NOTE: This weekly post—the third of ten—is adapted from The Christian Man and syncs to the currently available episode of “The Christian Man” Online Bible Study series being taught at The Man in the Mirror Men’s Bible Study here in Orlando. Join us online for an inspirational journey to help you become, or affirm you as, the man God created you to be.
Spiritual growth was the number one issue cited by the 24 men who helped storyboard The Christian Man. The goal of spiritual growth is to become a disciple of Jesus, the highest honor to which you can aspire. Discipleship is God’s designated way to release the power of his gospel on every problem you face. No matter how you got yourself into your current situation, the only solution is to disciple your way out.
Just Exactly What Is a Disciple, and How Do You Become One?
Here’s a good Bible-based definition. A disciple is:
- called to live in Christ (salvation, abiding)
- equipped to live like Christ (growth, transformation)
- sent to live for Christ (love, service)
How do you become a disciple? Men grow through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are the regular habits of men who are being called, equipped, and sent.
When it comes to spiritual growth and the disciplines, I would condense all the years I’ve spent teaching into this one idea:
A Bible, a small group, and serving someone else will solve 90 percent of your problems.
There are many other spiritual habits, of course. And they can profoundly help you grow. However, I’ve repeatedly observed that if you will focus on getting these three disciplines right, everything else will essentially fall into place. You will grow. You will become that disciple that others want to emulate.
Reflection/Discussion Questions:
Read Hebrews 4:12; 10:25; 13:20–21 about the Bible, a small group, and serving others. Then answer these questions:
- Why is the Bible an integral and indispensable part of spiritual growth?
- Why is a small group an integral part of spiritual growth?
- Why is serving someone else an integral part of spiritual growth?
Call to Action:
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Yours for changed lives,
Pat
