True Spiritual Growth

I have been a part of a lot of groups over the past few years. One of the things that I would often hear from my fellow brothers during prayer time is simply “pray that I take some time to read God’s Word.” Now keep in mind, these were shared at Sunday sermon discussion groups, not bible study groups. Since I left to join a bible study and later be commissioned to plant a bible study group, I have not once heard that prayer request shared. So, today I want to talk about the importance of studying the bible especially during a pandemic like this. Some of you may be like “Wait! Did you just say STUDY my BIBLE? That’s hard!” You’re right. But it’s necessary for Spiritual Growth. Some would argue that the response would be to serve. If that is true, why are you serving? Are you doing it so that you can grow? Or are you doing it because of your love for our Savior who frees us from bondage and speaks to us through His Word? If it’s not the latter, I would respectfully challenge you to reassess your motives. Doing good works alone doesn’t advance spiritual growth. It’s a works-based system without a foundation. True Spiritual Growth comes from a proper understanding of God’s Word. God’s Word is where we gain a better understanding of who He is and that it is through that surrender to Him where we gain a solid foundation.

The Multi-Church small group bible study that I facilitate has been putting that into practice these past few months as we are currently sheltered in place. Since the group’s inception, it has given me a desire to read God’s word during my spare time. One of the books that God directed me to is Paul’s first letter to Timothy where in a nutshell, he exhorts Timothy to stand firm to the Gospel and beware of any false teaching as a lot of people have drifted away from sound doctrine. (As you can tell in our world today, that hasn’t changed much.)

Our group is called: interCOM Bible Fellowship. Our Mission and Vision is simply this: “We exist to Let the Bible Speak for Itself and Dwell in Our Hearts Richly.” It’s based on Colossians 3:16.

“12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)

Since its launch in February of this year, we have been studying the Book of Genesis. We have learned a lot in our study as a result of this group. It has even given us enough stamina to serve those in our community. There has been so much fruit as a result of that as well.

If you want to supplement your involvement with your churches small group and study God’s word deeper with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, you’re welcome to join us! We’re currently meeting via zoom on Wednesdays at 7 pm.

Scripture used: English Standard Version (ESV)

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