OBSTACLES TO CHRISTIAN GROWTH

SUNDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC:  OBSTACLES TO CHRISTIAN GROWTH

MEMORIZE: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” — 1Cor 10:12 (NKJV)

SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 12:3.

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”  

EXPOSITION:

Growth is not always easy or uniform; however, it should be the direction of a true Christian’s life. Several obstacles face the believer in this lifelong pursuit. Christians need to know about them and stay on guard to avoid them or to correct them if they become a part of one’s thinking: 

1. One may think more highly of self than one ought and not pursue holiness as one should (Rom. 12:3). 

2. One may presume upon salvation and assume that since one is saved, holy living is optional (Rom. 6:1–2). 

3. One may have been erroneously taught about the nature of Christian living and so neglect the lordship of Christ (1 Pet. 3:15).

4. One may lack the zeal or energy to make holiness a priority (2 Cor. 7:1). 

5. One may think that he or she is saved but not truly be so and then try to live a holy life in the power of the flesh (Matt. 13:5–7, 20–22). 

Nature teaches that growth is normal and to be expected; conversely, a lack of growth should sound an alarm that something is seriously wrong. Scripture teaches this principle too in a spiritual sense. Frequently, Acts reports that the early church grew and expanded (see 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31, 35, 42; 11:21; 14:1, 21; 16:5; 17:12). God also has expectations for individual growth in the Christian’s life. These exhortations of Scripture need to be taken seriously (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18). The chief agents for this growth are God’s Word (John 17:17; 1 Pet. 2:2) and God’s Spirit (Eph. 5:15–21). When growth occurs, one can quickly acknowledge God as the cause (1 Cor. 3:6–7; Col. 2:19). The Holy Spirit plays a prominent role in providing a true believer with the assurance of salvation. His assurance connects directly with growth (Rom. 8:16–17; 1 John 3:24). Having formerly been spiritually dead but now made alive to God, the believer can check his vital signs to substantiate the fact that he is indeed alive, because he walks in the works that God has prepared (Eph. 2:1–10). 

PRAYER POINT:  Lord,  help me not to fall victim of these obstacles to spiritual growth in Jesus name. 

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Jeremiah 5 – 8.

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE, General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l. It is an extraction of God’s word designed to draw the sincere seekers closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word. Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com