but Truth. People need to learn to practice habits that become part of their daily life. We focus on four (4) spiritual habits. Romans 12:1-2, do not conform to the habits of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Worthwhile and important to growing up.
John 8:31-32; to find truth, read the Bible daily. The truth sets us free. Let God validate your life, you will find meaning.
● Read the Bible daily. Encourage one another to read Bible regularly, daily. It's a worthwhile habit to invest in.
● Pray daily. Disciples spend time with Jesus. John 15:7-8 Let God's Holy Spirit reveal the truth of His Word to you. We listen to God through His Word and talk with God through prayer. Too often people think the Church should build me. But you are part of building the Church up and encouraging one another. What I do with my life matters to the people around me. We grow up to walk with the Lord and build the Church. We are the Church.
● Tithing. We need to give. Giving reminds us that everything we own and are is God's. Genesis 14:18-24 If you don't think you are God's, try taking your next breath without him. Too many people are totally possessed by their possessions. Learning to give helps people to let go of possessions. Don't give to Church organisations. Give to God. Grown up people are able to help others and you become strong. Giving is very important because everything we own is God's.
● We need Jesus and our fellow Christians to grow up. Jesus saves us. Call on Jesus to be saved. We need to fellowship, sharpen each other. Significant relationships don't develop once a week. We are to fellowship daily. We don't build an organisation, we build an organism. Families are to encourage each other, build relationships. People need opportunities to talk to fellow believers to grow.
There are no shortcuts to growing up. We might be concerned about the time but God is concerned about how mature people become.
Hebrews 4:12 - The Holy Scriptures are the Word of God. The Scriptures through the Holy Spirit, comfort, counsel, guide, encourage and open up the Word to the believer.
Learn these habits and you find your life changed. You will grow like a maple tree not a mushroom.
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