REALLIFE STUDY GROUP

“Grow Up”

 

ICEBREAKER:  What was your favorite outdoor, group, board, card or video game growing up?     

 

CONFESSION: I am growing in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  I am growing in wisdom and stature before God and man.  I am growing in the image and likeness of God.  I am growing in strength and might in the inner man day by day.  I am growing in both the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit.  I am growing spiritually, emotionally, relationally, financially, intellectually, academically and physically to the glory of God.    

 

DEFINITION: Perfection: Mature, fully developed, fully grown

 

OUTLINE: YOU KNOW YOU’VE GROWN SPIRITUALLY WHEN....

·        You don’t fall apart under the pressure as quickly as you used to

·        You become transparently honest before God and grow in integrity & character

·        You come to realize the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

·        You get back up, after you fall, quicker than you did last time you fell

·        You recognize the attacks sooner because you have a few battles under your belt

·        You have a deep desire to help make other people’s dreams come true

·        You are growing more free from bondage, guilt, grief, addiction, shame, insecurity, and hurt every day

·        You refuse to pout, complain, or throw fits about things you caused and/or can’t do anything about

·        You begin to crave solid food: deeper revelations, greater impartations, & simpler life applications

·        You recognize the voice of God speaking through His Word, His leaders, and your circumstances

·        Your same old temptations don’t work anymore

·        You seek the face of God more than the hand of God

·        You pray not only to receive blessings but to become a blessing

·        You see the big picture while taking advantage of every moment

·        You don’t let others push your buttons, drive you crazy, or steal your joy

·        You would rather give than receive

·        You don’t have to wait for someone to encourage you.  Like David, you encourage yourself in the Lord

·        You would rather serve than be served

·        You don’t feel you always need to defend yourself; you let your reputation or God’s grace speak for you

·        You listen twice as much as you talk

·        Your thinking is becoming multi-generational

·        You obey without hesitation

·        You work smarter and not just harder

·        You are not afraid to say the words “I’m sorry” even if you are not guilty

·        You are less concerned with what people think and more concerned with what God thinks

·        You are willing to forgive quicker

·        You don’t have to be the center of attention, but are not afraid to lead when necessary

·        You restore the fallen without condemning or condoning wrongdoing

·        You now understand the meaning of the word “balance”

·        You strive to be sober, show mercy and walk humbly before God and man

·        You have nothing to hide, nothing to prove and nothing to lose because you have already surrendered everything to God

·        You realize what’s most valuable: things created in the image of God; eternal things versus temporal things; God’s Word versus man’s opinion; Kingdom principles versus worldly advise

·        You have learned to be content and rejoice in all circumstances

·        You learn from your mistakes much quicker

·        You can love without reciprocity

·        You refuse to worry because it doesn’t produce anything positive

·        You know when to rest and when to work

·        You want to leave a lasting legacy

·        You have developed the ability to discern the spirits, read the energy and recognize the motives that people are operating under much faster than you used to

·        You have learned to treat people the way you would like to be treated, not how they deserve to be treated, but you are not afraid to lead when necessary

 

TEXT: Hebrews 5:12-6:2

 

STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS:

1.    What is the hardest part of growing up?

a.    Learning to take responsibility

b.   Learning to interact with people

c.    Dealing with feelings of insecurity and rejection

d.   Discovering your gifts, strengths and weaknesses

2.    There are things in the natural that will stunt your physical growth.  Name something that will stunt or delay your spiritual growth.

3.    Which of the above spiritual growth indicators are you working on?

4.    The writer of Hebrews 5 says that by now you should be teachers, but instead you are still babes.  Describe an immature behavior that babies display.

5.    Adam was created fully grown.  What do you think it must have been like for him to go through the growing and developing process?

6.    What are some characteristics or qualities of someone who is fully spiritually mature or grown up?

7.    Describe an area that you are working on.

 

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

ACTION POINT:  This week I will read a book, magazine, blog, or Bible verse dealing with the subject of __________ to contribute to my spiritual growth.