Stages Of Growing
Introduction
As our relationship with Jesus progresses, we grow in Christ-likeness. As we get to know God, our desires change, our needs change, and our responsibilities increase. These things create transformations in us and change how we deal with the world around us. However, before long we realize no matter how much we’ve grown there is still more to learn—more areas of our lives that need to grow. What is our responsibility regarding this cyclical nature of maturing in our faith?
Scripture references
Study the following biblical references and consider how they address the questions listed below. If using this outline with a Small Group, consider assigning different Scriptures to different individuals and relating them to one or more of the questions. Then scroll down the page to review our recommended resources for the topic of Stages of Growing as a Christian and consider how the various articles or podcasts provide further insights relating to this topic.
Colossians 1:9-10 (live a life worthy); 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (when I was a child…); Luke 12:48 (to him who has been given much, much will be required), Hebrews 5:11-14 (solid food is for the mature); 2 Peter 1:5-7 (progression of virtues); Luke 8:14-15 (good seed); Ephesians 4:13-16 and 20-24 (growth in love); Romans 5:2-6 (progression of virtues).
Questions
- What is the goal of maturing in Christ?
- As we mature in our faith, how is the change in our behavior like that of the change experienced from childhood to adulthood?
- What is meant by seeing dimly? Knowing in part? What about knowing the Lord fully?
- What do you suppose is required of us in the passage referenced in Luke as maturing believers?
- Are we guilty of the same criticism as the Hebrews regarding our spiritual maturity?
- What is meant by solid food and how does it help us mature as Christians?
- For everything given to us in the opening verses of 2 Peter, why must we “add to our faith?”
- How do the virtues listed in the 2 Peter passage build upon one another?
- Luke 8:15 says the key to an honest and good heart producing fruit is perseverance. What does “perseverance” look like in your life right now?
Recommended Resources
Following are a series of carefully selected resources that provide perspectives and experiences of various authors, most having military experience. These articles and podcasts are intended to stimulate further thinking and reflective application for individuals or to act as the basis of discussion in small groups.
Additional Resources
OCF offers many extra resources as you continue digging into the subdomain of Stages of Growing as a Christian.
Hope does not disappoint us
When he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999, Mike says he worked through the usual questions and doubt—why me? what did I do?—but it was the continued struggle through multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and surgeries that caused him to take a deeper look at the testimony God was preparing him for.
God’s restoration for the wounded soldier, healing warrior
Since warfare in and of itself is ultimately the warfare of our soul and spirit, we have the choice of allowing our healing to proceed through our spiritual maturation instead of succumbing to substance abuse to mask problems. Ultimately our ability to be healed, or at least cope with our issues, is based upon spiritual healing.
Further insights from Mike and Angie Moyles
Here are some more insights shared by Mike Moyles and his wife, Angie, during their interview with COMMAND.
From Fort Knox to the foot of the Cross
My 2015 experience in Kentucky brought me to the foot of the cross, saving my soul in a way words cannot explain.
Faithful Leadership
What enables Christian leaders to maintain the charge when others give up?
Expecting God’s Unexpected
Christian leader, the narrow road of discipleship—a road the Lord travels with us—is full of unexpected, difficult turns. Prepare earnestly, lead well. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Compliant Clay
How do you respond to shaping?
Central to Spirituality
Do you try to separate your faith from your finances, or are they central to your spirituality?
Building on a Foundation with a God’s-eye View
Every planner for ground tactical combat operations knows the value of seeing the area of operations from above. Looking down on the terrain, you see risks, opportunities, and new ways to achieve your objective that cannot be seen from the ground.
Avoid Cursor Creep in Your Life
For His disciples, God gives direction. Develop a habit of checking your tendency to slide off the course He sets. Seek and find that direction in all parts of life: personal, family, professional, and community.
Any Volunteers?
What mentorship lessons might we learn from Paul and his heartfelt concern for Timothy?
A hitch in our giddy-up
We all have hitches in our giddy-up. Most are wounds within our soul: bitterness, deceit, fear, shame, guilt, and others. They hinder us; they limit us in our service with and leadership of others.
A Good Soldier
Tom Hemingway reflects on what it means to be a good soldier.
