Are You Serious? – “Serious About Growth”

Posted On September 6, 2025September 6, 2025In Sermon Kit

Are You Serious?! – Serious About Growth


Title: Serious About Growth
Main Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”

ETS: Peter calls believers to continual spiritual growth until the day we meet Christ.
ESS: Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen by accident, it’s the result of intentional steps in grace, truth, and obedience.


WHAT STUNTS SPIRITUAL GROWTH
	1.	Denial – “I don’t need to grow.”
“If your faith isn’t growing, it’s shrinking, there’s no such thing as standing still.”
	2.	Deflection – “The problem is someone else.”
“Excuses don’t grow you; obedience does.”
	3.	Disdain for Correction – “I don’t like being called out.”
“Correction is not rejection; it’s direction.”
	4.	Distraction – “I’m too busy to grow.”
“Church attendance is a start; spiritual growth is the goal.”


WHAT FUELS SPIRITUAL GROWTH
	1.	Receive Grace Daily
	2.	Renew Your Mind in Truth
	3.	Respond with Obedience

Sermon Description

We all want to grow in life — but spiritual growth doesn’t just “happen.” In this message, Pastor Mike unpacks why many people get stuck in their faith and what it really takes to grow in grace, truth, and obedience. Whether you’re brand new to church or have been following Jesus for years, this is for anyone who’s serious about growth.

Bible References: 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 5:12; Galatians 6:5; Proverbs 12:1; Luke 10:41–42; Romans 12:2; James 1:22

Small Group Discussion Questions

Why do you think so many Christians get comfortable and stop growing? (2 Peter 3:18)
Which barrier to growth (Denial, Deflection, Disdain for Correction, Distraction) do you personally relate to most, and why? (Hebrews 5:12; Galatians 6:5; Proverbs 12:1; Luke 10:41–42)
What does it practically look like to “grow in grace” in your current stage of life? (2 Peter 3:18)
Share a time when correction from someone actually helped you grow. Why is it so hard to receive correction? (Proverbs 12:1)
What’s one intentional step you can take this week to move from “attending” to truly “growing”? (James 1:22; Romans 12:2)

2 Deep Journal Questions

Where in your life are you coasting spiritually instead of growing? What’s one small step forward you can take this week?
If God wanted to correct something in your life today, would you be open to it, or defensive? Why?

Are You Serious? – “Serious About Growth”