Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth in the Bible refers to the process of developing a deeper relationship with God, maturing in faith, and becoming more Christ-like in character and actions. This growth is often depicted as a journey of transformation, where believers are called to move beyond initial faith and engage in practices that foster their spiritual maturity. Scripture emphasizes the importance of feeding on God’s Word, prayer, and community with other believers. For instance, in 1 Peter 2:2, believers are encouraged to "long for the pure spiritual milk," which signifies a desire for the teachings of Scripture that nurture spiritual development.Moreover, spiritual growth is frequently associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will. Galatians 5:22-23 highlights the fruit of the Spirit, which manifests in qualities like love, joy, peace, and self-control as signs of spiritual maturity. Additionally, Hebrews 6:1 urges believers to move beyond the elementary teachings and advance towards maturity. Thus, spiritual growth encompasses both individual transformation and collective encouragement within the Christian community, reflecting a holistic approach to living out one's faith.
Spiritual Growth574
(1 Peter - Part 13): On Fashioning Ourselves as Christians
By A.W. Tozer34K35:32Spiritual GrowthHolinessEmulation1PE 1:14A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of fashioning ourselves as Christians according to God's holiness rather than our former lusts. He explains that while we are not fixed in our nature, we have the potential for change and growth through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Tozer encourages believers to expose themselves to divine influences and avoid the old patterns of sin, highlighting that our choices, including the literature we read and the friends we keep, shape our character. He reminds us that we are always in a process of becoming and must actively participate in our spiritual formation. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a transformation that aligns with God's will, urging Christians to be mindful of what influences their lives.
Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 1
By Derek Prince24K21:28Spiritual GrowthECC 5:2MAT 6:33MRK 16:15ACT 1:81CO 15:58HEB 11:6REV 22:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses two lessons they have learned about making spiritual progress. The first principle they emphasize is the importance of taking a step of faith and putting oneself in a position to experience God's power. They believe that progress cannot be made without this step. The second lesson is about the significance of being cautious about what one preaches, as they will eventually have to practice it themselves. The speaker shares a personal experience of seeking God's guidance and realizing the need for further spiritual growth. They emphasize the importance of not speaking rashly to God, as our words are recorded and will be brought before Him in the future. The speaker references the fifth chapter of Ecclesiastes to support this point.
Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 2
By Derek Prince18K23:30Spiritual GrowthMAT 16:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving up worldly possessions and desires in order to gain eternal life. He shares a quote from a missionary who said, "He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." The preacher also discusses the need to accept the sentence of death in order to transmit God's life. He warns about the dangers of misusing God's love and the importance of properly insulating it. The sermon references Bible verses such as Matthew 16:24-25 and 2 Corinthians 4 to support these teachings.
(Titus - Part 16): Temptations Peculiar to Young Men
By A.W. Tozer4.8K41:33Temptations of Young MenTitusSpiritual GrowthTIT 2:6A.W. Tozer addresses the unique temptations faced by young men in his sermon on Titus, emphasizing the importance of being sober-minded and setting a pattern of good works. He identifies six key temptations: laziness, impulsiveness, self-indulgence, love of money, pride, and levity, urging young men to resist these pitfalls and develop their mental and spiritual capacities. Tozer stresses the need for serious reflection and deliberate action, warning against the dangers of living a life of ease and frivolity. He draws on biblical examples to illustrate how overcoming these temptations leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment in Christ. The preacher calls for a generation of Christians who are committed to growth and seriousness in their faith.
Prayer
By J. Sidlow Baxter3.9K48:53The Power of PrayerSpiritual GrowthPrayerEPH 3:20J. Sidlow Baxter emphasizes the vital role of prayer in the Christian life, highlighting that true spiritual development and revival in churches depend on persistent and united prayer. He explains that prayer should be approached with faith, free from emotional distractions, and focused on interceding for others rather than self-centered requests. Baxter encourages believers to establish a consistent prayer life, utilizing anticipatory prayer and structured times of prayer to deepen their relationship with God. He concludes by asserting that making prayer the central focus of life will lead to divine order and greater effectiveness in all areas.
Vine and the Branches
By Leonard Ravenhill3.8K1:11:50Abiding in ChristAbidingSpiritual GrowthJHN 15:1Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound relationship between Jesus as the true vine and believers as branches, highlighting the necessity of bearing fruit through divine pruning. He reflects on the humility of Peter and John, who, despite being labeled as uneducated, performed notable miracles through their faith. Ravenhill stresses that true fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ, which requires a willingness to endure pruning and correction for spiritual growth. He challenges the congregation to seek holiness and joy in their lives, reminding them that the process of spiritual growth often involves trials and tribulations. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Christian life, which is marked by fruitfulness and a close relationship with God.
Overcoming Sin
By Zac Poonen3.2K15:01Spiritual GrowthOvercoming SinROM 7:14Zac Poonen explores Romans 7:14-25, emphasizing the struggle between conscious and unconscious sin in the believer's life. He highlights Paul's experience of wanting to do good but often falling into un-Christ-like behavior due to the sinful nature that dwells within. Poonen explains that while believers can achieve victory over conscious sin, there remains a deeper layer of unconscious sin that God reveals progressively as one grows spiritually. He encourages believers to recognize that this struggle is a part of the Christian journey and that there is no condemnation for those in Christ, as they continue to strive for Christ-likeness. Ultimately, Poonen reassures that through Jesus, believers can find hope and the strength to overcome sin.
Finishing the Course - 01 Staying Within Our Boundaries
By Zac Poonen3.0K57:41Spiritual GrowthBoundaries in ChristFinishing WellGEN 2:8EPH 4:15COL 1:24Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of growing in all aspects of our Christian life and staying within the boundaries God has set for us. He warns against the dangers of complacency and becoming busybodies in others' matters, which can hinder our spiritual growth. Poonen uses the analogy of a child coloring outside the lines to illustrate how we often neglect our own responsibilities while getting involved in things that do not concern us. He encourages believers to focus on fulfilling God's specific calling for their lives and to avoid distractions that lead us outside our designated boundaries. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to finish the course God has set for each of us, reflecting on the need for humility and obedience in our walk with Christ.
Christian Growth
By Gerhard Du Toit2.5K1:24:29Spiritual GrowthMAT 26:36LUK 24:32ACT 1:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of Christian growth and emphasizes its importance. Before diving into the material, the congregation is encouraged to spend time in prayer and thank God for the work He has been doing in their hearts. The speaker then references the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The sermon also highlights the significance of being in harmony with God and compares it to a symphony orchestra playing in unison. The speaker shares a personal story about a mentor who exemplified a deep relationship with God through prayer and witnessing. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the transformative power of Christ's resurrection and the freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Three Stages of Spiritual Growth
By Zac Poonen2.4K57:53Spiritual GrowthGEN 12:2GEN 13:10PSA 119:11EZK 36:27MAT 6:33JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving and internalizing God's word. He compares this process to a baby effortlessly swallowing mashed food, highlighting the simplicity and ease of receiving God's truth. However, he cautions against merely accumulating knowledge without applying it, likening it to collecting unused checks. The speaker also discusses the role of fathers and mothers in sacrificially providing for their families, drawing parallels to God's provision for His children. Overall, the message encourages wholeheartedness in receiving and applying God's word, emphasizing the freedom and relief found in relying on God's grace rather than striving under the law.
Cross, Identification
By Miles J. Stanford2.2K47:34Spiritual GrowthIdentification with ChristIdentificationJHN 15:5ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 8:11CO 12:13GAL 2:20EPH 2:6COL 3:32TI 2:111PE 2:24Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the critical importance of understanding our identification with Christ in his sermon 'Cross, Identification.' He explains that true growth in the Christian life is rooted in the foundational truths of justification and acceptance, which must be firmly established before one can grasp the deeper truths of identification. Stanford highlights that believers must recognize their union with Christ in His death and resurrection to experience true freedom from sin and self. He stresses that this understanding is essential for spiritual growth and liberation, as it allows Christians to live out their new identity in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper revelation of these truths to combat the struggles many face in their Christian walk.
Winning God's Approval - Part 5
By Zac Poonen2.2K49:30Pursuing God's ApprovalSpiritual GrowthApprovalROM 8:29HEB 12:1Zac Poonen emphasizes that the Christian life is a race towards becoming more like Jesus, highlighting the importance of moving beyond just being saved to actively pursuing spiritual growth. He explains that while many Christians are content with their salvation, they must strive to win God's approval by embodying Christ-like qualities and making choices that reflect their faith. Poonen illustrates this through the life of Moses, who, despite his mistakes, demonstrated a passion for knowing God and a commitment to His ways. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing that true eternal life is about knowing Him more intimately. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a balance between understanding salvation and actively running the race of faith.
Come Up Higher
By Aaron Hurst2.1K45:17Spiritual Growth1CO 3:9EPH 4:17HEB 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going for the best and striving for spiritual growth. He encourages the audience to present themselves as living sacrifices to God and surrender their lives completely to Him. The preacher warns against conforming to the ways of the world and urges the listeners to be transformed by renewing their minds according to God's will. He emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly possessions and urges the audience to invest in eternal treasures by doing the will of God.
The Way to Spiritual Ascendancy 1
By Dana Congdon2.0K1:05:39Spiritual GrowthMAT 6:33COL 1:28COL 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly things. He compares the New Testament to a series of photos of Jesus, starting with the gospel of Mark and expanding to include God's promise to the Jews in Matthew. The speaker also discusses the attacks of the enemy and advises believers to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God. Finally, the speaker encourages humility in the presence of the Lord, promising that God will exalt those who humble themselves. The sermon references James 4:7-10 and Peter's description of the enemy as a roaring lion.
Kingdom Parables
By Albert Leckie1.8K57:11Kingdom Of HeavenParablesSpiritual GrowthMAT 13:10Albert Leckie explores the 'Kingdom Parables' in Matthew 13, emphasizing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven revealed through parables. He explains how the rejection of Jesus by Israel leads to a new phase where the kingdom is formed through the sowing of the Word, highlighting the different responses to the gospel. Leckie discusses the parables of the sower, the wheat and the tares, and the mustard seed, illustrating the challenges and growth of the kingdom amidst opposition and corruption. He warns against the dangers of false teachings and the superficiality of faith, urging believers to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel. Ultimately, he reassures that God's purpose will prevail in establishing His kingdom despite the current challenges.
(Pdf Book) How to Find God's Will
By Bakht Singh1.7K00:00Finding God's WillEbooksSpiritual GrowthPSA 29:3PRO 3:5ISA 46:10MAT 12:48JHN 4:34JHN 7:17ROM 8:14ROM 12:1EPH 5:171JN 5:14Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of understanding and following God's will, asserting that it is a believer's privilege and responsibility. He shares his personal journey of learning to seek God's will, highlighting the importance of prayer, willingness to learn, and the conditions necessary to discern God's guidance. Singh outlines the sevenfold importance of knowing God's will, including spiritual growth, effective prayer, and experiencing God's love. He also discusses the conditions required to find God's will and the evidences that confirm one has found it, such as peace, the Word of God, and the witness of fellow believers. Ultimately, he encourages believers to make seeking God's will a daily practice in their lives.
The Way to Spiritual Ascendancy 2
By Dana Congdon1.7K1:13:42Spiritual GrowthIn this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a woman who questioned his presence as a man of God. He admits feeling caught off guard and ill-equipped to respond. Later, the speaker reflects on the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to understand its significance. He emphasizes the temporary nature of worldly distractions and urges listeners to recognize the spiritual realities at play, including the presence of angels and demonic forces. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Jesus is closer than we realize and encourages believers to pray for the blind to see the truth of the gospel.
The Secret of Growing
By Bill McLeod1.6K51:39Spiritual Growth1TH 3:121TH 4:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion towards others, especially those in need. He shares a story about a young man who was moved by a film about the work of Daniel Abraham in India and decided to donate his savings of $1000 towards his cause. The preacher also mentions the power of music and singing in uplifting the soul and creating a sense of unity among believers. He encourages Christians to have a heart for world missions and suggests a book on the topic that provides information about the spiritual condition and prayer needs of different countries.
Conformed to His Image
By Manley Beasley1.6K27:55Spiritual GrowthEXO 13:21EXO 14:19EXO 16:13DEU 8:4ROM 7:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the message of Romans 7 in the life of a believer who wants to trust God. He uses the examples of Moses and Abraham to illustrate how it took them many years to learn the message of Romans 7. Once they understood this message, the message of Romans 8 fell into place for them. The speaker also shares a story about a newly saved girl who read about the Israelites' experiences with God and how it inspired her to have faith in God's ability to provide and protect.
Can You Fly
By Manley Beasley1.6K37:19Spiritual GrowthMAL 3:10MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of passivity and gospel imbalance among believers. He emphasizes the importance of not just leaving things to God, but actively cooperating with Him to accomplish His purposes. The preacher shares his experience of visiting a church that had teachings on the deeper life and revival, but lacked trust in God. He also talks about his recent trip to Switzerland, where he witnessed God's work in different countries. The sermon concludes with a focus on the verse Malachi 3:10, encouraging believers to bring their tithes to the storehouse and trust God to bless them.
Building on Basics
By Colin Anderson1.5K47:27Spiritual GrowthPSA 92:10PRO 9:101JN 1:51JN 2:151JN 3:41JN 3:8REV 2:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses a situation where his son had to appeal to his superiors due to problems with an essay. The speaker questions whether anyone in the school is concerned about ethics and righteousness. He emphasizes the need for repentance and confessing sins to have forgiveness and cleansing. The speaker also references the Apostle John's clear statements about sin and righteousness, urging the audience to live in a black and white world where moral issues are precise and clear.
Apollos
By Carl Armerding1.5K38:26Spiritual GrowthApollosMinistry PotentialACT 18:24Carl Armerding preaches on the life of Apollos, emphasizing his eloquence, knowledge of the Scriptures, and fervent spirit. He draws parallels between Apollos and other biblical figures like Joseph and Esther, highlighting how God can use individuals in challenging circumstances to fulfill His purpose. Armerding encourages younger believers to recognize their potential for ministry, regardless of their public speaking abilities, and to be diligent in studying the Scriptures. He illustrates how Apollos, despite his limited knowledge, was willing to learn and grow, ultimately contributing significantly to the early church. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace one's unique gifts and to trust in God's ability to use them for His glory.
Do Not Be Dull of Hearing or Sluggish
By Richard Owen Roberts1.5K1:28:36DriftingSpiritual GrowthDiligence in FaithHEB 5:1Richard Owen Roberts emphasizes the critical importance of being attentive and responsive to God's word, warning against the dangers of becoming dull of hearing and stagnant in spiritual growth. He highlights that believers should progress beyond the elementary teachings of Christ and actively engage in their faith, lest they remain in an infantile state. The sermon calls for self-examination regarding one's spiritual maturity and the necessity of bearing fruit in response to God's blessings. Roberts urges the congregation to heed the warnings in Hebrews and to strive for a deeper relationship with Christ, ensuring that they are not merely tasting the heavenly gifts but fully partaking in the life of faith. He concludes with a hopeful reminder that growth is always possible through diligence and faithfulness.
Three Tenses of Salvation
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:07:31SalvationSpiritual GrowthJHN 17:20ROM 5:9ROM 6:14ROM 8:2ROM 13:11EPH 2:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the three tenses of salvation in his sermon, focusing on being saved from sin rather than merely from hell. He argues that true salvation involves a deep commitment to spiritual growth and a desire to be free from sin, which is often overlooked by many believers who are only concerned with escaping hell. Poonen illustrates this through the metaphor of the tabernacle, highlighting the difference between the outer court, holy place, and most holy place, where true worship and communion with God occur. He challenges listeners to seek a life transformed by the power of Jesus, moving beyond superficial Christianity to a genuine relationship with Him. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a radical change in the lives of believers, urging them to prioritize their devotion to Christ above all else.
Spiritual Growth
By Harold Vaughan1.4K47:03Spiritual GrowthEXO 32:172CH 16:9PSA 101:2MAT 5:8JHN 4:23ACT 4:33EPH 5:15In this sermon, the preacher recounts a trip to Times Square where he and his companion set up shop to preach the word of God. They were joined by young men who were eager to preach, despite their fear and trembling. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a proper perception of God in order to express true praise and worship. He also highlights the dangers of having unworthy thoughts of God, which can lead to unworthy worship. The sermon touches on the issue of sexual immorality and the prevalence of pornography in society, urging listeners to guard their eyes and minds.