A Picture of Excellent Christian Growth

Scripture: Mathew 13: 18-23

¹⁸“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: ¹⁹When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. ²⁰But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; ²¹yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. ²²Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. ²³But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Further Scripture readings:

Colossians 2: 6-10; 3: 12-16; 1 Corinthians 3: 1-3; Romans 12: 1-2

We can’t grow in excellence if we don’t experience or register excellent Christian growth! Christ is our role model and we should imitate Him in all ways. In fact the disciples were first called Christians because they behaved like Christ! We should overcome all impediments to our growth so as to bear good fruits and attain excellence in Christ Jesus. Always remember conforming to worldly standards is incompatible with excellence in Christ.

Pertinent questions to explore in this topic include:

1. What is Christian growth?
2. What are the barriers to growth?
3. How do we overcome barriers to growth?
4. When do we grow – how does excellent Christian growth look like?
5. Why do we grow?

When become transformed we grow in excellence and are empowered to impact the family, the church and the society in accordance with God’s will.