LETTING GO TO GROW – MARK SLEVIN
Scriptures:
Matthew 5:48 MSG
John 5:1-15 MSG
Points:
1. A WAY
2. A WALK
3. A WITNESS
We’re reminded that true spiritual growth isn’t about age or experience, but about our attitude and willingness to change. The story of Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5) teaches us that our position, not just our condition, matters to God. We’re challenged to ‘get up’ in our thinking, renewing our minds and seeing ourselves as God sees us. This new perspective allows us to move from being spectators to active participants in our faith journey. The message encourages us to let go of victim mentalities and embrace the transformative power of Christ, understanding that growth is less about perfection and more about progress.
Often, we find ourselves like this man in John 5, waiting for someone else to do for us what only we can do for ourselves. We become victims of our circumstances, trapped in a prison with no bars. But Jesus offers a different path. He doesn’t condemn or offer a complex set of rules. Instead, He simply says, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”
This command encapsulates the essence of spiritual growth. It’s about changing our mindset, renewing our thinking, and taking action. Growing up in faith isn’t about age or time; it’s about the attitude of our hearts. It’s less about striving and more about surrendering to God’s transformative power.
The gospel isn’t just about believing; it’s about living out our faith. It’s not about conforming to religious rules but being transformed from the inside out. But how do we practically apply this in our lives? Here are three key points to consider:
- Embrace a New Way of Thinking: Spiritual growth begins with a renewed mind. It’s about seeing God differently, which in turn changes how we see ourselves. Every time we engage with God’s Word or gather in worship, we’re elevating our thinking. We’re reminded that it’s not about our perfection but about God’s grace working in us.
- Walk the Talk: Faith without action is dead. Walking with God isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions; it’s about progress, not perfection. None of the disciples were ready when Jesus called them, but they were willing. Are we willing to step out in faith, even when we don’t feel fully prepared?
- Become a Witness: As we grow, our focus shifts from ourselves to what God has done. We become living testimonies of His grace and power. Like the healed man at Bethesda, we can declare, “It was Jesus who made me well.”
Growing up in faith also means understanding that God walks with us through every season – the valleys and the mountaintops. He’s not just interested in changing our circumstances; He wants to transform our character. This journey isn’t always easy, but it’s filled with moments of grace.
Remember the story of Moses parting the Red Sea or Gideon defeating an army with just 300 men? These weren’t acts of human strength but testimonies of God’s power. In our own lives, we can look back and say, “God did it.” He’s still in the business of doing the impossible, turning fishers of fish into fishers of men.
This growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s okay to have bad days or even bad seasons. What matters is the overall trajectory of our lives. Are we becoming more like Christ? Are we growing in love, patience, and kindness?
One of the surest signs of spiritual growth is an internal struggle – a desire to live like Christ, to follow Him wholeheartedly. This inner conflict isn’t a sign of weakness but evidence of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Spiritual maturity isn’t about how long we’ve been in church or how much Bible knowledge we have. It’s about letting go of our old selves and growing into the people God has called us to be. It’s about trusting Him even when we can’t see the full picture.
God is calling us to a new level of faith and maturity. He’s inviting us to let go of our past, our limitations, and our fears. As we do, we create space for Him to do what only He can do – transform us from the inside out.
So, are you ready to let go and grow? Are you willing to get up, pick up your mat, and walk into the fullness of what God has for you? It’s not about your strength, but His. It’s not about your perfection, but His grace. As you step out in faith, may you experience the joy of growing up in Christ, becoming a living testimony of His transformative power.
Key Takeaways:
- Maturity in faith is less about age and more about the attitude of your heart.
- There’s a new way of thinking: We need to “get up” in our minds, renewing our perspective on God and ourselves.
- Walking with Christ is about progress, not perfection: God calls us to be willing, not necessarily ready.
- We are called to be witnesses: As we grow, our testimony should increasingly focus on what God has done, not on ourselves.
Discussion Questions
- The sermon mentions that “growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional.” What does this mean to you in the context of spiritual growth?
- How does the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5) relate to our own spiritual journey? Have you ever felt “stuck” in your faith?
- Mark talks about a “new way” of thinking. How can renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) impact our spiritual growth?
- Discuss the concept of “letting go to grow.” What might you need to let go of to experience spiritual growth?
- How does the idea of “taking off the bib and putting on the apron” apply to your current stage of spiritual maturity?
- The sermon emphasizes progress over perfection. How can this perspective change the way we approach our spiritual walk?
- What does it mean to be a “witness” in the context of our faith journey? How can we effectively share what God has done in our lives?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open and ready to grow in Your grace. Help us to let go of the mindsets, fears, and limitations that keep us stuck in our faith. Like the man at the pool, we ask for Your healing touch to lift us out of our old ways and into a renewed life with You. Teach us to walk in Your truth, to embrace progress over perfection, and to be witnesses of Your transforming power. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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