Christian Change through Growth

New Year's Resolutions?  40-50% of Americans do it.
1/2 are health related  (#1= exercise more  #2 = lose weight)

New Year's resolutions not unique to America, NOT unique to modern times  ( is found throughout the world, among Babylonians and Romans)

WHY???  #1.  because people recognize need to Improve!"
and           #2.  New Years Day - great time to start  

The Bible says nothing about New Year's Resolutions.  However, does say a lot about change/improvements/resolutions, new beginnings, etc.

BUT... the Biblical concept is more than change.  = GROWTH
Growth in knowledge, wisdom, understanding, strength, abilities
In other words Spiritual growth / Character growth, growth in relationships - with God and with man.

POINT HERE = to grow more Christ-like!

On one hand, growth IS change ... however, are some distinct differences.

         CHANGE                                                              GROWTH
actions, habits, what you DO                                    Attitude, heart, who you ARE
   (external behavior)                                                    (internal being)

event oriented ( ?? happened, I changed)                  Process oriented  (gradual)

Can be temporary (can change back)                      Permanant  (can't UNGROW)

Something you accomplish                                        Requires God's ASSISTANCE
(self-improvement)

A Similar Biblical concept = MATURITY  (result of growth)

(1)  God gives the church gifted servants to help people grow/mature. - Eph. 4:12-13

(2)  Bible encourages believers to persevere and grow into maturity.  Heb. 5:14, 6:1

(3)  James says 'perseverance builds maturity! - James 1:2-4

(4)  Parable of soils/seeds .... 3 groups never mature - Luke 8:14

POINT:  this is more than behavioral development.  = character development, which leads to a different lifestyle!

OBSERVATIONS
#1.  Biblical growth begins with recognition of need.
       A)  a need to Improve - Luke 18:9-14, Rev. 3:17

       B)  a need for DIVINE ASSISTANCE - you can change your mind,  can't change your heart!!
          (hence "re born, re generate, re new, re shape)

BUT: 
#2.  Biblical growth will NOT occur without your cooperation - 2 Pet. 1:3, 5-8
     NOTE:  you cannot cause growth, but you can create an environment for growth
             example:  garden

#3.  Biblical growth is intented to be an ongoing and never ending process.  Gen. 22:1
      Example:  Abraham at 114 years of age.

NECESSARY INGREDIENTS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

So, to grow toward Spiritual maturity you need...
#1.  an awareness  (of your need)

#2.  resolution, determination (to address those needs)

#3.  submission  (to God's will, words, desire, plan)

#4.  Effort/Action  (to "want to grow" isn't enough)

#5.  Consistency (doesn't mean ever fall, = always get up)

#6.  time (growth = gradual process)

#7  proper information of WHO you are, who and what you should be, HOW to achieve that...
      in other words, God's Word  (His revelation, handbook)

#8.  Jesus in your heart  (His presence, His Holy Spirit within).  Can you expect His assistance when you REJECT His Son???

Any resolution to change for the better = good thing!!!
AND nothing wrong with seeking "SELF IMPROVEMENT"
But don't overlook God's Plan for you!!!

ie:  personal, spiritual, character growth.... towards Christ-likeness!!

So....Recognize your need?   Ready to address it?  Willing to Submit to God?  to Christ?  His Word?  His Holy Spirit?
Are you willing to expend EFFORT to this end??

Closing Scripture:  Phil. 3:12-15