Purpose Driven Life Chapters 23-24

Day 23: How We Grow

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him Matthew 9:9

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 2 Peter 3:11

God’s part and your part.

We become whatever we are committed to.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure Philippians 2:12-13

Changing your autopilot.

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Ephesians 4:23

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.1 Corinthians 14:20

The way you think demonstrates the way you feel, and the way you feel influences they way you act.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification.  For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." Romans 15:2-3

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12

Think About my Purpose

Points to Ponder: It is never too late to start growing.

Verse to Remember: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Question to consider: Where is the one area I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God’s way?

Day 24: Transformed by Truth

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth John 17:17

that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrew 4:12

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:18

The Spirit of God uses the world of God to make us like the Son of God.

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food. Job 23:12

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,1 Peter 2:2

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

Abiding in God’s Word

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. John 8:31

I must accept its authority

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Acts 24:24

I must assimilate its truth

Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him." Luke 8:18

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

Many who claim to believe the Bible “from cover to cover” have never read it cover to cover.

And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, Deuteronomy 17:19

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You! Psalm 119:11

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.2 Corinthians 3:18

And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.' Acts 13:22

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm  119:97

I must apply its principles

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you John 15:7

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable!

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: Matthew 7:24

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:17

Think About my Purpose

Points to Ponder: The truth transforms me.

Verse to Remember: Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

Question to consider: What has God told me in his word that I haven’t started doing yet.