Aspects of Spiritual Growth Part Two

2 The Pain and Joy of Spiritual Growth

3  What child has not experienced pain while growing up? A baby tries to walk but falls down and skins his knees. Does the parent say, “I don’t want my baby’s knees skinned, so I’m not going to teach him to walk”? Of course not! Children get their share of bumps and bruises while learning to swing, roller skate, ride a bicycle, etc., but it’s all part of growing up! The Pain of Spiritual Growth

4  Spiritual growth also involves a certain amount of pain. We must exercise our spiritual senses. The Pain of Spiritual Growth

5 Hebrews 5:12-14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

6  Spiritual growth also involves a certain amount of pain. We must exercise our spiritual senses. Spiritual exercise (godliness) is profitable. The Pain of Spiritual Growth

7 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

8  Spiritual growth also involves a certain amount of pain. We must exercise our spiritual senses. Spiritual exercise (godliness) is profitable. Spiritual exercise is strenuous. The Pain of Spiritual Growth

9 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

10 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

11  Spiritual growth also involves a certain amount of pain. We must exercise our spiritual senses. Spiritual exercise (godliness) is profitable. Spiritual exercise is strenuous. Christians are often called upon to make difficult, painful decisions. The Pain of Spiritual Growth

12 Matthew 10:34-37 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and 'a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

13 Mark 10:28-30 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.” So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time- -houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life.”

14  Spiritual growth also involves a certain amount of pain. We must exercise our spiritual senses. Spiritual exercise (godliness) is profitable. Spiritual exercise is strenuous. Christians are often called upon to make difficult, painful decisions. Someone has said, “No pain, no gain.” The Pain of Spiritual Growth

15  There will be joy in a parent whose children have grown up and succeeded in life. It is exciting to see them learn new things and develop new skills. Children also experience joy as they grow in knowledge, understanding and ability.  Likewise, spiritual growth is joyous! Consider the words of John. The Joy of Spiritual Growth

16 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

17  There will be joy in a parent whose children have grown up and succeeded in life. It is exciting to see them learn new things and develop new skills. Children also experience joy as they grow in knowledge, understanding and ability.  Likewise, spiritual growth is joyous! Consider the words of John. We are to be joyful in our own growth. The Joy of Spiritual Growth

18 Colossians 1:9-11 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

19  There will be joy in a parent whose children have grown up and succeeded in life. It is exciting to see them learn new things and develop new skills. Children also experience joy as they grow in knowledge, understanding and ability.  Likewise, spiritual growth is joyous! Consider the words of John the apostle. We are to be joyful in our own growth. We are even to be joyful in tribulation. The Joy of Spiritual Growth

20 Romans 5:1-4 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

21 James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

22  There is only one alternative to spiritual growth. but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)