STUDY No. 13 - MY QUIET TIME AND GROWTH

This is intended to be a very practical study; not so much what we believe but how we can grow as Christians.
In my lectures over the years I used to call these THE KEY NOTES TO HARMONIOUS CHRISTIAN LIVING! As the 7 key-notes A to G are vital to music, so are the following for living.
 
A The ASSURANCE of personal salvation. Study 12 dealt with this one.
B  Appropriate BIBLE INTAKE. 
 We need to set up a daily reading and weekly study of the Scriptures.
C  Our personal daily COMMUNION with God.
D  Learn to DEPEND upon the promises of God. 
 This is the exercise of daily faith!
E  ENDEAVOUR (our part) to adjust our lives to that which is written! 
 True belief will result in right behaviour!
F  Enjoy the FELLOWSHIP of other believers within the local church. 
 This involves both privileges and responsibilities!
G  Be sure to GO AND TELL others, by our life and words, 
 of the Christ whom we love and serve. 
 This is an important outflow of our relationship with Christ.

SOME MEANS OF GROWTH AND GRACE

Discover for yourself some means of growth from the following scriptures:
 
 Matthew 10:32  Acts 17:11  John 14:23  John 16:24
 Hebrews 10:25  John 15:4  Romans 12:1  2 Mark 16:15

Which is the most important? Why?
 

HOW DID THE APOSTLE PAUL ENCOURAGE THE CHRISTIANS TO GROW IN CHRIST?

Although Paul firmly believed God was able to keep, he still spent much time in helping those who were younger in the faith. Discover some of the ways in which he did this:
 
 Acts 15:36, 41  Acts 18:23  Philippians 2:19,20  Ephesians 1:16-18
  (See also Ephesians 2:17, 18).  Can you recall other ways he helped them?
 

THE QUIET TIME WITH GOD

The Christian life is not conformity to a set of "rules" but the cultivation of a relationship with a Person. The Person is Jesus Christ our Lord. It is a two-way relationship. He speaks to us in the Word and we speak to Him by prayer. When this takes place, it constitutes what we call our "quiet time". It is a sad fact that some lives are so busy, or lived in such disorder, that little time is found for such undisturbed communion with the Lord. It should, however, be the daily experience of every Christian.
Consider:
             (a) Is such a time essential?
            (b) What are the advantages?
            (c) What are the hindrances?

We have already noted seven keys of the harmonious Christian life.
Let's consider a few other SCRIPTURAL WAY-MARKERS

The reading of the Scriptures, and how it relates to our life or outlook on life:

 Matthew 4:4  Philippians 2:13  James 1:21  1 Peter 1:22

Prayer and cultivation of personal worship:

 Galatians 4:19  Philippians 1:9-11  Ephesians 1:15-17  Colossians 1:9-11

The constant yielding of the body, mind and will:

 Romans 6:12-14  Romans 12:1,2  Corinthians 6:19, 20

Continuing in doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread (the Lord's Supper) and prayers:

 Acts 2:42  Ephesians 2:18-22  Hebrews 10:25  Ephesians 4:11, 12

Rightly reacting to the daily trials and temptations that befall each one of us:

 Hebrews 12:10,11  James 1:2-4  1 Peter 4:1, 2

What is the most important means of growth that you, personally, need to give attention to just now? Can you think of other helps to growth?
[LINK]
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
1. We have a pack to help set up your daily reading programme "Thoughts on Daily Bible Reading'.
2. We have a further booklet entitled: 'The Key to Successful Christian Living'.

TAKE TIME TO PRAY

I got up early one morning, And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish That I didn't have time to pray.

Problems came tumbling about me, And heavier came each task -
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered; He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty, But the day toiled on, grey and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me; He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence, I used all my keys at the lock:
God kindly and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning, And paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish, That I had to take time to pray.

                                                                   by Addie Dodd

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ON CHRISTIAN GROWTH
1. What are the main PROBLEMS that face a new convert?
2. What are the main HINDRANCES to growth in the Christian life?
3. What can you do to ENCOURAGE spiritual growth in the lives of others in your church fellowship?
4. Is our fellowship the kind of church in which true spiritual growth is being encouraged?

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