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).