Growing in Grace

Flourishing in the Arms of God

Small Group Study Questions

Opening Question

Think about a plant or garden you've tried to grow. What happened when you forgot to water it or give it proper care? How is tending a garden similar to growing in our faith?

General Observation

1. In this sermon, the pastor compared spiritual growth to a plant needing proper care to flourish. What stood out to you most about this comparison between physical growth and spiritual growth?

2. The pastor emphasized that "grace is not merely the starting point of faith, but the soil in which we must continually root ourselves." How would you explain the difference between these two ways of thinking about grace?

3. Which of the Scripture passages mentioned in the sermon (2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 4:15, John 15:4-5, Philippians 1:6, or Colossians 2:6-7) resonated most with you, and why?

Understanding the Message

4. According to 2 Peter 3:18, we are called to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." What do you think it means to grow in both grace AND knowledge together?

5. The sermon discussed John 15:4-5, where Jesus says, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine." What does it practically mean to "remain" or "abide" in Christ?

6. The pastor mentioned that spiritual maturity is "a journey Marked by learning and transformation as we align ourselves more closely with Christ." What are some signs that someone is maturing spiritually?

Personal Application

7. When you think honestly about your own spiritual life, would you describe yourself as growing, stagnant, or perhaps even declining? What evidence supports your assessment?

8. The sermon emphasized that growth requires both grace and knowledge. In your current season of life, which do you feel you need more of - a deeper experience of God's grace, or greater knowledge and understanding of His Word?

9. Looking at your daily routine, what practices currently help you "remain in Christ"? What obstacles make it difficult for you to maintain that connection with Him?

10. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." How does this promise encourage you when you feel like your spiritual growth is slow or inconsistent?

Action Steps

11. The pastor challenged everyone to "commit to one new spiritual discipline this week that will foster growth in grace." What specific discipline could you realistically add to your routine this week? (Examples: daily Bible reading, prayer walks, worship music, journaling, etc.)

12. Who in your life could serve as an encouragement or accountability partner in your spiritual growth? How might you reach out to them this week?

13. The sermon mentioned "recognizing and celebrating God's grace daily." What is one way you could intentionally notice and thank God for His grace each day this week?

Sample Prayer

*"Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that not only saved us but continues to be the foundation for our growth in You. We confess that sometimes we try to grow in our own strength instead of remaining rooted in Your grace. Help us to abide in Christ like branches connected to the vine, drawing our life and strength from Him.

Lord, we want to grow in both grace and knowledge of Jesus. Show us the areas where we've become stagnant, and give us the desire and discipline to take practical steps toward spiritual maturity. Thank You for the promise that You will complete the good work You've started in us.

Help us to be patient with the process, knowing that growth takes time. May our lives bear fruit that brings glory to You and blessing to others. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."*