Date: 09-Mar-2024
Name: Lakers Komaiya
Topic: GROWING LIKE CHRIST
Content:
Bend It Like Beckham (2002) - A girl bends the rules, to reach her goal, in professional soccer. But her traditional parents refuse to even consider it and want her to hang up her football boots, find a nice boy and learn to cook. [Bending is a signature skill of Beckham's where he can kick the ball so it curves around obstacles and is harder for a goalie to track.]
Like Mike (2002) - Calvin, an orphan, finds a pair of old shoes with the letters MJ inscribed on them. When he tries to reach for them, he is struck by lightning that renders him with superb basketball prowess.
A growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cell proliferation, wound healing, and occasionally cellular differentiation. Usually it is a secreted protein or a steroid hormone. Growth factors are important for regulating a variety of cellular processes.
1 Samuel 2:26 - And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the LORD and with people.
1 Timothy 4:15 - Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress [growth or increase].
Hebrews 6:1 - Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
And [insert name] grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”. As [insert name] follow the Saviour's pattern of growth, the elements work together perfectly, and I will become more like Him.
Word-studies
aúksÄ“sis – growth (increase)
Growth, definition
The process of growing; the gradual increase of an animal or a vegetable body; the development from a seed, germ, or root, to full size or maturity; increase in size, number, frequency, strength, etc.;
augmentation; advancement; production; prevalence or influence; as, the growth of trade; the growth of power etc.
1. Growth in wisdom
supreme intelligence, such as belongs to God, passionately required in order to do great exploits.
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. (
Proverbs 9:10-12)
- Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (
Proverbs 4:7).
2. *Growth in stature *
- Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits (
Daniel 11:32b).
3. Growth in favour with God
a. Favour means acceptance, goodwill, and preferential treatment.
b. Favour is the grace of God in our lives.
c. God stepping into one's situation – to make a worthwhile difference! Favour is not a feeling and it's not something to earn! It's a gift, a blessing from the Lord! Finding favour means – gaining approval – acceptance – or special benefits – or blessings!
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (
Psalm 84:11).
4. Growth in favour with men
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favour and good success in the sight of God and man (
Proverbs 3:3-4)
Practical Application
1. Set challenging goals that stretch you beyond your current thinking and limitations, and that compel you to reach new heights.
2. Be consistent with both personal, spiritual and professional disciplines. Seek to grow daily!
3. Meditate on the word of God and grow in faith.
4. Reframe failure experience as learning. Remember the path to success is paved with lessons learned from every fall. “The righteous falls seven times, but rises again (
Proverbs 24:16).”
5. Surround with growth-minded individuals who together you are willing to not give God rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth (
Isaiah 62:7).
Prayer Points:
Prayer Point
Father, I activate the courage, resilience and the paradigm shift I need to take steps towards growth in every area of life. Let your grace propel me towards the destiny and the exploits you have destined for me. IJN
Prayer Point
Father, help me to fear and reverence You in all my ways, and to fill my mind with Your words that I might apply my heart to Your wisdom. Let my capacity be expanded, my skills enhanced, my knowledge and understanding deepened.
Help me to be committed to the small, consistent actions I need to take every day that will culminate in significant transformations over time. Grant me abundant favour with You and men, and above all, help me to be more like You Lord. IJN
