10.18.7 "Growth following Growth Producing Growth"

"Growth Following Growth Producing Growth"

Jeremiah 31:27-32;44
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Psalm 88:1-18
Proverbs 25:20-22

I Timothy 3 is a chapter that lists several requirements for church leaders. However, if you are not a pastor or deacon, it does not exclude you from these requirements. The items listed are characteristics of Christian maturity which is something we are all working toward.

Christian maturity is not an easy process. If you've felt that way, it may comfort you to know that Paul acknowledges this in I Tim. 3:16 "It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ..." As we discover Christ, we discover the strength and power to live a godly life.

You may have heard this question before: "Does God give vision to disciplined people, or does He give vision so people develop discipline?" The answer is "both". In fact, it's a cycle of increasing direction and growth. For example, as we discover Christ, he gives us a vision of who we are to be, and we develop the discipline to become that. Through growing in discipline, we are greater positioned to hear his voice, and he gives us a vision of what he wants us to do. In response, we discipline ourselves in preparation. The cycle continues.

As we grow in Christ, we will discover that growth in one area of our life causes growth in another which in turn opens up new growth opportunities. In DREAM terms when we grow in "E", we must grow in "A", which positions us to grow in "R", etc.

Making sense? Let me hit it from the specifics of I Tim. 3:1-5 "It is a true saying that if a man wants to be a pastor he has a good ambition. For a pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must have only one wife, and he must be hard working and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and must be a good Bible teacher. He must not be a drinker or quarrelsome, but he must be gentle and kind, and not be one who loves money. He must have a well-behaved family, with children who obey quickly and quietly. For if a man can't make his own little family behave, how can he help the whole church?"

The principle shown here is that the "Position" of pastor ("Active Ministry Involvement") requires the increased disciplines ("Empowered through Biblical Training") of hard work, good Bible teaching, which should manifest itself in a healthy family and reputation ("Relationships Devoted to Unity"). As I mentioned earlier, the strength to do this is found in Christ ("Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship"), and it says in verse 7 that this should be noticed by "those who aren't Christians" ("Mission to Reach Our World for Christ")

So is this just for pastors? Not at all. Look at today's Proverb 25:20-21: "Being happy-go-lucky around a person whose heart is heavy is as bad as stealing his jacket in cold weather, or rubbing salt in his wounds. If your enemy is hungry, give him food! if he is thirsty, give him something to drink!" You just read this verse as you are being "Empowered Through Biblical Training". At some level, that is a step of discipline. What follows is that you are now compelled to comply to this truth of Relationships Devoted to Unity. When someone else is really hurting, stop whistling and help them in their time of need! This will put you in the position for growth in Active Ministry Involvement: giving to them from your resources, which could be as simple as taking the time to listen.

Daily we should take inventory of whether or not we are Living the DREAM. At any given moment, one area will be stronger than another. But we cannot separate them from each other. You may feel secure in how you are a "witnessing machine" and have a big "M" on your chest, but if you are not in the Word (E) or you have issues with other Christians (R), you have things to work on. It's more accurate to say you have things for Christ to work on!

It's important that we allow the Spirit into all areas to do His work. Whatever your vocation or calling is, the growth required of a pastor is required of all of us. If we step out in any area too far without the support of the others we are in great danger of a fall. This will not only affect us, but will damage those around us, as we are all part of one Body.

Allow God to do His work in you and through you today!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ