August 16, 2015
RJ McCauley, Middle School Minister
Summer Vision Series: Connect, GROW, Serve, Go
Grow in a Vibrant Small Group
Growing Pains: Living Out What You Learn
Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:25 ESV
25 …of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
Colossians 1:28 ESV
28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Colossians 2:6 ESV
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
Colossian 3:1-4 ESV
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:10 ESV
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:12-17 ESV
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.
Introduction
1. All of us face growing pains.
2. If you want to grow in your faith, you have to live out what you learn.
3. God wants us to grow closer to him and to others.
The Colossians were called to grow in their faith.
The Colossians grew in their faith because they gathered together on a weekly basis.
A. They were called to:
1. Know God’s will v 1:9a
2. Know spiritual wisdom v 1:9b
3. Know how to walk v 1:10a
4. Know how to work v 1:10b
5. Know the word vv 1:10b; 1:25; 1:28; 2:6
The Colossians were commanded to live out what they learned.
The Colossians lived out what they learned in a small group culture.
B. They were commanded to:
1. Live with an eternal perspective vv 3:1-4
2. Live as a new creation v 3:10
3. Live for the gospel vv 3:12-17
Four things you need to do if you want to grow in your faith at Magnolia Church.
1. Show up – attend Bible studies
2. Step up – make church a priority
3. Stand up – show people the gospel
4. Speak up – tell others about church
The reason people do not grow in their faith is because they do not get involved at church.
God wants you to grow in your faith and live out what you learn so you can make a difference.
