Deeper Waters
Deeper, part 1 of 2
Many keep their spiritual boat in shallow waters because it is safe there. But God designed us to sail our spiritual boats into the deeper waters because the deeper waters produce the best treasures. Looking at the disciples fishing adventure and how Christ advised to sail into deeper waters led to a gigantic catch of fish, we will learn how spiritually we can apply the same principles of growing deeper and discovering great spiritual treasure. We’ll look at ways that we can determine if our spiritual life is growing deeper or if our spiritual life is a sleeper.
Download the notes.“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”
(1 Corinthians 2:10b, NIV)
I) SOME ARE GROWING SPIRITUALLY _DEEPER_.
“When He [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”
(Luke 5:4-7, NIV)
Growing Deeper With Others Involves…
1) Going deeper in ___MATURITY___ with God.
“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…”
(Hebrews 6:1a, NIV)
* People who go deeper pursue a __DAILY QUIET TIME__.
2) Going deeper in ___TRUTH___ for others.
“They must hold to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.”
(1 Timothy 3:9, NIV)
* People who go deeper pursue __“COMMON GROUND”__.
3) Going deeper in ___COMMUNITY___ with others.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe… All the believers were together… they gave to anyone as they had need. Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes…praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number…”
(Acts 2:42-47, NIV)
* People who go deeper pursue a __COMMUNITY GROUP__.
II) OTHERS ARE GROGGY SPIRITUAL_SLEEPERS_.
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.”
(Acts 20:7-9, NIV)
Too Many People Are Asleep To…
1) …___KNOWING___ enough about God’s Word.
2) …___GROWING___ stronger in God’s family.
3) …___SOWING___ their gifts in God’s church.
“Jesus: ‘If you want to be my follower you must love Me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters— yes more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me.’”
(Luke 14:26-27, NLT)
“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.”
(John 6:66-67, NIV)
III) FROM SLEEPER TO SPIRITUALLY DEEPER
1) Start saying “yes” to _GOD FIRST BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE_.
“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord: I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken.”
(Luke 5:8-9, NIV)
2) Start throwing yourself __FULLY INTO THE WORK OF GOD__.
“Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘He’s alive!’ Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.”
(Acts 20:10-12, NIV)