Wouldn't it be great if you could grow into a "Spiritual Champion" simply by showing up for church and listening to inspiring sermons? Wouldn't it be great if you were automatically patient with your children, kind to your spouse, and never tempted to watch too much TV, eat too much dinner, or visit a compromising website?
How many Olympic champions have become the best in the world in what they do, by doing little more than listening to motivational talks by inspiring speakers?
Over the last couple of weeks I have been saying God hasn't called us to make church-people busy with church activity. He has called us to make disciples! (Matthew 28:19-20)
God wants us to worship Him, grow in Him, serve Him, and reach others for Him! Growing in Christ isn't the result of simply attending inspiring services.
Growth isn't a work we do. It is a work that God does in us (Philippians 1:6). But it is a work of God that we must cooperate with and be fully engaged in (Philippians 2:12-13).
Paul reminds us that a passive approach to anything "Christian" destines us to failure.
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NIV)
If we are to grow, we need healthy and holy connection with God's people where we build friendships for spiritual encouragement and accountability to train like champions for the purpose of godliness and growth in Christ-like character. (1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
One of the things that I want to see happen in our church is the emergence of dozens of 2:42 Groups (Acts 2:42) that encourage life-changing spiritual growth! I want to see groups shift from a focus on being "small" to being "2:42 Communities" where people continually devote themselves to the word of God and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer! I want to see groups where people experience God's grace, love, and power for spiritual transformation!
Warmly in Christ,
Pastor Gary
Acts 20:24
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