Session 2:

Designed to Grow Spiritually

“Spiritual maturity is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act. The more you develop Christlike character, the more you will bring glory to God. The Bible says, ‘As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.’”

The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren p. 59

Listen To Session 2

David was, “a man after .”

David’s passion for and continual

marked him as “a man after God’s Heart.”

The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. . . . Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight…I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies. Psalm 119:72–79 (ESV)

The goal of reading the Bible is to in each passage.

God’s Word has promises for your life, stories of people who faced challenges and opportunities like you, instructions for building your life and revelations that show what God is really like.

I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they Session 2: Growing Spiritually 17 are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Psalm 142:1–7a (NIV)

Our prayers need to be with God, not a religious exercise.

Then our prayers should transition to ,

, and .

God is

Good, Love, Our Refuge, Our Savior, Our Healer, Our Good Father, Our Comforter, Our Guide, Our Strong Tower, Our Protector, Creator, King

connect, encourage one another, and keep

each other accountable to God’s purpose for their lives like Jonathan helped David.