Joy in Continued Growth

Prayer:  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).

Our Heavenly Father, we come before you this day with humble hearts and open minds.  We wish to continue to grow spiritually and we know that this growth will come only through the Holy Spirt as He opens our eyes and our minds to your word the Bible.  Make us conscious of your thoughts, oh Jesus, and fix them in our minds in a way that translates into actions in our lives.  Actions that would draw others to you and them to eternal life.  Amen.

Main Scripture:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.  I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.  Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.  Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.  I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.  All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Philippians 4:8-23).

Associated Scriptures:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (Peter 3:18).

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

Correlative Quotes:

And Paul went on to tell us how we can experience joy in knowing Jesus. We are to remember that the Lord is near, and rather than being anxious are to present every need to Him with thanksgiving.[1] – The Teacher’s Commentary

Spiritual instability leads to disappointment, doubt, discouragement, and ineffective witness. Unstable people are likely to be crushed by their trials.[2] – John MacArthur

Paul refers them to his uniform conduct-to all that they had seen, and known, and heard of him, as that which it was proper for them to imitate.[3] – Barnes Notes

Study:

Spiritual growth is all about acting.  Joy is the result of this action.  There are eight words describing the pure, beneficial, edifying Christian ideals that are goals of spiritual growth leading to joy: (vs. 8)

1. Whatever is true: The word true expresses the reality of a thought, action or statement. This means that we should rest on and target reality. John 3:33 (NKJV) says, “He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.”    God’s truth brings us joy. His word is an anchor for the believer.  The security of this mooring is strong and unfailing.
2. Whatever is honest: Honesty in this sense means displaying integrity by telling the truth. Being honest always produces joy to the giver of the truth. When we speak the truth in love, we have the assurance that what we have accomplished is right.
3. Whatever is Just: Just means right or righteous. 1 John 3:7-8 (NKJV): “He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.”  Righteousness causes joy.
4. Whatever is pure: keeping our bodies undefiled by abstaining from sexual sins (1 John 3:3).
5. Whatever is lovely: Lovely means pleasing, agreeable, and attractive. The Greek word for lovely is used only here in the New Testament. Paul was referring to thoughts of great moral and spiritual beauty, not of evil.[4] (Proverbs 12:5).
6. Whatever is good: commendable or admirable. These are thoughts and actions that lift us spiritually, provide an attractive essence to the believer and solidify our joy (Ephesians 5:8-10).

7 If there is virtue: moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.  Virtue sums up all the other actions of moral excellence.  Virtue, then, is the foundation of joy (Romans 8:30).

8. If There is Praise: anything praiseworthy. Achieving joy: Let your mind dwell on these things.

Summary Statement:

God’s expectations for us are high.  They will all require difficult changes in our lives as we try to grow spiritually and increase our joy.  The most important aspect of spiritual growth is obedience.  Remember that the God of peace, love, and grace expects us to live righteously.  It won’t be easy but God will be with us, He will always be there for us.

Lesson within the Lesson:

When we think about spiritual growth and all of God’s expectations, how is it possible that we will ever get it all done?

Which of these eight statements do you feel is your greatest strength?

Which of these phrases do you need to work on in your life?

If your best friend (spouse) were to pick your greatest strength what would it be?

[1] The Teacher's Commentary. Copyright © 1987 by Chariot Victor Publishing. All rights reserved.

[2] The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Copyright © Moody Press and John MacArthur, Jr., 1983-2007.

[3] Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.

[4] The Life Application Commentary Series Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 by the Livingstone Corporation. Produced with permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.