Growing in the Gospel
On Target Week 9
July 19, 2020
Join us as we continue our series “On Target”. Today we discuss some of the reasons that Christians do not grow.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
Jesus came to them and said… “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you…”
Colossians 1:9-10 (NIV)
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will… so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they can see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
Matthew 5:13 (NIV)
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
1 Peter 2:12 (MS)
Live an exemplary life among the people that are outside of Christ, so that your actions will refute their prejudices.
John 15:5 (NIV)
I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:8 (NIV)
This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 14:9 (NIV)
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
THREE REASONS CHRISTIANS AREN'T GROWING
#1 THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE TOO BUSY
Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
#2 THEY DON'T BELIEVE JESUS IS WORTH FOLLOWING
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Colossians 2:3 (NIV)
[Christ] In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
#3 THEY DON'T WANT TO WORK WITH A TRAINER
Luke 6:40 (NKJV)
A disciple is not above his master, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
Train yourself to be godly. For physical is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
Romans 1:12 (NCV)
I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.
