Ten Questions and 10 Suggestions

As you move into 2020, I would encourage you to set a goal to have a clear vision for where you are spiritually, and how you can grow this year. The following questions are designed to help you both look back in evaluation as well as plan for growth looking forward. 

To get the most out of these questions, set a time to regularly review these questions throughout the year. Maybe one question a day, or a couple of questions once a week. Whatever pattern works best for your schedule. Mostly, I would suggest that coming back to these questions regularly will help you keep ongoing spiritual growth "on the front burner" as it should be. Remember: one of the main goals of the Christian life is sanctification. Each of these questions point you to the main source of spiritual growth - God's Word. 

1. Do you thirst for God?

Psalm 42:1-2, Philippians 3:10, Psalm 34:8

Be sure you are drinking from the deep wells of God's Word, and diving into your faith community (the church you're a member of) rather than looking elsewhere. Drinking from God’s river will both satisfy you and leave you thirsting for more.

A.W. Tozer says - “O God, I have tasted Thy goodness and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I long to be filled with longing. I thirst to be made thirsty still.”

How will you grow in your thirst for God this week?

2. Are you growing in obedience to Scripture?

James 1:22, Hebrews 4:12

Until you’ve reached perfection, you need correction.

Train yourself to ask: “how does the Bible speak to this?” 

One of the biggest indicators of spiritual health is your attitude toward God’s Word.

Indifference to the Bible, is serious sin.

How will you grow in obedience to the Word this week?

3. Are you becoming more loving?

1 Corinthians 13, Luke 6:32, 1 John 3:10

Loving others even when (especially when) they’re not loving you is very hard, but necessary.Are you loving other Christians, the lost, and especially your family?

Who do you need to show love to this week?

4. Are you more aware of God’s Presence?

Psalm 16:11, Matthew 18:20

We need to be aware of God's presence in our daily lives. The best way to experience it is to go to the place where He has most clearly revealed Himself - in His Word.

The great British preacher Martin-Lloyd Jones said: The more we know and read [the Bible], the more it will take us into the presence of God. So if you want to set the Lord always before you, spend much time in regular daily Bible reading.”

Corporate Worship one place God's presence is manifest in a special way. There’s something unique about how He manifests His presence.How will you prepare your heart for worship each Sunday?

How will you prepare your heart for the corporate worship gathering this Sunday?

5. Do you genuinely care about others?

Philippians 2:1-11, James 2:16

Are you on the lookout for ways to help others practically? We need to encourage others spiritually, but also be ready to help them practically - maybe a hug, or a listening ear. Maybe spend time with them - take them to coffee or invite them to join you for a meal.

It begins in the Body of Christ, but then overflows to others from there. 

What practical help can you offer someone this week?

6. Do you enjoy the Bride of Christ?

1 John 1:7; 4:7; 3:10, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 4:12

Are you growing in love for the church? For your church?

Spiritual growth won't happen like it should if you're not growing in your love for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Specifically those He has placed you in community with.

What will you do to foster a greater love for your church this week? How will you obey Hebrews 4:12 better?

7. Are you growing in spiritual discipline?

1 Timothy 4:7, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Philippians 2:12

If you’re not regularly thinking through these issues - you’re not going to grow like you should be. 

You need to have a plan for spiritual growth and follow through with it!

Do you have a plan in place? What can you do today toward following that plan?

8. Do you Hate Sin? (growing in hatred)

Romans 12:9, Matthew 5:4, Psalm 51 

• Rehearse the Gospel

• Ask God to show you your sin

• Psalm 51 - read, meditate, pray, write it out

• Read: The Mortification of Sin

Before you see the cross as something done FOR you, leading to faith & worship, 

You must see the cross as something done BY you, leading to repentance…

How are you fostering a greater hatred for your own sin?

9. Are you becoming a quicker forgiver?

Colossians 3:12-13, Matthew 18:22

• Who are you NOT ready/wanting/willing to forgive?

• With whom do you need to start the ball rolling?

• Are you easily offended? Don't be someone who others have to "walk on eggshells" around in order to stay on your good side (that's sinful). 

Who do you need to forgive?

10. Do you look forward to Heaven?

1 Peter 1:13-16, Colossians 3:1-3

If you’re not excited about heaven - you’re not going there.

How will you grow in joyous anticipation of being with the Lord TODAY?

It doesn't matter how long you've been a believer or how vibrant your walk with the Lord is right now. We all need to continually examine our lives and strive toward spiritual growth. 

Philippians 3:13-15 – Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

These questions will impact your spiritual life if you pursue them purposefully.

I pray that 2020 is a year of radical spiritual growth for you and hope that these questions help you in striving toward that goal.

Rob Signs

P.S. - Here are 10 of Jonathan Edward's 70 resolutions that have impacted me personally. It's crazy to think that he read through all 70 of his resolutions every week, but if you study his life, you'll find a life that was constantly focused on Christ and he most assuredly made a great impact on all he met. 

1. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, in my heart, mind, or with my body, except that which promotes the glory of God…  (Always ask: Will this thought, action, or attitude glorify God?)

2. Resolved, never to speak evil (or ill, or bad, or negatively) of anyone, so that I do not cause him or her any dishonor, for any reason, except for some real, tangible good. (Matthew 18 would say, that starts by speaking to them about it first)

3. Resolved, never to do anything, that I would be hesitant to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

4. Resolved, if I take delight in anything as a gratification of my pride, or vanity, for any reason, immediately get rid of it.

5. Resolved, to live so at all times, and to make every effort, so that I have the clearest thoughts of things of the Gospel, and heaven.

6. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently that I clearly and plainly see how I am growing in the knowledge of the Scriptures. (Spurgeon: Bleed Bibline)

7. Resolved, never to give in to, or even slightly ease up in my fight with my sins, however unsuccessful I may be.

8. Resolved, not only to refrain from any sense of dislike, annoyance, or anger in my conversations, but to exhibit only love and cheerfulness.

9. Resolved, that I will not give way to that laziness which will de-focuses and relaxes my mind from being fully focused and set on the Gospel, even when I have a great excuse for it.

10. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, where I could possibly in any area of my life have done better.

Check out the list of all 70 resolutions here. This list helpfully re-arranged them into categories. 

Rob