Bible studies for February 2003

Study 2: BASIC INGREDIENTS OF CHRISTIAN GROWTH

The christian life is a Christlike life. Our Lord grew in all aspects of his life while here on earth (Luke 2:52,40). If it was essential for Him the Son of God to grow, it is much more essential for us as His followers (Matthew 10:24,25). Growth is good and God-given, necessary and natural. Every plant in the right soil grows, every animal fed the right diet grows, every man given the proper care grows. We can only know God better everyday as we grow in the faith. However growth is only possible in the right soil and under the right conditions (Matthew 13:1-23). The christian cannot grow where the truth is discounted and ALL the counsel of God is never declared and preached.

ATTITUDE IN LISTENING
James 1:19; Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Acts 2:41; Luke 10:39; Mark 12:37; John 4:40; Acts 10:33; 13:42; Deuteronomy 4:1,6; 5:1; Romans 10:17.
 

Growth is only possible when our attitude in hearing God’s word is quick, not as a compulsion or duty but rather gladly and with all readiness of mind. We learn to listen by also asking the right questions and waiting for the answer (John 1:19,26; Mark 10:17). Our attitude to true preaching should be to take it as God’s word and not man’s word (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

APTITUDE IN LEARNING
Hebrew 5:11-14; 6:1-3; 2c Timothy 3:7; Romans 15:4; 16:17; Proverbs 1:5; 9:9; Ephesians 4;20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Peter 2:2.

Every man born of woman has an aversion to God’s truth (1 Corinthians 2;14). Aptitude in learning God’s word is acquired through God’s grace but maintained by discipline and diligence. Growth is only possible when we give careful attention to the details of what we believe and by memorization, repetition and reinforcement we keep the word alive and burning in our hearts.

ALTITUDE IN LIVING
Deuteronomy 4:1,6; 5:1; 6:1-9; James 1:22-25; Matthew 13:23; Colossians 2:6; 1 John 2:6; 2:17; Revelation 1:3; 22:7,14; Luke 11:28.

Obedience is the bedrock of christian growth. All listening and learning is useless if what is learnt is never lived out. Willingness to listen and learn is essential but willingness and determination to do (obey) God’s will is of utmost importance and is the main thing on which christian growth rests. Living at the highest altitude of God’s revealed will is the secret to christian growth.


 

If you are blessed by these bible study outline, please send your comments to
 pastor@deeperlife-liverpool.org.uk