Romans 8 29 NLT For God knew His

Romans 8: 29 (NLT) “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son. . . ” ------------------- God’s desire for us is not to just be saved by Jesus, but to become like Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 “Encourage one another and build each other up” --------------------------- The Church is referred to as the “body of Christ” (1 Corinth. 12: 7 / Rom. 12: 5) So… we can’t grow fully mature in Christ apart from other Christians.

We help each other grow in Christ by affirming each other’s worth… * by showing acceptance (Romans 15: 7) * by showing attention (Galatians 6: 10) * by showing affection (Romans 12: 10) * by showing appreciation (1 Thess. 5: 12)

We help each other grow in Christ by praying for each other’s growth. Colossians 4: 12 (NCV) “Epaphras… [I] always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature. ” ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Thessalonians 3: 5 (CEV) “I pray the Lord will guide you to be as loving as God and as patient as Christ. ”

We help each other grow in Christ by admitting our mistakes. Ephesians 4: 25 (NCV) “Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other. ”

Benefits of Honesty: 1. ) Emotional Healing * James 5: 16 2. ) A Fresh Start * Prov. 28: 13 3. ) You Access God’s Power to Change * James 4: 10 4. ) Deeper Fellowship * 1 John 1: 7

We help each other grow in Christ by lovingly holding each other accountable. Romans 1: 12 (NCV) “I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you. ”

5 Basic “Christ Commitments” 1. ) Commit to love Jesus Christ 2. ) Commit to love other Christians 3. ) Commit to grow in God’s Word & Prayer 4. ) Commit to serve in ministry 5. ) Commit to share the Gospel of Jesus

Spiritual maturity is a CHOICE, but it's also a life-long JOURNEY that we aren't meant to take alone!