Five Lessons For Measuring Spiritual Growth

Today, Today, I want to talk to you about spiritual I want to talk to you about spiritual I want to talk to you about spiritual growth. growth. growth. Now, there was a time many years ago Now, there was a time many years ago Now, there was a time many years ago that I would do this message every that I would do this message every that I would do this message every Sunday. It was five lessons for Sunday. It was five lessons for Sunday. It was five lessons for measuring spiritual growth. measuring spiritual growth. measuring spiritual growth. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And I would do it every year. >> And I would do it every year. >> And I would do it every year. And uh somewhere around COVID, I decided And uh somewhere around COVID, I decided And uh somewhere around COVID, I decided or I forgot you probably forgot. or I forgot you probably forgot. or I forgot you probably forgot. I'd like to tell you I decided, but I'd like to tell you I decided, but I'd like to tell you I decided, but anyway, um anyway, um anyway, um I I stopped doing that every year. And I I stopped doing that every year. And I I stopped doing that every year. And uh and I'm not going to bring back every uh and I'm not going to bring back every uh and I'm not going to bring back every year, but I thought this would be a good year, but I thought this would be a good year, but I thought this would be a good day to do this cuz it's a great way for day to do this cuz it's a great way for day to do this cuz it's a great way for you to measure how are things going in you to measure how are things going in you to measure how are things going in your spiritual growth with Christ. your spiritual growth with Christ. your spiritual growth with Christ. How's it going? How's it going? How's it going? So, let's dive in and see what's So, let's dive in and see what's So, let's dive in and see what's happening here. When you hear the term happening here. When you hear the term happening here. When you hear the term spiritual growth, spiritual growth, spiritual growth, really most people do What do you know really most people do What do you know really most people do What do you know what it means? what it means? what it means? What What does it imply? What What does it imply? What What does it imply? And if we're to grow spiritually, how do And if we're to grow spiritually, how do And if we're to grow spiritually, how do we do it? we do it? we do it? And how do we know it's working? And how do we know it's working? And how do we know it's working? What is it?

There's a couple of things. John Ortberg There's a couple of things. John Ortberg says it this way. He You know how much says it this way. He You know how much says it this way. He You know how much of we love John here in this church. of we love John here in this church. of we love John here in this church. He says growth, spiritual growth, is He says growth, spiritual growth, is He says growth, spiritual growth, is handcrafted, not mass-produced. handcrafted, not mass-produced. handcrafted, not mass-produced. He says God's desire is to create the He says God's desire is to create the He says God's desire is to create the best version of you. best version of you. best version of you. That's what God wants. That's what God wants. That's what God wants. He wants us to become the best version He wants us to become the best version He wants us to become the best version of what he's made us to be, what he's of what he's made us to be, what he's of what he's made us to be, what he's equipped us to be, what how he wired us equipped us to be, what how he wired us equipped us to be, what how he wired us up. That's what God wants us to be as up. That's what God wants us to be as up. That's what God wants us to be as who he created us to be. who he created us to be. who he created us to be. And I know it's hard to believe that God And I know it's hard to believe that God And I know it's hard to believe that God You look at the people around you. God You look at the people around you. God You look at the people around you. God created everybody around you. created everybody around you. created everybody around you. Some Some, you know, there's that Some Some, you know, there's that Some Some, you know, there's that phrase, you know, some some more phrase, you know, some some more phrase, you know, some some more perfectly and some more frighteningly, perfectly and some more frighteningly, perfectly and some more frighteningly, you know. you know. you know. But he made us all. But he made us all. But he made us all. He gave us all personalities. We're all He gave us all personalities. We're all He gave us all personalities. We're all shaped by where we were born, where we shaped by where we were born, where we shaped by where we were born, where we lived, how we grew up, the kind of lived, how we grew up, the kind of lived, how we grew up, the kind of family we grew up in, or not. family we grew up in, or not. family we grew up in, or not. But God has a plan for us. But God has a plan for us. But God has a plan for us. And he asks for us to grow spiritually, And he asks for us to grow spiritually, And he asks for us to grow spiritually, to grow up in knowing the privileges we to grow up in knowing the privileges we to grow up in knowing the privileges we have of being a follower of Jesus.

have of being a follower of Jesus. have of being a follower of Jesus. And John will go on to say that And John will go on to say that And John will go on to say that spiritual in 1 Timothy 4:7, spiritual spiritual in 1 Timothy 4:7, spiritual spiritual in 1 Timothy 4:7, spiritual transformation is not a matter of trying transformation is not a matter of trying transformation is not a matter of trying harder, but of training wisely. And this is what the Apostle Paul has in And this is what the Apostle Paul has in mind when he encourages Timothy to train mind when he encourages Timothy to train mind when he encourages Timothy to train yourself yourself yourself in godliness. in godliness. in godliness. And he says the big difference here, And he says the big difference here, And he says the big difference here, there's a big difference between there's a big difference between there's a big difference between training to do something training to do something training to do something and trying and trying and trying to do something. to do something. to do something. You've heard me talk about this stuff You've heard me talk about this stuff You've heard me talk about this stuff before. before. before. I may have talked about it last Sunday, I may have talked about it last Sunday, I may have talked about it last Sunday, but but I don't remember. but but I don't remember. but but I don't remember. Um Um Um It's not that bad yet, but I'm headed It's not that bad yet, but I'm headed It's not that bad yet, but I'm headed there. I can try to do something I can try to do something or I can train to do something. or I can train to do something. or I can train to do something. And you know, when Kim gets out every And you know, when Kim gets out every And you know, when Kim gets out every morning and goes for a run with her morning and goes for a run with her morning and goes for a run with her friends, friends, friends, I could try pretend I could do that with I could try pretend I could do that with I could try pretend I could do that with her, but I would get about to the end of her, but I would get about to the end of her, but I would get about to the end of our street, they would be going on, and our street, they would be going on, and our street, they would be going on, and I would be standing there alone in the I would be standing there alone in the I would be standing there alone in the dark. So, I stay in bed and pray for dark. So, I stay in bed and pray for dark. So, I stay in bed and pray for her.

her. her. >> [snorts] >> God is honored by that, I'm sure. >> God is honored by that, I'm sure. We can try, you know, we just had the We can try, you know, we just had the We can try, you know, we just had the memorial marathon memorial marathon memorial marathon not that long ago, and we watched not that long ago, and we watched not that long ago, and we watched thousands of runners running this thousands of runners running this thousands of runners running this marathon. marathon. marathon. And you people can try to do that And you people can try to do that And you people can try to do that or they can train to do it. or they can train to do it. or they can train to do it. And there's a difference. You're welcome And there's a difference. You're welcome And there's a difference. You're welcome to try it. You're well, you know, the to try it. You're well, you know, the to try it. You're well, you know, the marathon's great. You can you can run as marathon's great. You can you can run as marathon's great. You can you can run as far as you want to go, and if you want far as you want to go, and if you want far as you want to go, and if you want to quit, you can quit. But you can train to run a marathon. But you can train to run a marathon. I can't just wake up one morning and I can't just wake up one morning and I can't just wake up one morning and say, "Honey, I'm going to try to stay up say, "Honey, I'm going to try to stay up say, "Honey, I'm going to try to stay up with you and your friends on your with you and your friends on your with you and your friends on your morning run." Number one, I'm not morning run." Number one, I'm not morning run." Number one, I'm not interested, but two, interested, but two, interested, but two, >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I know I can't. >> I know I can't. >> I know I can't. Unless I'm going to train for it. Unless I'm going to train for it. Unless I'm going to train for it. And there's a difference between this. And there's a difference between this. And there's a difference between this. And I think sometimes in church, in And I think sometimes in church, in And I think sometimes in church, in church as I grew up in church, church as I grew up in church, church as I grew up in church, we are kind of led to believe we need to we are kind of led to believe we need to we are kind of led to believe we need to try harder rather than just train more try harder rather than just train more try harder rather than just train more diligently.

There's a difference. There's a difference. Dallas Willard says that following Jesus Dallas Willard says that following Jesus Dallas Willard says that following Jesus simply means learning from him how to simply means learning from him how to simply means learning from him how to arrange our lives around activities that arrange our lives around activities that arrange our lives around activities that enable us to live in the fruit of the enable us to live in the fruit of the enable us to live in the fruit of the spirit. Following Jesus simply means learning Following Jesus simply means learning from him, from Jesus, from him, from Jesus, from him, from Jesus, how to arrange my life around activities how to arrange my life around activities how to arrange my life around activities that enable me to live in the fruit of that enable me to live in the fruit of that enable me to live in the fruit of the spirit. Galatians talks about fruits the spirit. Galatians talks about fruits the spirit. Galatians talks about fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, of the spirit, love, joy, peace, of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, patience, kindness, goodness, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control. gentleness, self-control. gentleness, self-control. Willard says, "I didn't say anything." Willard says, "I didn't say anything." Willard says, "I didn't say anything." Stick with me here. Stick with me here. Stick with me here. Dallas Willard says, "I didn't say Dallas Willard says, "I didn't say Dallas Willard says, "I didn't say anything about having a quiet time." He's not opposed to that. He's not opposed to that. He encourages that. He encourages that. He encourages that. We have that. I sometimes I think the We have that. I sometimes I think the We have that. I sometimes I think the quiet time quiet time quiet time is we is defined in in my mind, I grew is we is defined in in my mind, I grew is we is defined in in my mind, I grew up in church and the way I always up in church and the way I always up in church and the way I always thought a quiet time was, it had to thought a quiet time was, it had to thought a quiet time was, it had to happen between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

happen between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. happen between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. And if it was going to be after that, it And if it was going to be after that, it And if it was going to be after that, it wasn't going to count. Quiet time is very necessary. Time with Quiet time is very necessary. Time with the Lord is necessary. Time in prayer is the Lord is necessary. Time in prayer is the Lord is necessary. Time in prayer is necessary. necessary. necessary. But that's that's available 24/7. But that's that's available 24/7. But that's that's available 24/7. The The key here is are we investing in The The key here is are we investing in The The key here is are we investing in that? Are we taking time to do that no that? Are we taking time to do that no that? Are we taking time to do that no matter what time of day it may be? Are matter what time of day it may be? Are matter what time of day it may be? Are we giving him our attention at least we giving him our attention at least we giving him our attention at least Could we Could we at least say for an Could we Could we at least say for an Could we Could we at least say for an hour a day he's got our undivided hour a day he's got our undivided hour a day he's got our undivided attention? Whether it's a combination of attention? Whether it's a combination of attention? Whether it's a combination of Bible reading, reading some good good Bible reading, reading some good good Bible reading, reading some good good material that we read to fuel our soul. material that we read to fuel our soul. material that we read to fuel our soul. Is it Is it while we're listening to Is it Is it while we're listening to Is it Is it while we're listening to good music? Are we investing every day good music? Are we investing every day good music? Are we investing every day and asking God to fill our soul with and asking God to fill our soul with and asking God to fill our soul with things that matter? And And asking God things that matter? And And asking God things that matter? And And asking God to fill the our soul and our lives based to fill the our soul and our lives based to fill the our soul and our lives based on the the wiring and the way he's wired on the the wiring and the way he's wired on the the wiring and the way he's wired up to be and the way we were born the up to be and the way we were born the up to be and the way we were born the DNA in us cuz we're all different. Dallas says Dallas Willard, "Following Dallas says Dallas Willard, "Following Jesus simply means learning from him Jesus simply means learning from him Jesus simply means learning from him how to arrange our lives around him how to arrange our lives around him how to arrange our lives around him that will enable us that will enable us that will enable us to demonstrate the fruits of the to demonstrate the fruits of the to demonstrate the fruits of the spirit."

spirit." spirit." And he says, "I didn't say anything And he says, "I didn't say anything And he says, "I didn't say anything about having quiet People in church, about having quiet People in church, about having quiet People in church, including pastors, we've all been including pastors, we've all been including pastors, we've all been crushed at times with guilt over our crushed at times with guilt over our crushed at times with guilt over our failure to have a particular set regimen failure to have a particular set regimen failure to have a particular set regimen of a quiet time or daily devotions. of a quiet time or daily devotions. of a quiet time or daily devotions. Nothing wrong with that. Some Many many Nothing wrong with that. Some Many many Nothing wrong with that. Some Many many people can do that and do that well. But there is times for those who try But there is times for those who try this and find out that what they need or this and find out that what they need or this and find out that what they need or what their rhythm might be or what their what their rhythm might be or what their what their rhythm might be or what their soul might need is going to be done a soul might need is going to be done a soul might need is going to be done a little differently little differently little differently than how maybe a close friend or a a than how maybe a close friend or a a than how maybe a close friend or a a great believer you're great believer you're great believer you're uh you're a uh you're a uh you're a part of their life and they're part of part of their life and they're part of part of their life and they're part of your life and their church life or your life and their church life or your life and their church life or whatever. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> There are three basic words. You've >> There are three basic words. You've >> There are three basic words. You've heard this before heard this before heard this before in our walk with Jesus. in our walk with Jesus. in our walk with Jesus. In our following Jesus and being more In our following Jesus and being more In our following Jesus and being more like him in in our life. like him in in our life. like him in in our life. And there's this balance of what we call And there's this balance of what we call And there's this balance of what we call head, heart, and hands. head, heart, and hands. head, heart, and hands. What we know, What we know, What we know, who we are, who we are, who we are, and what we do.

That's the three aspects to me of That's the three aspects to me of spiritual growth. spiritual growth. spiritual growth. Who we are, Who we are, Who we are, I mean, what we know, who we are, I mean, what we know, who we are, I mean, what we know, who we are, and what we do. and what we do. and what we do. And those three things are something we And those three things are something we And those three things are something we need to make a matter of prayer every need to make a matter of prayer every need to make a matter of prayer every day. Lord, am I becoming more like you? day. Lord, am I becoming more like you? day. Lord, am I becoming more like you? Am I Do I know the things you want me to Am I Do I know the things you want me to Am I Do I know the things you want me to know? Am I opening the word daily and am know? Am I opening the word daily and am know? Am I opening the word daily and am I learning from that? Am I Am I finding I learning from that? Am I Am I finding I learning from that? Am I Am I finding out something that maybe I didn't know out something that maybe I didn't know out something that maybe I didn't know that now I do know? And you know how that now I do know? And you know how that now I do know? And you know how this goes if you've been a believer for this goes if you've been a believer for this goes if you've been a believer for any length of time, any length of time, any length of time, you can come back to a particular text you can come back to a particular text you can come back to a particular text and see something entirely different and see something entirely different and see something entirely different than when you were there than when you were there than when you were there maybe 5 years ago. maybe 5 years ago. maybe 5 years ago. In our seasons of life, we learn In our seasons of life, we learn In our seasons of life, we learn something new going through the something new going through the something new going through the scriptures. scriptures. scriptures. And when we went through that particular And when we went through that particular And when we went through that particular book of the Bible maybe 2 years ago, 5 book of the Bible maybe 2 years ago, 5 book of the Bible maybe 2 years ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago, we come back to years ago, 10 years ago, we come back to years ago, 10 years ago, we come back to it, it's like, man, I didn't see that it, it's like, man, I didn't see that it, it's like, man, I didn't see that first time through. It didn't hit me first time through. It didn't hit me first time through. It didn't hit me like that. Give the Holy Spirit a chance like that. Give the Holy Spirit a chance like that. Give the Holy Spirit a chance to do that in your life. to do that in your life. to do that in your life. It's what we know, it's who we become, It's what we know, it's who we become, It's what we know, it's who we become, and it's what we do.

A warning. A warning. John 5:39-40 says this, John 5:39-40 says this, John 5:39-40 says this, "You search the scriptures "You search the scriptures "You search the scriptures because you think they give you eternal because you think they give you eternal because you think they give you eternal life. life. life. But the scriptures, Jesus is saying, the But the scriptures, Jesus is saying, the But the scriptures, Jesus is saying, the scriptures point to me, he says. scriptures point to me, he says. scriptures point to me, he says. Yet you refuse to come to me to receive Yet you refuse to come to me to receive Yet you refuse to come to me to receive eternal life." eternal life." eternal life." Can I tell you a hazard of being a Can I tell you a hazard of being a Can I tell you a hazard of being a Christian over a long period of time? Cuz we think that the Cuz we think that the scriptures are the key to eternal life. scriptures are the key to eternal life. scriptures are the key to eternal life. We need to learn, know, grow those We need to learn, know, grow those We need to learn, know, grow those scriptures daily. scriptures daily. scriptures daily. But Jesus is saying here, he gives us a But Jesus is saying here, he gives us a But Jesus is saying here, he gives us a tremendous warning, I think. tremendous warning, I think. tremendous warning, I think. You search the scriptures. That's good. You search the scriptures. That's good. You search the scriptures. That's good. Because you think they give you eternal Because you think they give you eternal Because you think they give you eternal life. life. life. But he says the scriptures don't give But he says the scriptures don't give But he says the scriptures don't give you eternal life, they point us to the you eternal life, they point us to the you eternal life, they point us to the one who does give us eternal life.

one who does give us eternal life. one who does give us eternal life. And he said, "And yet people still And he said, "And yet people still And he said, "And yet people still refuse to come to me and receive life." refuse to come to me and receive life." refuse to come to me and receive life." I think of 1 Corinthians 8:1, knowledge I think of 1 Corinthians 8:1, knowledge I think of 1 Corinthians 8:1, knowledge puffs up, puffs up, puffs up, love love love builds up. Practical warning, we better be very Practical warning, we better be very careful careful careful not to impose a process not to impose a process not to impose a process or a formula or a formula or a formula that might have worked for us that might have worked for us that might have worked for us onto somebody else onto somebody else onto somebody else who it may or may not work who it may or may not work who it may or may not work for them. What we know in our minds, What we know in our minds, who we're becoming in our heart of who we're becoming in our heart of who we're becoming in our heart of hearts, hearts, hearts, and what we are doing as a result of and what we are doing as a result of and what we are doing as a result of what we know. what we know. what we know. That's very important. So what That's very important. So what That's very important. So what demonstrates a growing relationship with demonstrates a growing relationship with demonstrates a growing relationship with Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? Well, his words in Matthew 22 give us Well, his words in Matthew 22 give us Well, his words in Matthew 22 give us the answer. In this very familiar the answer. In this very familiar the answer. In this very familiar passage, Jesus was asked to identify the passage, Jesus was asked to identify the passage, Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment in the whole law of greatest commandment in the whole law of greatest commandment in the whole law of Moses. And Jesus' reply leads us from Moses. And Jesus' reply leads us from Moses. And Jesus' reply leads us from the intellectual head knowledge part of the intellectual head knowledge part of the intellectual head knowledge part of spiritual life to the heart of the spiritual life to the heart of the spiritual life to the heart of the matter. He says this in Matthew 22, matter. He says this in Matthew 22, matter. He says this in Matthew 22, "Here it is, folks." This is what Jesus "Here it is, folks." This is what Jesus "Here it is, folks." This is what Jesus is going to go, "You want to know? I'm is going to go, "You want to know? I'm is going to go, "You want to know? I'm going to give it to you. Here it goes."

going to give it to you. Here it goes." going to give it to you. Here it goes." That's what Jesus does. And he says That's what Jesus does. And he says That's what Jesus does. And he says this, this, this, "Love the Lord your God "Love the Lord your God "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. This is the first with all your mind. This is the first with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." That's what and greatest commandment." That's what and greatest commandment." That's what Jesus said. Jesus said. Jesus said. "And the second is like it." Second "And the second is like it." Second "And the second is like it." Second commandment, "Love your neighbor as commandment, "Love your neighbor as commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself." yourself." yourself." And Jesus, God in flesh, said, And Jesus, God in flesh, said, And Jesus, God in flesh, said, "All the law and the prophets hang on "All the law and the prophets hang on "All the law and the prophets hang on these two things." And can I just say these two things." And can I just say these two things." And can I just say that one of my great that one of my great that one of my great um concerns through the years in um concerns through the years in um concerns through the years in ministry and leading a church has been ministry and leading a church has been ministry and leading a church has been that we forget this. We forget this. We forget this. And we hang everything else on it. It And we hang everything else on it. It And we hang everything else on it. It sounds noble, it may be biblical, and sounds noble, it may be biblical, and sounds noble, it may be biblical, and all these things, but Jesus himself has all these things, but Jesus himself has all these things, but Jesus himself has said, "Look, said, "Look, said, "Look, it all it all comes to this." it all it all comes to this." it all it all comes to this." Love the Lord your God with all your Love the Lord your God with all your Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. heart, soul, mind, and strength. heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor Love your neighbor Love your neighbor as yourself.

as yourself. as yourself. Now, I'm not saying that's all there is, Now, I'm not saying that's all there is, Now, I'm not saying that's all there is, no more need to study or read further. no more need to study or read further. no more need to study or read further. No, no, no. But Jesus has made clear No, no, no. But Jesus has made clear No, no, no. But Jesus has made clear with us that growing in our faith means with us that growing in our faith means with us that growing in our faith means there's something that's going to be there's something that's going to be there's something that's going to be changing changing changing in our in our lives. And the question is, what kind of person And the question is, what kind of person are you becoming? are you becoming? are you becoming? Are you becoming a more knowledgeable Are you becoming a more knowledgeable Are you becoming a more knowledgeable [clears throat] person? Nothing wrong [clears throat] person? Nothing wrong [clears throat] person? Nothing wrong with that, but is is that it? with that, but is is that it? with that, but is is that it? And Jesus spent so much of his time on And Jesus spent so much of his time on And Jesus spent so much of his time on earth and much of his time teaching and earth and much of his time teaching and earth and much of his time teaching and dealing with religious elites in those dealing with religious elites in those dealing with religious elites in those days who knew more than anyone. days who knew more than anyone. days who knew more than anyone. They were brilliant. They were brilliant. They were brilliant. They knew the scriptures like no one They knew the scriptures like no one They knew the scriptures like no one else could know them. And yet they did not make them more And yet they did not make them more loving or kind or forgiving loving or kind or forgiving loving or kind or forgiving or patient. God's primary assessment of our lives is God's primary assessment of our lives is not going to be measured by the number not going to be measured by the number not going to be measured by the number of journal entries. The real measure of of journal entries. The real measure of of journal entries. The real measure of what kind of people we're becoming, what kind of people we're becoming, what kind of people we're becoming, the practices such as reading scripture the practices such as reading scripture the practices such as reading scripture and praying, this is our lifeline, and praying, this is our lifeline, and praying, this is our lifeline, clearly.

clearly. clearly. But not because they'll prove how But not because they'll prove how But not because they'll prove how spiritual we are, but because God can spiritual we are, but because God can spiritual we are, but because God can use them to lead us into the life he's use them to lead us into the life he's use them to lead us into the life he's called us to live. called us to live. called us to live. And we're called to do nothing less than And we're called to do nothing less than And we're called to do nothing less than simply experience day by day simply experience day by day simply experience day by day what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus when he said, "But God who is rich in when he said, "But God who is rich in when he said, "But God who is rich in mercy, mercy, mercy, out of the great love with which he out of the great love with which he out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through loved us even when we were dead through loved us even when we were dead through our sins, our sins, our sins, he made us alive in Christ." he made us alive in Christ." he made us alive in Christ." That ought to be celebrated every day of That ought to be celebrated every day of That ought to be celebrated every day of a believer's life. He has made us alive a believer's life. He has made us alive a believer's life. He has made us alive in Christ. in Christ. in Christ. Now, this requires learning. Learning Now, this requires learning. Learning Now, this requires learning. Learning should lead to a not just knowing should lead to a not just knowing should lead to a not just knowing something, but a softened heart where we something, but a softened heart where we something, but a softened heart where we become something. become something. become something. More than a bank of knowledge, More than a bank of knowledge, More than a bank of knowledge, knowing what we now know, we become more knowing what we now know, we become more knowing what we now know, we become more free and inspired to love more and judge free and inspired to love more and judge free and inspired to love more and judge less. The longer you're a believer, the less. The longer you're a believer, the less. The longer you're a believer, the more you're in the word, the more you're more you're in the word, the more you're more you're in the word, the more you're studying the scriptures, the more you're studying the scriptures, the more you're studying the scriptures, the more you're reading what what our privileges are as reading what what our privileges are as reading what what our privileges are as a believer and follower of Christ, ought a believer and follower of Christ, ought a believer and follower of Christ, ought to be making us far more loving and kind to be making us far more loving and kind to be making us far more loving and kind and put us on our knees when we're and put us on our knees when we're and put us on our knees when we're praying for somebody who they don't know praying for somebody who they don't know praying for somebody who they don't know Jesus, they think they know Jesus, or Jesus, they think they know Jesus, or Jesus, they think they know Jesus, or they're curious about Jesus. And what they're curious about Jesus. And what they're curious about Jesus. And what are we going to do about that? Are we are we going to do about that? Are we are we going to do about that? Are we going to Are we going to be a friend going to Are we going to be a friend going to Are we going to be a friend that says, "How can I help you that says, "How can I help you that says, "How can I help you understand what it means understand what it means understand what it means to put your life in his hands?"

Now, that the way I'm wired up, that Now, that the way I'm wired up, that troubles me every day. It doesn't mean it has to trouble you It doesn't mean it has to trouble you every day. But am I doing as a pastor, are we doing But am I doing as a pastor, are we doing as a church, what needs to be done for as a church, what needs to be done for as a church, what needs to be done for people to find and follow Jesus? And I think we're doing pretty decent And I think we're doing pretty decent job at it. Doesn't mean we're perfect at job at it. Doesn't mean we're perfect at job at it. Doesn't mean we're perfect at it, and doesn't mean there's more we can it, and doesn't mean there's more we can it, and doesn't mean there's more we can do, but we there is plenty. So, what we do, but we there is plenty. So, what we do, but we there is plenty. So, what we know, know, know, who we are, who we are, who we are, and what we do. and what we do. and what we do. What we do What we do What we do is a result is a result is a result of what we know of what we know of what we know of the scriptures. of the scriptures. of the scriptures. Our mantra here, you know, is our our Our mantra here, you know, is our our Our mantra here, you know, is our our our statement is we want to live by our statement is we want to live by our statement is we want to live by faith. faith. faith. We want to take great steps of faith. We want to take great steps of faith. We want to take great steps of faith. And let me tell you what, you look at And let me tell you what, you look at And let me tell you what, you look at the history of this church as I go back the history of this church as I go back the history of this church as I go back and think about what we were when we and think about what we were when we and think about what we were when we were barely 200 people and we were just were barely 200 people and we were just were barely 200 people and we were just praying for another 100. We We had room praying for another 100. We We had room praying for another 100. We We had room for another 100 people. So, that's boy, for another 100 people. So, that's boy, for another 100 people. So, that's boy, what a visionary pastor they had in what a visionary pastor they had in what a visionary pastor they had in those days. Well, we got room for 100 those days. Well, we got room for 100 those days. Well, we got room for 100 more, let's pray for 100 more.

We want to live by faith, steps of We want to live by faith, steps of faith. faith. faith. We want to be a voice of hope to this We want to be a voice of hope to this We want to be a voice of hope to this community. We want to be known by the community. We want to be known by the community. We want to be known by the way we love each other as well as others way we love each other as well as others way we love each other as well as others around us. around us. around us. And there are so many days I mean, these And there are so many days I mean, these And there are so many days I mean, these day you don't need me to get on this day you don't need me to get on this day you don't need me to get on this soapbox and and I won't or I might for soapbox and and I won't or I might for soapbox and and I won't or I might for just a minute, but how we're dividing as Christians, as how we're dividing as Christians, as followers of Jesus, and judging other followers of Jesus, and judging other followers of Jesus, and judging other believers believers believers based on their politics based on their politics based on their politics or what they see about certain biblical or what they see about certain biblical or what they see about certain biblical passages passages passages is very sad. Colossians 3, "Since God chose you to be Colossians 3, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must the holy people he loves, you must the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted clothe yourselves with tender-hearted clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Boy, that's a list. Probably ought to write those things Probably ought to write those things down and hang them in maybe in your down and hang them in maybe in your down and hang them in maybe in your closet or something where you can see closet or something where you can see closet or something where you can see them every morning.

them every morning. them every morning. Because since God chose you to be the Because since God chose you to be the Because since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you me we need to holy people he loves, you me we need to holy people he loves, you me we need to clothe ourselves with what? Mercy and clothe ourselves with what? Mercy and clothe ourselves with what? Mercy and kindness and humility and gentleness and kindness and humility and gentleness and kindness and humility and gentleness and patience. It goes on to say, "Make patience. It goes on to say, "Make patience. It goes on to say, "Make allowance for each other's faults, allowance for each other's faults, allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. and forgive anyone who offends you. and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, Remember, the Lord forgave you, Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." And above so you must forgive others." And above so you must forgive others." And above all, all, all, Paul says in Colossians, Paul says in Colossians, Paul says in Colossians, "clothe yourselves with love, which "clothe yourselves with love, which "clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect binds us all together in perfect binds us all together in perfect harmony. harmony. harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ And let the peace that comes from Christ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your heart." So, what I'm asking rule in your heart." So, what I'm asking rule in your heart." So, what I'm asking you to consider continually as a church you to consider continually as a church you to consider continually as a church is are we enjoying a growing experience is are we enjoying a growing experience is are we enjoying a growing experience with Christ that is in balance between with Christ that is in balance between with Christ that is in balance between heart, head, and hands? Is our knowledge heart, head, and hands? Is our knowledge heart, head, and hands? Is our knowledge awakening in you a heart of gratitude awakening in you a heart of gratitude awakening in you a heart of gratitude and thanks for God's love for us? Is and thanks for God's love for us? Is and thanks for God's love for us? Is this leading you to become more this leading you to become more this leading you to become more concerned about the brokenness around concerned about the brokenness around concerned about the brokenness around you, you, you, or even in yourself?

or even in yourself? or even in yourself? So, I'm going to wrap this up in the in So, I'm going to wrap this up in the in So, I'm going to wrap this up in the in the the last probably 10 minutes or so the the last probably 10 minutes or so the the last probably 10 minutes or so with a message I used to do every year. with a message I used to do every year. with a message I used to do every year. And every year I would come to these And every year I would come to these And every year I would come to these It's very quick message. It's five five It's very quick message. It's five five It's very quick message. It's five five things. things. things. And somewhere around COVID, we you know, And somewhere around COVID, we you know, And somewhere around COVID, we you know, we were doing different things at that we were doing different things at that we were doing different things at that point. We weren't having church, weren't point. We weren't having church, weren't point. We weren't having church, weren't having services in person, and I kind of having services in person, and I kind of having services in person, and I kind of stopped doing it. And I came across this stopped doing it. And I came across this stopped doing it. And I came across this in my files not long ago, and I thought in my files not long ago, and I thought in my files not long ago, and I thought I need to come back to that. Not not I need to come back to that. Not not I need to come back to that. Not not once a year, maybe, but certainly for once a year, maybe, but certainly for once a year, maybe, but certainly for where we are today in the life of this where we are today in the life of this where we are today in the life of this church and where we're at in our world. church and where we're at in our world. church and where we're at in our world. So, here here are five things you can So, here here are five things you can So, here here are five things you can use to measure your your spiritual use to measure your your spiritual use to measure your your spiritual growth. How are we doing in the things growth. How are we doing in the things growth. How are we doing in the things that I've just talked about? Five that I've just talked about? Five that I've just talked about? Five things. First one is this. Knowledge. Am things. First one is this. Knowledge. Am things. First one is this. Knowledge. Am I learning more about the content and I learning more about the content and I learning more about the content and meaning of the Bible? meaning of the Bible? meaning of the Bible? Are we in the Bible? Are we in the Bible? Are we in the Bible? Not are we in a Bible study. That's Not are we in a Bible study. That's Not are we in a Bible study. That's good. I hope you're in one or two or good. I hope you're in one or two or good. I hope you're in one or two or more, whatever. more, whatever. more, whatever. But are we learning more about the But are we learning more about the But are we learning more about the Bible?

Bible? Bible? And are we letting it And are we letting it And are we letting it change us? Let this message about change us? Let this message about change us? Let this message about Christ, Colossians 3, let the message of Christ, Colossians 3, let the message of Christ, Colossians 3, let the message of Christ in all its richness fill your Christ in all its richness fill your Christ in all its richness fill your lives. I love Hebrews 4:12, for the word lives. I love Hebrews 4:12, for the word lives. I love Hebrews 4:12, for the word of God, right here, this word of God, of God, right here, this word of God, of God, right here, this word of God, it's alive, it's alive, it's alive, it's powerful, it is sharper than the it's powerful, it is sharper than the it's powerful, it is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting sharpest two-edged sword, cutting sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint between soul and spirit, between joint between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost and marrow. It exposes our innermost and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. There are days you thoughts and desires. There are days you thoughts and desires. There are days you pick up your Bible and you read it and pick up your Bible and you read it and pick up your Bible and you read it and you kind of wish you'd never read that. you kind of wish you'd never read that. you kind of wish you'd never read that. It's going to wreck my day because I It's going to wreck my day because I It's going to wreck my day because I just got reminded just got reminded just got reminded of maybe a sorry attitude. It's exposing my innermost thoughts. It's exposing my innermost thoughts. It's exposing our innermost desires It's exposing our innermost desires It's exposing our innermost desires and some days and some days and some days those aren't particularly godly. Am I learning more about the content and Am I learning more about the content and meaning of the Bible? meaning of the Bible? meaning of the Bible? Secondly, Secondly, Secondly, perspective. Am I seeing more clearly perspective. Am I seeing more clearly perspective. Am I seeing more clearly from God's point of view?

From God's point of view. From God's point of view. Not a political leader's point of view. Not a political leader's point of view. Not a political leader's point of view. Am I seeing more clearly from God's Am I seeing more clearly from God's Am I seeing more clearly from God's point of view? point of view? point of view? What's God doing inside of you that's What's God doing inside of you that's What's God doing inside of you that's developing how you see things? Are you developing how you see things? Are you developing how you see things? Are you seeing more clearly from God's point of seeing more clearly from God's point of seeing more clearly from God's point of view? 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, "But we view? 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, "But we view? 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, "But we have the mind of Christ." have the mind of Christ." have the mind of Christ." And of course, who doesn't know John And of course, who doesn't know John And of course, who doesn't know John 3:16? "For God so loved the world that 3:16? "For God so loved the world that 3:16? "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that he gave his one and only son that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him would not perish whoever believes in him would not perish whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life." I know that but have eternal life." I know that but have eternal life." I know that sounds bizarre to people that have new sounds bizarre to people that have new sounds bizarre to people that have new to the faith or or to the faith or or to the faith or or have heard about Christianity and think have heard about Christianity and think have heard about Christianity and think that we believe in eternal life. Well, that we believe in eternal life. Well, that we believe in eternal life. Well, we do, it's biblical, it's there. we do, it's biblical, it's there. we do, it's biblical, it's there. Everything else in the Bible has made Everything else in the Bible has made Everything else in the Bible has made pretty good sense. The longer we're pretty good sense. The longer we're pretty good sense. The longer we're alive, the more sense it makes. The longer I'm alive, the more I realize The longer I'm alive, the more I realize we're not going to know all there is to we're not going to know all there is to we're not going to know all there is to know. know. know. We have That's called faith. But God loved us so much he gave us But God loved us so much he gave us Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Read the scriptures. Find out about what Read the scriptures. Find out about what Read the scriptures. Find out about what was said about Jesus thousands of years was said about Jesus thousands of years was said about Jesus thousands of years before he even showed up and what before he even showed up and what before he even showed up and what happened when he did show up and what happened when he did show up and what happened when he did show up and what happened after the crucifixion and what happened after the crucifixion and what happened after the crucifixion and what happened after the resurrection and what happened after the resurrection and what happened after the resurrection and what happened at Pentecost when he followed happened at Pentecost when he followed happened at Pentecost when he followed through on everything he said he would through on everything he said he would through on everything he said he would do.

That's our perspective that we have the That's our perspective that we have the mind of Christ. So it's knowledge, it's mind of Christ. So it's knowledge, it's mind of Christ. So it's knowledge, it's perspective. The third thing I would say perspective. The third thing I would say perspective. The third thing I would say that's part of the measuring of our that's part of the measuring of our that's part of the measuring of our spiritual growth is convictions. Am I spiritual growth is convictions. Am I spiritual growth is convictions. Am I valuing more of what is important to God valuing more of what is important to God valuing more of what is important to God in my life? Am I How am I valuing him with my Am I How am I valuing him with my finances? finances? finances? I've told you before I've told you before I've told you before Kim and I grew up in church. Our parents Kim and I grew up in church. Our parents Kim and I grew up in church. Our parents raised us in church. raised us in church. raised us in church. We both [clears throat] were taught if We both [clears throat] were taught if We both [clears throat] were taught if we, you know, if we had chores around we, you know, if we had chores around we, you know, if we had chores around the house and mom and dad would pay us a the house and mom and dad would pay us a the house and mom and dad would pay us a little bit of money to do those chores little bit of money to do those chores little bit of money to do those chores or when we, you know, for my brother and or when we, you know, for my brother and or when we, you know, for my brother and I we had paper routes and whatever we I we had paper routes and whatever we I we had paper routes and whatever we were doing as kids, our parents said, were doing as kids, our parents said, were doing as kids, our parents said, "Now you're going to And and you come "Now you're going to And and you come "Now you're going to And and you come home and you kind of count your money home and you kind of count your money home and you kind of count your money when you're throwing papers, you know. when you're throwing papers, you know. when you're throwing papers, you know. And then our mom and dad would say, "Now And then our mom and dad would say, "Now And then our mom and dad would say, "Now you're going to set aside 10% of that you're going to set aside 10% of that you're going to set aside 10% of that over here."

over here." over here." And you know, when you're you know, when And you know, when you're you know, when And you know, when you're you know, when you're 11, 12 years old you go, "Uh-uh." Whose idea was that? Whose idea was that? And that's his God's idea. And that's his God's idea. And that's his God's idea. Really? Really? Really? But we did. But we did. But we did. We were taught that. We were taught that. We were taught that. And again, never forget the day when Kim And again, never forget the day when Kim And again, never forget the day when Kim and I were I think we'd gone down to and I were I think we'd gone down to and I were I think we'd gone down to Dallas for a day or two on the weekend. Dallas for a day or two on the weekend. Dallas for a day or two on the weekend. And I was reading a book and she's And I was reading a book and she's And I was reading a book and she's shopping and I'm sitting in the in the shopping and I'm sitting in the in the shopping and I'm sitting in the in the mall there reading this book for a mall there reading this book for a mall there reading this book for a minute. minute. minute. And it just challenged me about my And it just challenged me about my And it just challenged me about my giving. giving. giving. Cuz I've grew up going, "You're doing Cuz I've grew up going, "You're doing Cuz I've grew up going, "You're doing 10%. 10%. 10%. You're godly. You're so spiritual." You're godly. You're so spiritual." You're godly. You're so spiritual." I mean, the angels just smile on you. I mean, the angels just smile on you. I mean, the angels just smile on you. Look at that boy, he's doing 10%. And it Look at that boy, he's doing 10%. And it Look at that boy, he's doing 10%. And it was like it hit me, was like it hit me, was like it hit me, "That's just the start." "That's just the start." "That's just the start." Am I Am I valuing Am I Am I valuing Am I Am I valuing Am I learning more about the content Am I learning more about the content Am I learning more about the content meaning of the Bible? Am I seeing more meaning of the Bible? Am I seeing more meaning of the Bible? Am I seeing more clearly from God's point of view? Do Am clearly from God's point of view? Do Am clearly from God's point of view? Do Am I valuing what is important to him?

I valuing what is important to him? I valuing what is important to him? The conviction The conviction The conviction that the kingdom of heaven was like a that the kingdom of heaven was like a that the kingdom of heaven was like a merchant looking for a fine person. When merchant looking for a fine person. When merchant looking for a fine person. When he found one of great value, he went he found one of great value, he went he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had so he away and sold everything he had so he away and sold everything he had so he could have that one treasure. could have that one treasure. could have that one treasure. So, it's what we know. It's our So, it's what we know. It's our So, it's what we know. It's our perspective. It's our convictions. Do we perspective. It's our convictions. Do we perspective. It's our convictions. Do we believe the Bible says to do that we believe the Bible says to do that we believe the Bible says to do that we ought to do it? ought to do it? ought to do it? And I'll with I I'll be the first one to And I'll with I I'll be the first one to And I'll with I I'll be the first one to admit here, we Yes, we want to do it. admit here, we Yes, we want to do it. admit here, we Yes, we want to do it. There's times we just don't. There's times we just don't. There's times we just don't. There's times we forget or there's times There's times we forget or there's times There's times we forget or there's times we ignore it or there's times we think we ignore it or there's times we think we ignore it or there's times we think we can get around something when the we can get around something when the we can get around something when the scriptures are saying do this and I'm scriptures are saying do this and I'm scriptures are saying do this and I'm going to go, "I don't know. I don't going to go, "I don't know. I don't going to go, "I don't know. I don't know. That That was for then, not now." Knowledge, Knowledge, perspective, perspective, perspective, conviction, number four, conviction, number four, conviction, number four, character. character. character. Am I becoming more like Christ? The longer we're in church, the longer The longer we're in church, the longer we follow Jesus, we follow Jesus, we follow Jesus, the more we read the privileges we have the more we read the privileges we have the more we read the privileges we have as being a follower of Christ in the as being a follower of Christ in the as being a follower of Christ in the scriptures, scriptures, scriptures, am I becoming more like him? Am I am I becoming more like him? Am I am I becoming more like him? Am I forgiving quickly? Am I serving others?

forgiving quickly? Am I serving others? forgiving quickly? Am I serving others? Am I not looking at somebody else for Am I not looking at somebody else for Am I not looking at somebody else for what I can get from them or use them what I can get from them or use them what I can get from them or use them for? Am I a person that's going to you know, Am I a person that's going to you know, they may not we may we got to meet a they may not we may we got to meet a they may not we may we got to meet a certain need I've got. Everybody we certain need I've got. Everybody we certain need I've got. Everybody we think is going to meet a need in our think is going to meet a need in our think is going to meet a need in our life. And if they don't, what do we do? life. And if they don't, what do we do? life. And if they don't, what do we do? We just We just We just kind of get rid of them. Am I becoming more like Christ? The Am I becoming more like Christ? The fruit of the Spirit is love and joy, fruit of the Spirit is love and joy, fruit of the Spirit is love and joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Those who belong to Jesus Christ have Those who belong to Jesus Christ have Those who belong to Jesus Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions crucified the flesh with its passions crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. and desires. and desires. It's knowledge, it's a perspective, it's It's knowledge, it's a perspective, it's It's knowledge, it's a perspective, it's conviction, it's our character, and the conviction, it's our character, and the conviction, it's our character, and the last one last one last one our talents. Am I doing our talents. Am I doing our talents. Am I doing what God has made me to do? First Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you First Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you've received should use whatever gift you've received should use whatever gift you've received to serve others to serve others to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in as faithful stewards of God's grace in as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various its various its various forms."

forms." forms." Those last two words are pretty Those last two words are pretty Those last two words are pretty critical. In its various critical. In its various critical. In its various forms. There's an old hymn that we've sung There's an old hymn that we've sung occasionally. You'll hear it probably in occasionally. You'll hear it probably in occasionally. You'll hear it probably in one of and our our worship leaders lead one of and our our worship leaders lead one of and our our worship leaders lead this occasionally in our various rooms. this occasionally in our various rooms. this occasionally in our various rooms. It's been a while. It's been a while. It's been a while. Let me close with this. When I fear my faith will fail, Christ When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast. will hold me fast. will hold me fast. When the tempter would prevail, he When the tempter would prevail, he When the tempter would prevail, he will hold me fast. will hold me fast. will hold me fast. I could never keep my hold through I could never keep my hold through I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path, for my love is life's fearful path, for my love is life's fearful path, for my love is often cold, but he often cold, but he often cold, but he must hold me fast. must hold me fast. must hold me fast. He will hold me fast. He will hold me He will hold me fast. He will hold me He will hold me fast. He will hold me fast. For my savior loves me so, he will fast. For my savior loves me so, he will fast. For my savior loves me so, he will hold me fast. Knowing that, why wouldn't hold me fast. Knowing that, why wouldn't hold me fast. Knowing that, why wouldn't we give him the very best we've got in we give him the very best we've got in we give him the very best we've got in every area of our life every area of our life every area of our life knowing he will use us for good things.

knowing he will use us for good things. knowing he will use us for good things. He will fill us with good things. He will fill us with good things. He will fill us with good things. He will give us He will give us He will give us the ability to love the ability to love the ability to love very different broader way very different broader way very different broader way because it's the love of Christ because it's the love of Christ because it's the love of Christ who loves us knowing the worst about us. who loves us knowing the worst about us. who loves us knowing the worst about us. And he still And he still And he still love I want to be that kind of person. love I want to be that kind of person. love I want to be that kind of person. I'm going to pray and close the service I'm going to pray and close the service I'm going to pray and close the service and after I do that our prayer teams and after I do that our prayer teams and after I do that our prayer teams will be at the front of all of the will be at the front of all of the will be at the front of all of the rooms. Feel free to come toward the rooms. Feel free to come toward the rooms. Feel free to come toward the front of the rooms with our pastors and front of the rooms with our pastors and front of the rooms with our pastors and prayer teams. As people leave the rooms prayer teams. As people leave the rooms prayer teams. As people leave the rooms we'd love to pray for you about whatever we'd love to pray for you about whatever we'd love to pray for you about whatever is on your mind and hopefully today is on your mind and hopefully today is on your mind and hopefully today there's some thoughts that have crossed there's some thoughts that have crossed there's some thoughts that have crossed your mind that you might want to have your mind that you might want to have your mind that you might want to have someone pray with you about. We would be someone pray with you about. We would be someone pray with you about. We would be joyful to be able to do that. Let's joyful to be able to do that. Let's joyful to be able to do that. Let's pray. pray. pray. Father how we thank you for your love Father how we thank you for your love Father how we thank you for your love for us. for us. for us. How we thank you for the scriptures. How we thank you for the scriptures. How we thank you for the scriptures. They're so practical. They're so practical. They're so practical. And yeah there are some that are hard to And yeah there are some that are hard to And yeah there are some that are hard to figure out and we can debate them and figure out and we can debate them and figure out and we can debate them and denominations debate them in different denominations debate them in different denominations debate them in different circles and doctrine circles and doctrine circles and doctrine debate them. But Father may we all be debate them. But Father may we all be debate them. But Father may we all be one knowing there's a one knowing there's a one knowing there's a lot of ways to see certain things lot of ways to see certain things lot of ways to see certain things and some of these things will never and some of these things will never and some of these things will never quite be clear until we are with you.

quite be clear until we are with you. quite be clear until we are with you. But between now and then may we take seriously what the Bible may we take seriously what the Bible does say that's very clear does say that's very clear does say that's very clear and we know what it's saying to us. and we know what it's saying to us. and we know what it's saying to us. Lord help us be people Lord help us be people Lord help us be people that will do that will do that will do what it calls us to do. what it calls us to do. what it calls us to do. We pray this in Jesus' name. We pray this in Jesus' name. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.