Sermon Based Small Group Lessons

A Christ-follower is to Grow!

2008 January 6 (This week is outline only.)

Life-changing Lessons

1. God desires every follower to grow in their relationship to Him.

2. God’s work in us won’t be complete until He takes us to heaven.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus Phil. 1:6

3. God’s plan is to involve some trials along the way.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

4. Growing closer to Christ will make an impact on our lives and on the lives of others.

Road Signs of Growth

§ A thankful attitude

§ Acts of love toward others

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10

§ Partnership with others

§ Knowledge and discernment

Point to Ponder

Tests from God are not for His benefit but for ours. He knows how we will respond. They teach us about Him and allow self-evaluation for us.