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GROW Ephesians 4: Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 3

GROW 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 4

GROW Meaning/Significance of GROW Change of state More and More, Increase, Prosper Abundant, fullness, flourish, progress Reach maturity Cultivate or invest 6

Areas we can GROW Grace Love/Compassion Truth Faith Knowledge of God discernment Service/or serving others Holiness 7

Why GROW? It is the will of God for us to GROW Unity in faith Equip for service Mature in knowledge of God Achieve the whole measure of fullness of Christ Jesus 8

1. GROW in FAITH 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 9

2. GROW in LOVE 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 10

2. GROW in LOVE Ephesians 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 11

3. GROW in the KNOWLEDGE of GOD Colossians 1:10 So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God 12

HOW CAN WE GROW 13

HOW CAN WE GROW 14 G = Go to the R = Root O = Of the W= Word

HOW CAN WE GROW 15 Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

HOW CAN WE GROW 16 Word of God is the seed: Mark 4 13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

HOW CAN WE GROW 17 Word of God is the seed Isaiah 30:23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows.

HOW CAN WE GROW 18 Holy Spirit is the Rain Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

HOW CAN WE GROW 19 Holy Spirit is the Rain Joel 2:23,24 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. 24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

HOW CAN WE GROW 20

HOW MUCH CAN WE GROW 21

HOW MUCH CAN WE GROW 22 Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

SOME PRECAUTIONS 23 Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. John3:30 He must become greater; I must become less

1. Prayer: Increase your prayer time 2. Spending time With the Word 3. Ask Holy Spirit to help you GROW to the fullness of Christ What are some applications? 24

25 Father I pray that [my]love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that [I]may be able to discern what is best (and reject those are not) that [I] may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, I will be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to [your] glory and praise you Father God. Amen. Philippians 1:9-11