Building (U)s | Week 2 | Pastor Ben Pierce

Building (U)s: Embracing Spiritual Growth with Pastor Ben Pierce

In the second week of the ‘Building Us’ series, Pastor Ben Pierce delves into the importance of personal spiritual growth through prayer and fasting. He encourages believers to overcome pitfalls such as discouragement and disinterest while pursuing a deeper relationship with God.

Introduction to the Series

The ‘Building Us’ series is designed to inspire individuals to focus on their spiritual development. It serves as a reminder that personal growth is not just a solitary journey but also involves community and shared experiences. In this series, we explore various aspects of spiritual growth, from prayer and fasting to understanding our purpose and connection to God.

The Importance of Personal Growth

Personal growth is essential for every believer. It’s about recognizing that spiritual maturity takes time and effort. Just like physical fitness requires consistent training, our spiritual lives necessitate intentional practices like prayer, studying scripture, and engaging in community. Growth is not merely about knowledge; it’s about transformation and becoming more like Christ.

The Woman with the Issue of Blood

This biblical story illustrates the power of persistence in our spiritual journey. The woman who suffered for years demonstrates that true faith often requires pushing through obstacles. Her determination to reach Jesus, despite the crowd, teaches us that our pursuit of God should be relentless, even when faced with challenges.

Lessons from Her Experience

• Faith Over Fear: She chose to act despite her fears and societal barriers.
• Desperation Drives Pursuit: Her desperation for healing motivated her to reach out.
• Touching the Divine: Even a small act of faith can lead to significant change.

Title: Hot Pursuit

We are often called to be in God’s ‘Hot Pursuit’ in our spiritual lives. This pursuit requires us to be proactive, seeking Him with our whole hearts. Just as the woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd, we, too, must push past distractions and discouragement to experience the fullness of God’s promises.

Pitfalls in Pursuing God

As we strive for spiritual growth, it’s crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls that can hinder our journey. These obstacles can lead to disinterest and discouragement, making it harder to maintain our focus on God.

• Distractions: Everyday life can pull our attention away from spiritual matters.
• Discouragement: Setbacks in our spiritual walk can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
• Complacency: Becoming comfortable in our current state can prevent us from seeking further growth.

Recognizing and Overcoming Pitfalls

Identifying these pitfalls is the first step toward overcoming them. Regular self-reflection and accountability within a community can help us stay on track. Setting spiritual goals and engaging in disciplines like fasting can reignite our passion for God.

Growing Through Disinterest

Disinterest in spiritual matters is a common challenge. It’s essential to recognize when our passion wanes and take steps to reignite it. Engaging with scripture, attending church, and surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers can help rekindle our enthusiasm for God.

Practical Steps to Combat Disinterest

1. Set a Routine: Establish a regular time for prayer and Bible study.
2. Join a Community: Engage with a small group or church community for support.
3. Serve Others: Volunteering can reignite your passion for God and His work.

Lessons from Hagi

The minor prophet Hagi provides valuable insights into our spiritual journey. His message to the Israelites about rebuilding the temple serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual renewal. Just as the physical temple needed restoration, our spiritual lives require continual attention and care.

Key Takeaways from Hagi’s Teachings

• God’s Presence is Vital: The temple represents God’s dwelling among His people.
• Collective Responsibility: Spiritual growth is a communal effort, not just an individual pursuit.
• Intentionality in Growth: Just as the Israelites had to work to rebuild, we too must be intentional about our spiritual development.

As we continue this journey of ‘Building Us,’ let us remember the importance of persistence, community, and intentionality in our pursuit of God. Each step we take in faith brings us closer to the promise of spiritual maturity and deeper connection with our Creator.

The Temple of the Holy Spirit

Understanding that we are the modern-day temple of God profoundly impacts how we live our lives. Recognizing the Holy Spirit’s presence within us encourages us to reflect on our actions and choices. This awareness can alter what we consume, how we interact with others, and even how we respond to daily frustrations.

Living as a Spiritual Temple

As believers, we must acknowledge that the Creator of the universe resides within us. This truth should inspire us to pursue spiritual growth actively. Our focus should shift from worldly distractions to cultivating a deeper relationship with God.

Transformative Power of God’s Word

God’s Word is a powerful catalyst for spiritual transformation. It challenges us to rethink our preconceived notions and encourages us to align our beliefs with biblical truths. When we read scripture, we must allow it to transform us rather than filter it through our existing beliefs.

Engaging with the Scripture

• Intimacy in Prayer: Prayer should be a two-way conversation, allowing space for God to speak to us.
• Transformational Reading: Are we allowing the Bible to change us, or are we merely reading for information?
• Serving as an Expression of Growth: Serving others is a practical way to embody the teachings of Jesus.

Overcoming Discouragement

Discouragement is a significant barrier to spiritual growth. Many believers experience seasons where they feel distant from God or question their faith. It’s crucial to remember that these feelings are often temporary and do not reflect God’s presence or love.

Staying Consistent in Faith

During challenging times, persistence is key. Engaging in daily practices, such as prayer and scripture reading, can help us stay connected to God. Even when we feel spiritually dry, we must trust that God is still at work within us.

The Process of Growth

Spiritual growth is a journey, often marked by ups and downs. Just as seeds require time to germinate, our spiritual lives need patience and nurturing. We may not always see immediate results, but this doesn’t mean that growth isn’t occurring beneath the surface.

Recognizing Growth Opportunities

1. Consistency in Practices: Engage in spiritual disciplines regularly.
2. Setting Goals: Write down specific areas for growth and track your progress.
3. Community Support: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage your journey.

Dissatisfaction and the Seed of Growth

Dissatisfaction can hinder our spiritual growth. When we focus on what we lack rather than what God is doing in our lives, we risk stalling our progress. It’s essential to remember that every small effort to grow spiritually is planting a seed for future fruitfulness.

Embracing the Growth Process

We must not become disheartened by our current circumstances. Just like a seed needs time to develop, our spiritual growth requires patience. Trust that God is nurturing your heart, and in due time, the fruits of your labor will become evident.

Conclusion and Prayer

As we reflect on our journey of spiritual growth, let us commit to being proactive in our pursuit of God. Recognize the pitfalls of disinterest, discouragement, and dissatisfaction, and choose to overcome them through intentional practices and a focus on God’s promises.

Let us pray: Father, we thank You for the work You are doing in our lives. Help us to build our spiritual temples with intention and faith. May we overcome our challenges and continue to grow in our relationship with You. Amen.