| God is responsible for all spiritual growth |
| Isaiah 61:11 I Corithians 3:7-9 Ephesians 1:4 Phillipians 1:6 I Corinthian 15:10 |
| God chose before the world was created to make us a part of his garden where we could grow into the holy likeness of his son Jesus. |
| Effort, diligence, and discipline are absolutely necessary for growth. We are challenged to make every effort to build on what God has given. We must supply the effort. |
| Romans 8:13 I Timothy 4:7,8 Phillipians 2:12-13 |
| In order to grow into a mature woman or man of God, the believer must be part of a diligent training plan for growth. |
| 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. If Christians are to grow toward maturity in christ, they must demostrate their passion to grow by obedient actions. |
| Spiritual growth potential may not be easy to see at first. God's criteria for success is different than our own. We must be careful not to underestimate what God can do in and through us. I know personally that God is who and what he says he is. He's real in my life. He does not look at the things that man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart. Thank you Jesus. God choses people who have a hear to follow him, regardless of their natural abilities or talents. Time will bring out the true qualiy of the heart. |
| John 15:1-17 Galatians 5:22,23 |
| Spiritual growth depends on an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. A relationship with Christ is necessary for Salvation. It is only the first step in a long journey of intimacy with our Lord and Savior. |
| There are five benefits of staying closely connected to God. 1. Fruitfulness 2. Remain in me, and I will remain in you, says our Father. 3. Answered prayers. 4. Joy 5. Friendship |
| Fruitfulness is associated with the fruits of the Spirit. Its done by or through our character an its out flow into the lives of others. |
| As we stay close to God, he promises to stay close to us. |
| If we remain in God and His words remain in us, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be given to us. |
| We should have joy, a supernatural, inner peace that brings emotional satisfaction even in the midst of the most distressing circumstances. |