Growing in Mature Discipleship – 18 March 2009

We continue our quest for purpose in life, I am suggesting some different areas of purpose in our lives:

Reach Out with the Good News – we looked at on Monday,

Uplifting Worship to God – we looked at on Tuesday, today we move on to consider

            Growing in Mature Discipleship

Jesus calls us to follow him, and that is exactly what a disciple is – a learner who followers a master.  As Christians, Jesus is our master whom we are called to follow and to become more like day by day.

Paul tells us:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2 

He also speaks of our being transformed bit by bit:

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 
2 Corinthians 3:18 [NIV]

Jesus calls us to “abide in him” and to “bear much fruit” (John 15:1-11)

As we allow the Spirit to take control of our lives we will see the fruit of the Spirit grow in us.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.   Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:23-25 [NIV]

Growing into mature discipleship is a process, a journey, we are all engaged in and Jesus looks for evidence of that growth.  What growth would he see in you this week?