The Big “5”
Focused on Growth
Focused on Growth
Acts 2:42-47 (New International Version)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
2 Parts to Growth: Corporate and Individual. They were committed to both
1. Corporate Growth
“…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (NIV)
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.
Luke 19:10 (NIV)
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2. Personal Growth
Hebrews 6:1-3 (NIV)
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
Personal Spiritual Growth can be measured in 2 ways:
1. Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
2. Willingness to risk in your faith
James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV)
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Personal Growth is always hard, but always worth it.
John 8:31-36 (NIV)
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Weekly Questions: Explain what we are doing with these…
1. Am I willing to be uncomfortable so that God could add to our number daily?
2. What does that look like?
3. Do I believe in God’s agenda enough to share my faith with my friends who don’t know Him?
4. Who am I sharing my faith with right now that doesn’t know Jesus yet?
5. What does Jesus want to set me free from?
6. Why am I holding onto that in my life?
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