Essentials for a Church Growing in Christ-likeness

Essentials for a Church Growing in Christ-likeness 1) Pastors who proclaim, feed on, and follow sound doctrine – vv6-7a. 2) Pastors and church members who train themselves for godliness – vv7b-10. Training for Godliness (Christ-likeness): · Valuable Promise - · God-empowered Effort - · Motivating Assurance – -Why is it critical that pastors themselves have a close relationship with Christ through His Word? -Do growing relationships just happen or do they require intentional effort? Show we expect the same in our relationship with Christ? -Have you exercised discipline to train yourself in other areas of life? If so, what did that entail? What would it look like to employ similar discipline in your relationship with Christ? -If someone were to observe you for a week, what would they conclude is valuable to you? Why is growing closer to Christ more valuable than worldly pursuits? -What about God's character gives you assurance in the promises of God's Word? For further study: Lk 18:29-30; Jn 10:10; Rom 13:12-14; 1 Cor 9:25-27; 2 Cor 11:27; Phil 2:12-13; Col 1:29; 2 Tim 3:10-16; Heb 12:1-2.