Growth is essential for fulfilling God’s purpose in your life. You may not know every detail of that purpose right now, but every step you take in growing spiritually, relationally, and personally is preparing you for what’s ahead.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.
[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,
[00:00:49] rightly dividing the word of truth, and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.
[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.
[00:00:59] And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and Sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
[00:01:09] to another edition of Words of Inspiration.
[00:01:12] And today we're continuing in our series, The Relationships We Build, and The Engaged Mindset
[00:01:20] with a message titled, Growing.
[00:01:24] Our inspiration comes from Colossians 1 verses 9 through 10.
[00:01:30] And reading from the New Living Translation, it reads,
[00:01:35] We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will, and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.
[00:01:43] Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.
[00:01:51] All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
[00:01:58] Growth is essential to fulfilling our purpose in life.
[00:02:03] While we know that God has called each of us for a specific purpose, we often don't know the full picture right away.
[00:02:10] So how do we prepare for that purpose?
[00:02:14] By committing to lifelong growth, spiritually, mentally, relationally, and in every area of our lives.
[00:02:24] So today, we'll explore why growth matters, how it pleases God, and how it positions us to serve others better.
[00:02:34] Growth is a part of God's design for our lives.
[00:02:38] From the moment we're born, growth is natural.
[00:02:42] Physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
[00:02:45] But growth in our faith requires intentional effort.
[00:02:50] Colossians 1, 9 through 10 reminds us that we are to seek wisdom and understanding,
[00:02:56] so we can live a life that honors and pleases God.
[00:02:59] But why is growth so important?
[00:03:03] Because our general purpose in life is to please God with our faith and obedience,
[00:03:09] and serve others by reflecting His love in our actions.
[00:03:14] 2 Peter 3 and 18 echoes this truth.
[00:03:18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[00:03:24] We grow not just for personal gain, but so that we can become vessels of God's love, grace, and truth to the world.
[00:03:34] Growth equips us for the moment when God reveals our specific assignment,
[00:03:39] whether in ministry, relationships, or careers.
[00:03:43] So where do we start when it comes to spiritual growth?
[00:03:47] With the Word of God.
[00:03:49] The Bible is the ultimate guide for how to please God and serve others.
[00:03:54] It's not just a book about history.
[00:03:57] It's a living, breathing source of truth that shapes how we grow in wisdom, character, and purpose.
[00:04:06] Psalm 119, verse 105 says,
[00:04:09] Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
[00:04:15] As we grow in our understanding of Scripture, we begin to see more clearly who God is, who we are in Christ, and how to treat others in love and grace.
[00:04:29] The more we know God, the more we reflect His nature in our relationships.
[00:04:34] And as we grow in His truth, we become prepared for the specific purpose He has for each of us.
[00:04:41] God desires for our growth to extend beyond our spiritual life.
[00:04:47] It's meant to touch every area of our lives, including spiritual growth, which is deepening your faith through prayer, studying the word, and aligning with God's will.
[00:05:00] Personal growth, which is becoming better listeners, showing empathy, and building better, stronger, and healthier relationships.
[00:05:13] Personal growth, which is expanding your knowledge, developing new skills, and refining your character.
[00:05:21] And finally, professional growth.
[00:05:25] Honoring God in your work by serving with integrity, excellence, and diligence.
[00:05:32] Proverbs 4 and 7 says,
[00:05:35] Wisdom is the principal thing.
[00:05:37] Therefore, get wisdom.
[00:05:39] And with all that getting, get understanding.
[00:05:43] True growth is balance.
[00:05:46] It's not about becoming successful for personal glory,
[00:05:49] but being equipped to serve God and others more effectively.
[00:05:54] Here's the beautiful part.
[00:05:56] The more we grow, the more we can serve.
[00:06:00] When you grow spiritually, you're better equipped to encourage someone struggling with faith.
[00:06:06] When you grow in patience and empathy, you become a safe space for those in need.
[00:06:12] When you grow in wisdom, you're able to offer godly counsel and leadership.
[00:06:19] James 1 verse 5 says,
[00:06:22] If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
[00:06:30] Our growth brings fruit that benefit those around us.
[00:06:34] This is how the kingdom of God expands.
[00:06:38] Not just through sermons, but through everyday believers reflecting Christ in every area of our lives.
[00:06:44] So, how can we commit to continual growth?
[00:06:50] Here are a few practical steps.
[00:06:53] Number one, stay rooted in the word.
[00:06:57] Set aside daily time for Bible study and reflection.
[00:07:01] Let God's truth guide your decisions.
[00:07:05] Number two, pray for wisdom.
[00:07:08] Ask God for insight and understanding in your personal and professional life.
[00:07:14] Number three, surround yourself with growth minded people.
[00:07:20] Build relationship with those who challenge and encourage you spiritually and personally.
[00:07:26] Number four, serve regularly.
[00:07:29] Use what you're learning to bless others, whether through mentorship, volunteering, or simply being present for those in need.
[00:07:38] And finally, reflect and adjust.
[00:07:42] Regularly evaluate your growth and ask, how can I continue to improve?
[00:07:47] Remember, growth is a lifelong journey.
[00:07:51] It's not about perfection, but progression.
[00:07:55] Growth is essential for fulfilling God's promise in your life.
[00:08:00] You may not know every detail of that purpose right now,
[00:08:03] but every step you take in growing spiritually, relationally, and personally is preparing you for what's ahead.
[00:08:12] Colossians 1 verses 9 through 10 makes it clear.
[00:08:16] The more we grow in our knowledge of God, the more we reflect his goodness and bear fruit in every area of our lives.
[00:08:25] So ask yourself, where is God calling me to grow right now?
[00:08:31] How can I use my growth to better serve those around me?
[00:08:35] I thank you for spending time with me on today.
[00:08:39] I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
[00:08:42] And I look forward to our time together on Sunday.
[00:08:45] Until then, God bless.
[00:08:54] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
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[00:09:25] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:09:34] or by email at TheBibleSpeaksOnline at gmail.com
[00:09:43] All that information to you is to watch everything you have.
[00:09:44] You would like to organize.
[00:09:44] Thank you.