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Bible passage:
Matthew 9:9-13
2 Peter 1:1-11
Growing up. When you were small it was the big question on your thoughts and which everyone seemed to ask of you: 'what are you going to do when you grow up?' Perhaps today you feel that your time for 'growing up' is well behind you? But is that the case? Perhaps you can detect in yourself that although you are physically grown up, psychologically and emotionally you are immature? Our reactions in crises, probably reveal that to many of us.
This can also be true in a spiritual sense. We may have been 'born again' for many years, have new life in Christ by faith, but are we 'growing up'?
'Sadly, millions of Christians grow older but never grow up. They are stuck in perpetual spiritual infancy, remaining in diapers and booties'.
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment.
You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.
How do we grow?
The first step is to decide to follow Jesus.
(Read Matthew 9: 9-13). Do you think Matthew understood all the implications of his decision? Why do you think he responded so quickly? Have you decided to follow Jesus? If so, what moved you to respond?
This step of commitment is crucial. Why do many find 'commitment' hard? Matthew 'got up and followed him', what do you think that cost him? How willing are you to make that sort of sacrifice for God?
The second step is, with the Spirit's help, to begin to act in new ways.
You need to let go of some old routines, develop some new habits and intentionally change the way you think. This is what 'repentance' is (see Is 55: 6-7). To repent is to change your mind about God, about Christ, sin, self, the things of time and eternity. God comes to help us, but we need to collaborate with Him. This is what Paul meant when he wrote: '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.' (Phil 2:12-13). The 'work out' is your responsibility; the 'work in' is God's role.
The third step is, 'change your autopilot'.
The autopilot on a plane is a set programme to fly the plane in a certain direction, speed, altitude etc. In a similar way, our way of thinking directs our actions. If we try to change our actions by will power, we may produce short-term changes, but will likely return to our familiar way of acting in a short time. For lasting change, we need to change the way we think. As a Christian, this means taking on Christ's outlook and perspective. Change in the mind alters the way you feel, and so influences the way you act. Think of Matthew's feast v10. He wanted them to know of his faith, it created criticism, it showed up his need, but do you think the possible negatives bothered Matthew?
Matthew was learning to think maturely: focussing on Jesus and others - not himself. How about you?
(Read 2 Peter 1: 1-11) What in v1-3 tells us that our salvation is the result of God's work? What in v4-7 tells us that growing towards Christ-likeness is dependent on our efforts in response to what God has done for us?
What in v8-11 tells us about the importance of growing in Christlikeness? What would be the result if we did not makes progress? What are the results if we do?
Points to ponder:
'It's never too late to start growing'. Do you agree?
What is one area where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God's way?
Where in your spiritual growth are you having to be patient because there seems to be little progress?
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