June 4, 2008 - The Path Of Spiritual Growth

Meditation on Psalm 1:1-6

Psalm one is the introduction and summary of all Psalms. This Psalm points out the path of spiritual growth for all of us. Briefly there are seven principles involved for growing as a Christian:

1. You need to have a life of consecration. (v. 1)

How do you avoid following the counsel of the wicked, or joining with sinners and mockers? You must first dedicate your life to live for the Lord Jesus then you will have His strength not to conform to the world and be renewed in your mind. (Romans 12:1-2)

2. Next you need to develop spiritual habits. (v. 2)

When you decide to develop the habits of reading and praying through God's Word, you will have the joy to do so each day. There are other habits you want to develop too when you learn from the Scriptures. Then you will grow spiritually.

3. Spiritual growth demands commitment. (v. 3)

A tree needs to be planted. That is commitment. You should make covenant before God with the church as witnesses. When you sign your name on the commitment you make before God, you may enforce yourself that you want to grow and serve God. (cf. Nehemiah 9:38-10:1)

4. There are all kinds of manifestation of spiritual growth. (v. 3)

You would bear fruits in season. You will have all sorts of improvements and character growth that do not wither. You will experience God's presence to prosper in every thing you do. (Like Joseph in Genesis.)

5. You need to examine yourself in the process of growth. (v. 4-5)

Judging yourself is better than being judged by others. Growth is personal. See 2 Corinthians 13:5

6. Spiritual growth is relational. (v. 5)

Usually you can't grow by yourself. You need a cell or study group. You need coaches, teachers, and counselors. You need to be accountable to someone. You need to be in an assembly of the righteous.

7. Spiritual growth comes through a step by step process. (v. 6)

The "way" can be understood as "path". (Chinese Bible) You need to take one step at a time. It takes processes, plans and trainings. (2 Peter 1:6)

(The points above are taken from and inspired by Rick Warren's teaching in 2008 PDL Summit.)