God’s Love is Whole Part 3-3
Psalm 139:13-15, Zechariah 12:1, Romans 8:5, Matthew 10:32-33
As we wrap up the final sermon in the series, we ask ourselves a practical question: what does it actually mean to grow spiritually, and how do we do it? We can gain a better understanding with the following three points.
1. Don't Confuse the Means with the Goal
When people say "I want to grow spiritually," the typical response is to pray more, read the Bible more, attend church more, or listen to worship music more. But doing all of these things does not automatically produce spiritual growth. A person can follow a daily devotional and still be selfish. One can listen only to praise music and still lie, gossip, and disrespect others. Paul confronts this exact situation in 1 Corinthians 3:1. He addresses Christians who were active in ministry and knowledgeable in Scripture, yet whom he could not call spiritually mature. Religious activity is the means, not the goal. Mistaking the two can be dangerous to one’s faith. Often this is manifested by trying to look good outwardly while having little transformation within.
2. Being Spiritual Means Living Led by the Holy Spirit
So what is the goal? The Greek word for "spiritual" in 1 Corinthians 3:1 is pneumatikos, derived from pneuma or the Holy Spirit. To be spiritual is to be in living connection with the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:5 describes this as living "according to the Spirit" (kata pneuma) or setting our minds on the things of the Spirit rather than the things of the flesh. This means the real question behind "I want to grow spiritually" is: do I genuinely want to live according to the Holy Spirit's guidance, surrendering my own desires and plans? A person who lives by the guidance of the Holy Spirit is one who listens to the voice of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:15 states that those who are spiritual discern all things, which means responding and being obedient to the thoughts the Holy Spirit places on our hearts during prayer, reading the Word, and worship. As shown by Jesus being led into the wilderness (Luke 4:1) and Peter being guided toward mission to the Gentiles (Acts 10:34-35), the leading of the Holy Spirit often directs us not toward the comfortable paths we desire, but toward directions that transcend our prejudices, limitations, and plans. Therefore, spiritual growth lies in not ignoring that inner voice, but in obeying it in every area of our lives. The Spirit challenges and corrects us, helping us overcome the assumptions and limitations we didn't even know we had. So take some time to ask the Holy Spirit, “what do you want me to do today?” Don’t ignore the Holy Spirit but discern and obey if what you hear from it follows biblical principles.
3. Spiritual Disciplines Are Essential - But as a Means, Not the End
Romans 12:1–2 calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Prayer, Bible reading, and Sunday worship are the environments in which the Holy Spirit speaks to us. In his twenties, Pastor Daniel encountered a missionary in Nepal who, after falling deeply in love with Jesus through Scripture and prayer, heard a consistent inner voice: "Go and share the love you've received with others." That voice he heard led him to sell everything and travel to Nepal with only $2,000. The disciplines opened him to the Spirit. The Spirit then sent him somewhere he never would have chosen on his own.
Just as we invest time, money, and energy in caring for our bodies and our emotional health, we are called to make the same investment in our spirit and soul. Our spirit is not separate from the rest of us. Our spirit is deeply connected to our body and emotion, and without a healthy spirit we cannot fully experience the beautiful design God has built into us.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever said "I want to grow spiritually" without being sure what that really means? After this message, how would you define spiritual growth differently?
In what areas of your life might you be mistaking the means for the goal? What would it look like to pursue the actual goal: being led by the Holy Spirit?
What is one concrete step you can take this week to invest in your soul and spirit?
