hebrews 6:1-6:3

Genesis Worship Center

Genesis Worship Center

Over the past few weeks, we have explored the choices that champions or overcomers make. Tonight Bro. Hughes explores the choice to grow. Physical growth comes automatically, but spiritual and emotional growth is not automatic, it is a choice. Spiritual growth has to be cultivate. We have to want to grow and advance. According to our text, growth involves three things. First is leaving. There are some things that we have to move away from in order to receive what God wants for us. Secondly, growth involves breaking cycles. If we are to grow, we cannot keep repeating the same thing over and over again and really be growing. Finally growth requires movement, but only movement in the right direction. Movement by itself does not signify progress. There is a lot of movement in life, but not all of it moves us to the right place. How do we measure spiritual growth? Peter said to grow in grace. The word used here refers to attractiveness. This implies that we should be growing more like Jesus. Are we growing in our likeness to Him? Does our character resemble him more? Is our temperament becoming a reflection of joy, peace, kindness, compassion, and love? Secondly are we growing in knowledge? Are we learning more about Him? Are we closer to Him today than we were yesterday? Finally, the most important indicator that defines spiritual growth is how often we conquer our flesh. We do not need a devil to be bad. We have enough flesh that can be contrary to the word of God. Our flesh is the greatest battleground we ever encounter. So the best indicator of our spiritual growth is how frequently we conquer our flesh. Our greatest battle is not with someone else, it is simply in saying no to ourselves. If we want to guage if we are growing spiritually, we must be honest with ourselves about how we handle temptation.

Every believer has someone they look up to, someone who has made an impact in their spiritual life. As we mature, we need to have an impact in other peoples lives as well. We should grow up in our salvation, we should continue to mature not remaining on "milk". Todays message is an encouragement to maturity.

Philippians 3:12-14

Why should God let you into heaven? If your answer contains the word 'I' then you probably need to revisit the BASICS of the Gospel.