5.1 Discussion. Growing In God

Getting Started

Most of the theorists in developmental psychology focus on cognitive and behavioral growth and development. While there are a few theories that emphasize moral development, it is relatively rare that we learn about spiritual development from a more scientific perspective. Questions such as “What helps us to grow spiritually and in our relationships with God?” or “What do we need to do to be maturely responsive to the plan God has for our lives?” are rarely answered. Perhaps the most important question is “What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus, cognitively, behaviorally, and spiritually?”

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Share a time when you grew spiritually.

· Outline a process by which human beings “Grow in God.”

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Resources

· Bible

· Video: Growing in God

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Background Information

This devotional is different from any other you have read or pondered. First, consider the following ten scripture passages that pertain to growth and development of faith and your walk with God. Then, choose one of the passages and allow it to guide your thoughts, words, and deeds for one day.

Here are the scripture verses for your consideration:

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.

Isaiah 54:2–3

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

1 Peter 2:1–3

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

1 Timothy 4:15

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

1 Corinthians 13:11

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God . . .

Colossians 1:10

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13–14

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9–11

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

God’s Word was written to saturate our hearts with wisdom and love. Allow at least one of these passages from his Word to soak into your thoughts and deeds. Report on how the words did or did not impact your daily life.

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Instructions

1. Watch the video “ Growing In God, ” and/or read the Growing in God transcript .

2. Consider the ten scripture verses in the Background Information section and choose one.

3. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

4. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:

a. How did the scripture verse guide your thoughts and deeds over the past 24 hours?

b. Do you think God’s word has anything to do with spiritual development?

5. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.