Session 8
See how they grow (2)

Ice-breaker

What changes, however small, have you or others noticed in yourself, since you became a Christian?

Don't be discouraged by how far you still have to go. Be encouraged by how far you have come!

We have established from John 3:5-8 that when we become Christians, we experience a spiritual rebirth. We are given the chance to start afresh, to have a new relationship with God, and to become the kind of person God wants us to be. This is a gradual process and the Holy Spirit gives us a great deal of help along the way.

God wants us to be more like Jesus. So, if Jesus is our role model, how can we get to know him better?

Read Hebrews 10:10 and 14. What does God see, when he looks at us? How is this possible? Verse 14 describes us as 'those who are being made holy'. Something is happening in us that helps us to overcome our human failings.

God loves us for the unique individuals that we are, but he also has plans for what we can become!

The Holy Spirit will gradually make us aware of areas of our lives where change is needed. Skim through Ephesians 4:22-5:4. Pick out some of the standards of behaviour that God expects of us. Are there any that are a challenge to you?

Now look at some of the positive qualities listed in Galatians 5:22-25. This is a description of the character of Jesus. We won't suddenly change overnight, nor will God force us to change, he wants us to co-operate with him freely. Reflect on how you can take responsibility for making can help s some of this 'fruit' to grow in your life.

Fruit needs to be nurtured and grows slowly. God will not force you to change; he wants you to co-operate with him freely. Don't be too hard on yourself if you fail. The Christian life is about fresh starts. Every day if necessary! Tell God that you are sorry, ask the Holy Spirit to continue working in your life and keep on going.

When the Holy Spirit enters our lives, he not only changes us on the inside (our attitudes and, motivation, etc), he gives us the power to be effective. Jesus started his ministry 'in the power of the Spirit' (Luke 4:14). Look at what the first disciples were able to do when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8).

In what areas would you like to be more effective as a Christian?

The Spirit gives us gifts. These are different from our natural talents. They empower us to work for God in special ways. Look at 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and Romans 12:6-8. List some of the gifts that are available. What do you think they mean?

Which gifts would you like to see expressed in your life? Don't be afraid to ask the Holy Spirit for them!

For whose benefit are these gifts given? See 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 14:26. The gifts of the Spirit are 'the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good'. They are given to us as we put ourselves in situations where we need them to further God's work; they are not our personal possessions or spiritual status symbols.

The gifts of the Spirit will not be truly effective unless the fruit of the Spirit is growing in our lives. See what Paul strongly emphasises in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8.

If the fruit is the character of Jesus, then the gifts are his power. To be truly like him, we need both!

The new character that we cultivate has to find its expression in a new lifestyle. Our lifestyle is shaped by the culture in which we live, and by the choices we make.

Think of some specific challenges posed by Paul in Romans 12:2.

But we are not expected to know exactly how to live all at once. The Spirit will reveal bit by bit the areas that he wants us to work on. We are like vines that need pruning in order to grow stronger and produce a good crop of fruit - see John 15:1-8.

In what areas of your life do you feel that 'pruning' is needed?

As Christians, our lives take on a new purpose. We no longer live just for ourselves.

Read Ephesians 2:10. This does not necessarily mean that each minute of our existence on earth is mapped out. But it does mean that God can use us - every day, if we let him

When we make important decisions, how can we involve God in them and find out what he wants?

Now read Proverbs 3:5-6 and tease out some more principles about guidance..

Encourage yourself by Reading Jeremiah 29:11-13. These are special promises from God to you.

You might like to write these verses on a card and keep it in your Bible.