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The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren—A Synopsis (continued).

Chapter 23—How We Grow (pages 179-184)

Summary

For the Christian to fulfill God’s purpose of becoming Christlike, he must first decide to do so. Spiritual growth is not automatic. It comes down to an intentional commitment—when a believer makes it for Christ, the maturing process will start, but disregard it and spiritual deprivation will follow. Just as the person when lost had to make a choice for Christ, so he also must make a choice to be like or follow Christ. In recognition of the correct choice, the Holy Spirit will then lead and coax toward ever-increasing heights of spirituality—this is called the “two-part sanctification or spiritual growth process.” The believer is called to make a choice, while the Holy Spirit works within the believer to achieve the proper spiritual goals.

A basic tenet of spiritual growth is that the believer must first change the way he thinks. This is biblical repentance (to change from one direction to the opposite direction) as it relates to a person after salvation. Once the mind is changed, feelings and actions of a more divine nature will follow. There is a two-step process in changing one’s mind. First, a believer is to stop thinking immaturely—thoughts that are self-centered and self-seeking. Second, a believer is to start thinking maturely—thoughts that are focused away from self and about/toward others. True evidence of spiritual growth is the measure of the believer’s thinking about others rather than self.

Quotes

“God wants you to grow up. . . . Sadly, millions of Christians grow older but never grow up.” (pg. 179)

“Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment.” (pg. 179)

“Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—always begins with a decision.” (pg. 179)

“Every choice has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely.” (pg. 180)

“Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between you and the Holy Spirit.” (pg. 180)

“To change your life, you must change the way you think.” (pg. 181)

“Today many assume that spiritual maturity is measured by the amount of biblical information and doctrine you know. While knowledge is one measurement of maturity, it isn’t the whole story.” (pg. 183)

“The Christian life is far more than creeds and convictions; it includes conduct and character. Our deed must be consistent with our creeds, and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior.” (pg. 183)

“Thinking of others is the heart of Christlikeness and the best evidence of spiritual growth.” (pg. 183)

Scriptures

Ephesians 4:15a, 14a; Matthew 9:9; 2 Peter 3:11; Philippians 2:12, 13; Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:2b; Ephesians 4:23; Philippians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Romans 8:5; 1 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 15:2, 3a; 1 Corinthians 2:12a.

Conclusion/Comments

After salvation the “first order of business” is sanctification, which is another way of saying becoming a mature Christian in Jesus Christ. To properly grow spiritually a believer must decide to do so. If he chooses to do so, the indwelt Holy Spirit will then assist the believer in reaching ever higher spiritual goals. To become like Christ is a collaboration between the believer and the Holy Spirit. One of the important actions in this process is to stop thinking immaturely (about self) and to start thinking maturely (about others).