Diagram of a Disciple Pt. 4: Growth

The Healthy Christian • Sermon • Submitted 2 months ago • Presented 2 months ago

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The final perspective of what a healthy Christian looks like comes from Colossians. Healthy organisms grow. For the disciple of Jesus, we should be able to measure growth in 3 specific areas. Healthy Christians are growing more surrendered to Christ, more steadfast in faith, and more sacrificial in obedience.

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INTRO: Healthy organisms grow.

ILL: From the day our kids were born, we have been going to the doctor for annual checkups. Each year, they measure how much our child has grown. Height, weight, and mental acuity.

But there comes a point, when we seemingly stop growing… at least in height. I’m actually quite glad the doctor does not tell me what percentile I’m in in height and weight… that might be depressing!

And then there comes another point where we assume we stop growing. But just because you have finished school does not mean that you are done learning. When you hit the magic age of 18, you are not fully mature. I know some 80 year olds that still are growing in that arena!

And so it makes perfect sense that as Christians, we are on a path of growth that does not end on this earth. But sadly, there are a number of myths that have deceived some folks in the church in this area. Let me highlight a few of these myths:

MYTH: Jesus loves me just the way I am, so there is no reason for me to change anything.

Actually, there are songs on Christian radio that purport this myth. One says, “The truth is… He looks at me and wouldn’t change a thing...”

FACT: Jesus loves you so much that He changes everything. He saves us and calls us to leave our sins and pursue His righteousness.

MYTH: I got baptized and I go to church. That’s all God wants. Only pastors and deacons need to think about growth.

This tends to come out more in action than words. It seems that we look at the qualifications of pastors and deacons and excuse ourselves because we’re just regular people.

FACT: The qualifications for deacon are the expectations for every authentic believer. The only difference is maturity level. Pastors have only one additional requirement- the ability to teach.

MYTH: I don’t have time to invest in that kind of thing. I give God a good portion of my life and I think He’s happy with that.

FACT: God calls us to seek His Kingdom first. When we don’t make time for the things of God, we are seeking the world first. We all have the same number of hours; it’s about priority.

MYTH: I’m too old, I’ve got too much baggage, I’m content… Ok, I think these last few might just be excuses, but you get the idea.

Growth should be natural, but it’s not inevitable. Indeed, many professing Christians are content to live their whole lives as spiritual infants. How many of you have heard or said, “I’m just happy if I get a little shack in the corner of heaven… I don’t need no mansion.”

Here’s the problem: Jesus didn’t say anything about a shack or single-wide on the edge of glory. He said, in my father’s house are many dwelling places. I think that this mentality comes from a false gospel of escapism or easy-believeism. Listen, Jesus came to save us from sin, and to obedience. This happens through growth.

Let’s review what we’ve learned so far about a healthy Christian or disciple:

In the Beatitudes (Mat. 5), we learned about the internal realities of a true disciple.

A healthy disciple:

is poor in spirit (acknowledges their desperate need for God)

mourns (is grieved over sin because God is grieved over sin)

is gentle (humble and not-entitled)

hungers and thirsts for righteousness (desires the things of God)

is merciful (generously forgiving and compassionate)

is pure in heart (authentic/ sincere in single-minded devotion to God.)

is a peacemaker (one who is being made whole in Christ and demonstrates the same peace and reconciliation to others.)

perseveres (truly believes the gospel and lives in light of the Kingdom peace and power)

In Galatians 5, we looked at the evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives or the Fruit of the Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control

Titus 2, we saw how a healthy Christian values Godly Instruction, Practical Implementation, and Purposeful Investment

Each of these lessons showed a unique perspective, painting a picture of what it looks like to be a healthy follower of Jesus.

And today, we tackle the ongoing growth process of Christians. Just like we might have recorded our children’s height on the door jamb over the years, in order to see growth, we must find ways to measure it.

So in our time together this morning, we are going to look at 3 key areas of our lives that we should measure and resolve to grow in each year.

The message is creatively titled, “Diagram of a Disciple Pt. 4: Growth.” You’ll find in your bulletin a handy sermon guide to use for note-taking through the sermon, and for discussion in your small groups later this week.

Let’s dive in together: Healthy Christians are Growing:

More Surrendered To Christ (13-20)

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I love this passage. Paul encourages us here to look at Christ. Look at WHO He is and WHAT He has done!

For those who have called upon His name in repentance and faith, He has RESCUED us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us to the the Kingdom of God! Who else could do that?!?! NOBODY!

Listen, we of all people need to grasp the reality that we were dead in our trespasses- hopeless and helpless to save ourselves. We needed rescue and forgiveness! But not just rescue and forgiveness, we needed a righteousness that would please and suit the Perfect King of Creation…

And that’s what Jesus gave us. He gave us life and then went beyond saving to place us in a Kingdom that we have no business being in otherwise! We must look like highly suspicious characters in God’s Kingdom, BUT JESUS! JESUS has given us His own righteousness so that we can BELONG there!

And Jesus, Paul explains, is indescribable. He is the image of the invisible God- HOLY and POWERFUL. He is the CREATOR and RULER of EVERYTHING! He is the HEAD OF THE CHURCH and the AUTHOR of our SALVATION!

Is there anyone more worthy of our worship? Is there anyone more deserving of our devotion?

Jesus is not looking to be a big part of your life. He’s not looking to be ‘important to you.’ He wants to be FIRST.

Folks, CHRIST MUST HAVE 1ST PLACE IN EVERYTHING.

He must be first, above our families. First, above our careers. First, above our finances and our hobbies. First, above our wants and even our needs. He is the Pearl of great Cost, the Treasure in the field - what wouldn’t you give?

ILL: I was talking to someone just this past month and they asked me if they ought to give up their video games? I answered, “If they are coming before Christ, then they are too high on your list”

You see, Christ demands that we forsake the world, that follow Him with absolute abandon. And listen, that does not mean you throw out your spouse and kids… However, some of you have made little gods out of your family. God gave them to you to lead, not to worship.

And if we understand rightly WHO HE IS and WHAT HE’S DONE, then we will be continually surrendering our lives over to Him.

Let me give you a measuring tool: List out the things that are important to you on a sheet of paper. Then, methodically determine how you can give Christ first place. Do you worship Him more than money? Do you value Him more than your family? Do you pursue Him more than your career?

My prayer is that you are more surrendered to Christ this time next year than you are right now. As you grow, you are giving more and more over to His Lordship; You are valuing Him more and more and loving Him more and more. The sweetness of His name means more and more to you! You see, that means your growing; and that is a sign of health.

More Steadfast in Faith (21-23)

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Paul is here referring to our confidence in the Gospel; our trust in Christ. Confidence is built as we grow.

You know, I believe that Satan does everything in His power to cause doubt and division. I believe that He uses his weapons to undermine our confidence and he does it so subtly.

For instance, I have heard people talk about their faith and realize that their confidence is in a prayer they prayed or a baptism they received. And they wrestle with themselves because, “What if I didn’t pray it right? or Do I need to get re-baptized because I am not sure if it took!”

Folks, let me tell you something, our faith is not in something WE HAVE DONE, but it is in WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE!

And we can go back to His word and see that He has promised that whoever believes in His heart that Jesus, being the Son of God, died on the cross for your sins, was buried and rose again, and confesses with his mouth Jesus as Lord shall be saved!! [STARTING POINT - Don’t check out! We must build upon this because God has called us to GROW! In this growth, we are more sure of our salvation. ]

And as we grow in our Christian walk, we become clear on the surety of the Gospel and as testings come we can hold tight to the truth, unmoved by false teachings and doubts. This steadfastness is what we see throughout the letters in Revelation 2.

So how do we grow more steadfast? We do this by learning the Word and taking steps of obedience, exercising our faith.

ILL: How many of you have ever had a major surgery? I know we’ve had a few knee surgeries, some shoulder surgeries within our congregation. After a knee surgery, one of the biggest hurdles is trusting that knee. One of the reasons Physical Therapy is so important is that they teach you how to strengthen that knee back the right way and gain confidence in each step you take. Each week, you get a little stronger and have a little more confidence until one day, you don’t need a walker or a cane or a brace, and you can stand and walk with confidence; steadfast because you know the strength and stability of your knee.

Similarly,faith is strengthened through proper exercise. As you grow, you are more sure of your footing, because you know the Word of God. Look at v. 21- you were fomerly… BUT NOW!!! You’ve witnessed God’s faithfulness and you trust Him enough to stand firm in the trials and tests that come your way.

One way you can measure your steadfastness in faith is by talking about it with others. How sure are you about what you claim? Write down the doubts or uncertainties you have, and then study God’s Word to sure up your footing. I pray that you grow more and more steadfast in your faith each year. This will strengthen you; it will strengthen your family and the church so that we may boldly stand for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every season. That’s a good sign of health!

Finally, Healthy Christians are growing:

More Sacrificial in Mission (24-29)

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I really struggled trying to find the right wording for this point. Sacrificial, in this sense, is referring to the level of commitment and investment into God’s mission. A healthy Christian is ideally so sold out for Christ’s mission that it becomes interwoven into your DNA.

Let me try to explain. Because we belong to Christ, His Spirit lives in us, and we are being transformed to be like Christ. That means:

The mission is personal. You see every soul as one whom Christ died for and therefore you know what’s at stake.

This isn’t simply the church’s mission statement or a goal of church programming, it’s why God left us here!

You love the mission; You own it. You believe in it.

The reality is that a healthy Christian needs no convincing or bribing to pray for lost people and for opportunities to engage them. They love the Gospel and are more passionate about God’s love than anything! They see the mission as Jesus did: extending His hands to the world.

You knowingly and willingly suffer & die for the sake of the mission if that’s what is necessary.

Every disciple faced persecution and all but John died a martyr’s death. Everywhere Paul went, he faced opposition. He was beaten, ran out of town, stoned, imprisoned… but look at what he said, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake!” He owned and loved the mission so much that he was elated to be able to suffer for the sake of the Gospel.. Blessed are those who are persecuted for my name’s sake, Jesus said (Mat. 5)

WHY? (READ v.28-29)

Jesus promised that we too would be persecuted for the sake of the Gospel, if we are so bold to proclaim it.

Just a couple weeks ago in the Congo, a group (likely Islamic) captured at least 70 Christians from their homes before marching them to a church where they were bound and beheaded simply for believing and living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I pray that we would all be that faithful. But how do we go about growing in this arena?

I believe it begins with a simple act of obedience. You must take a risk that aides in the mission. Let me give you a few ideas:

Offer to pray with co-workers.

(Lee Sheppard shared with me that God opened the door for him to do just that at his work with unbelievers. Praise God that He took a risk and stepped out! We need more Lee’s!)

Host a bible study in your home.

You risk your comfort and take a stand for truth. Folks, people need to know that the Bible is true whether you are reading it at home or in the church!

When talking with neighbors or other unbelievers, share about what God is teaching you and showing you!

Jenny Q. was sharing with me the other day how God was teaching her to wait on Him! She shared that with me and some unbelieving friends of hers. The lost world needs to hear that our God is ALIVE and working!!

Serve in a needed area, and share God’s love.

Maybe an elderly person needs a ride to the doctor. Maybe you are delivering meals on wheels. Maybe you are volunteering at the hospital or nursing home.

Taylor Mackey has been going almost daily to Swannanoa to help wherever he can. An extra set of hands, a word of encouragement, relating needs to others, bringing supplies. A testimony of God’s goodness in small ways serves to grow you in your commitment to the mission.

You see, I don’t think you will ever be willing to sacrifice anything for a mission that you are not engaged in. But, when you begin to see how God works- how he blesses you in your obedience, then you’ll start to see growth.

Suddenly, you’ll find yourself giving more money to send missionaries out. You’ll step out of your comfort zone more often and take risks with neighbors and coworkers because you see the absolute beauty and urgency of the mission.

You can measure growth in this area by keeping a journal. Write out goals on the first page. Read this and pray over it every day. Then, each week record what steps you took to accomplish these goals. At the end of the year, you should be able to see the growth in your sacrifice for God’s mission.

Healthy organisms grow. And my hope for you and for this church is that we start to see some healthy growth as we turn our eyes to Jesus.

Before we close, I want to appeal anyone who has not yet believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior. In person or online,

Friend, are you tired of living in darkness? Are you tired of pretending? Are you tired of trying to validate your life and find purpose?

Jesus came to give life and life abundantly. He has promised, that if you come to Him in faith and repentance, He will rescue you and will give you eternal life in His Kingdom. All who call upon His name shall be saved. Won’t you come- talk with me or Pastor Josh and we’ll gladly share this Hope with you today.

[PRAY]

Discuss: What area of life do you need to give over to Christ? What step will you take to do so?

Discuss: How sure are you of the Gospel? How can you adopt Paul’s prayer in verses 9-12 for your life?

Discuss: How much are you willing to give for the sake of the Gospel? What scares you about this commitment?

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