Day 1: Our Vision for Spiritual Growth: Real Life
At South Ridge Church, we believe that Spiritual Growth may occur in people’s lives in a variety of ways. For example, one may experience tremendous growth through practical teaching, while another may experience spiritual growth as they serve others. One may grow more through a pivotal life circumstance, and another through connecting relationally with others, or through private disciplines such as reading the Scriptures and prayer. Many will grow in all of the above! In short, we recognize the diversity of people, yet it’s our hope that everybody will regularly grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
We believe you can experience Spiritual Growth in Real Life in the following ways:
- Trusting God and His Word. This is the beginning, middle and end of your potential growth.
“But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, ‘You are my God.’” (Psalm 31:14)
“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:6)
- Practicing private disciplines. Regular reading and study of the Scriptures, time in prayer, and worshiping God.
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8)
“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21)
- Applying Godly principles to grow in character, by following the leading of the Holy Spirit
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these…But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:19-23)
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (Colossians 3:8-15)
- Living out your identity in Christ, by believing you are who God says you are, even on your worst day. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:1-2)
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
At South Ridge Church, we provide you the opportunity to grow in these ways during our weekend services, where we equip you to take information from the Bible and apply it in Real Life.
READING:
Of the four ways we believe you can experience Spiritual Growth in Real Life (Trusting God & His Word, Practicing Private Disciplines, applying Godly principles, and Living out your identity in Christ), which of these do you find most difficult to apply regularly?
What steps can you take so that, like Paul, you “know nothing except Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2)?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Psalm 119:129-176 & Psalm 139
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.
Four Prayers for Your Church:
- Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
- Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
- Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
- Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.
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