How to Grow and How to Know God’s Will
John 5:39 – “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,”
1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—"
Often, believers wrestle with two questions:
Why is someone not growing spiritually?
How can we discern God’s will?
Similar to how newborns need healthy food to grow, our spiritual life also requires a kind of spiritual food in order to grow. The word logikos used in 1 Peter 2:2, is used to describe something spiritual. The word appears again to describe a spiritual worship in Romans 12:1-2.
Many misunderstand spiritual worship to be something supernatural or emotional experiences. The word logikos is the adjective of the noun logos, which in John 1:1-5, refers to Jesus. What then, is logos? Logos is Jesus. If logikos is the adjective form of logos, then these passages must mean that spiritual food and spiritual worship is centered on knowing Jesus.
To know Jesus, we can do many things like prayer, worship, listening to prayerful songs, anything that helps us understand Jesus. However, John 5:39 reminds us that the Bible testifies about Jesus Christ and tells us who Jesus is. Without the Word, we cannot know Jesus. Without Jesus, we cannot grow or discern God’s will.
How can we apply this practically?
If we ever find ourselves asking why we are not growing or are unable to discern God’s will, we should reflect on how often we spend time in the Word. We should establish a spiritual habit to know Jesus more. Instead of sticking to a rigid reading schedule, we should instead try to read as much as we can of the Bible each day, building up our spiritual disciplines so that the Holy Spirit can shape our heart and guide our decisions. While our spiritual leader, Pastor Daniel, can help confirm our understanding of the Bible passages we have read, discernment first begins with personal time spent with God in scripture.
Jesus lived this life. When He was tempted by the enemy, Jesus confessed that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God. In times of uncertainty, Psalm 119:105 tells us that God can be the light to our feet and path.
Reflection Questions:
What was your main takeaway from this week’s message?
How have I been discerning God’s word? Through feelings, experiences, or circumstances, or through scripture?
What keeps me from spending time with the Bible more consistently?
