Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Sat, 9 April 2022

The Nature of Growth

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about spiritual growth from these two passages?

Deeper Reflection
PAUL WAS ANXIOUS THAT HIS “LABOUR WOULD BE IN VAIN” should Satan succeed in tempting the Thessalonians to fall away from their faith (v.5). We can glean from this situation something about the dynamic nature of spiritual growth. It is helpful for us to have a holistic view of this. In discipling people, some do the planting and some the watering, “as the Lord assigned to each” person (1 Cor 3:5-6a). So, let us not take full credit for the growth of people whom we have spiritual influence in their lives. There can be no watering without first the planting, and the planting cannot grow without the watering. However, ultimately, it is “only God who gives the growth” (1 Cor 3:6-7) – by working through our planting and watering. But our “reward” from God is only for our “labour”, not the “growth” (1 Cor 3:8), even though our labour might be “in vain” (v.5; cf. Phil 2:16), in that people are not growing or they have fallen away (cf. Matt 13:20-22). So, on one hand, we do not labour in vain in terms of “reward” from God, and on the other hand, we can labour in vain in terms of results. But then, it is “only God who gives the growth” (1 Cor 3:6-7). There is also the place of the tempter’s temptation, which can result in breaking down or building up of faith. And there is also the individual’s responsibility. Growth comes from God (1 Cor 3:6-7), but Paul also admonished the Corinthians for not growing (1 Cor 3:1-4).
Application:

How does the nature of spiritual growth shape my ministering to people’s lives?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Church Board: To follow the divine design for spiritual growth in personal discipleship and discipling others
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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