Spiritual growth in Christ is not meant to be a solo journey. In this final week of our Built Together series, we explore intentional discipleship, growing in community, and the fruit that strengthens the Church. Video https://youtu.be/idvGhBB6h_4 Audio Estimated reading time: 11 minutes Table of contentsVideoAudioDownloads and LinksIntroductionColossians 2:6–7Spiritual Growth in Christ Is IntentionalIllustration and Life ApplicationReflection QuestionDiscipleship Grows Best in CommunityIllustration and Life ApplicationDiscussion QuestionGrowing Together Produces Fruit That Strengthens the ChurchIllustration and Life ApplicationReflection QuestionThis WeekClosing Encouragement and Series Wrap-UpLeader Notes and Small Group Discussion QuestionsLeader Notes (for Cell Sites and Small Groups)Small Group Discussion QuestionsOpeningScripture Focus: Colossians 2:6–7Teaching Point 1: Spiritual Growth in Christ Is IntentionalTeaching Point 2: Discipleship Grows Best in CommunityTeaching Point 3: Growing Together Produces Fruit That Strengthens the ChurchThis WeekSeries Wrap-Up Downloads and Links 2026-02-22 - Growing Together in Faith Notes 2026-02-22 - Growing Together in Faith Notes Watch the video of this teaching on our YouTube channel or above. Introduction We are continuing our teaching series, Built Together – Why the Church Still Matters. In this series, we have been looking at God’s design for the Church and why Christian community still matters today. In Week 1, we learned that we are one body with many parts. God places each believer in the body of Christ with purpose. Every part matters. In Week 2, we learned why Christian community is essential. Faith was never meant to be lived alone. God strengthens us through relationships and shared life. In Week 3, we focused on bearing one another’s burdens. We learned that fellowship and accountability are part of loving one another, and that we were never meant to carry life alone. Today, in Week 4, we are talking about growing together in faith. This is about discipleship in community. It is about spiritual growth in Christ that happens over time as we follow Jesus with others. Our primary Scripture today is Colossians 2:6–7, which says: Colossians 2:6–7 (6) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,(7) rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. This passage still calls believers to continue living our lives in Christ, being rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith, and overflowing with gratitude today. We will return to these ideals throughout the teaching. Spiritual Growth in Christ Is Intentional Spiritual growth in Christ is intentional. It does not happen by accident. When we first come to Jesus, we receive new life. We are forgiven. We are made new. But spiritual maturity is a process. Growth takes time. Growth requires direction. Growth requires healthy habits. Colossians 2:6–7 describes growth in clear language. It speaks of being rooted, built up, strengthened, and established. Roots do not form overnight. A strong structure is not built in one day. Strength develops through repeated practice. Many believers want spiritual growth, but we assume it will happen automatically. We may think that attending church occasionally will be enough. We may think that inspiration alone will carry us. But inspiration is not the same as formation. Growth in Christ happens when we choose practices and habits that keep us close to Jesus. This includes reading Scripture regularly, preferably daily. It includes prayer that is honest and consistent. It includes worship, repentance, and obedience in small things. It also includes serving others. Growth in Christ happens when we continually study God’s Word and apply it to daily life. Intentional growth also means we pay attention to what shapes us. Many voices compete for our attention. Many habits can weaken us over time. If we fill our minds with constant fear, anger, or distraction, our spiritual health will be affected. If we neglect God’s Word and prayer, our faith can become fragile. So we choose intentional steps. We choose to be rooted in Christ and to build our lives on truth. We choose to live our faith, not just talk about faith. Intentional growth is not about perfection. It is about direction and consistently turning toward Jesus. Illustration and Life Application Think about physical strength. If someone says they want to get stronger, they need a plan. They need repeated practice. They need time. One workout does not change a life. A pattern of training does. Spiritual growth is similar. One sermon can encourage us, but a pattern of discipleship transforms us. This week, we can choose one simple practice that strengthens our spiritual roots. We can read one chapter of Scripture each day. We can pray for five minutes each morning. We can write down one truth ...
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