Text: John 8:31-32, Philippians 2:5-8, 2 Kings 2:1-4, Matthew 11:29-30, Ruth 1:16-17

Memory Verse: Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

INTRODUCTION
The first and the greatest commandment is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy soul and with thy mind – Matthew 22:37. Loving any other individual like father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, etc more than God is breaking the first commandment. It is a direct insult on the personality of the eternal Godhead and cannot be viewed lightly by the Divine Judge.

Jesus declared that whosoever transgress in this pertinent commandment is not worthy of Him nor the Father. A disciple will prefer Jesus before his/her nearest and dearest relations. A true disciple forgoes pleasure, possession and position which try to dethrone Christ and exalt self. Any custom, culture, and tradition that does not glorify Christ must not be practiced.

COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
Jesus demands total commitment from all His followers. Whosoever will not totally put himself under the Lordship of Christ does not belong to Him – John 8:31-32. A disciple must take the yoke of Jesus with all seriousness and steadfastness. Jesus instructed that whosoever will be His disciple will have to carry his cross and follow Him.

True disciples must crucify the flesh and every form of filthiness of the flesh. Carrying your cross is the commencement of a new life and a new journey. However, the devil paints those who carry the cross as people who are old fashioned and follow doctrines that are no longer necessary and relevant. This is because he knows the secret of the Cross. It was at the Cross that Christ gave him a Technical Knock-Out. There is victory, power, blessings, etc at the Cross.

Cross is the symbol of responsibility. It is the pointer to the fact that the path of discipleship is rugged and demanding. It demands a high level of determination to follow without looking back; whether food or no food, in suffering, persecution, trials, temptation, etc.

It Is Costly To Follow Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus has a yoke and whoever wants to follow Him must bear that yoke with Him. An example of this is found in John 4:34, “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” Whoever fails to share this burden with Jesus cannot be His disciple.

2. Anyone who wants to be a disciple of Christ must learn of Him, He must pattern His life after Christ’s life i.e. to be meek and lowly in heart. Philippians 2:5-8 – We must know that discipleship has its price; but it is highly rewarding. Jesus says, “…and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

SPIRITUAL GROWTH
The majority of believers today have simply refused to grow up. They have remained babyish in their comportment and behavior. Adults are strong, matured and skillful in every situation while babies are weak, inexperienced and dependent. Miracles are good but miracles without spiritual growth hold no attraction for heaven. Advancement or progress in other areas of life is incomplete without spiritual growth.

Many believers are standing in the same spot for many years while many are making a downward journey. Many who have been fed with choice food from the table of the Almighty refuse to grow up. A lot of believers who are supposed to climb the ladder of power are unfortunately sleeping on the staircase. The spiritual level of many Christians has acted as hindrance to God’s purpose and plan for their lives.

Things That Hinder Spiritual Growth
1. Criticism and gossip.
2. Strife and envy.
3. Disobedience to leadership.
4. Not being regular in church weekly meetings.
5. Lack of interest in the Word of God.
6. Keeping company with rebellious people.
7. Lack of quiet time.

Spiritual growth is essential for your inner being to be healthy. Spiritual maturity is not old age. If you see anyone who has been old in the church, a worker or an elder who refuses to participate in Bible Study, they are old babies.

Spiritual growth involves;
1. Determination – Determine to leave the present level you are.
2. Discipline – Do not allow your flesh to control you.
3. Perseverance – Do not listen to what the enemy is saying but rather move ahead.

Growing In Grace
You must not hold anything against anybody; others may but you cannot because you are expected to be growing in grace and in the knowledge of God. If you want to grow, you must allow God to have His way in your life.

Holiness, humility, obedience, fellowship, service, loyalty and total commitment is what Jesus demands from all His followers. Except the flesh dies, you cannot move to the higher ground.

Questions
- Why do modern Christians refuse to grow like the early Christians?
- How can a new believer grow into maturity?
- Why do many Christians find it difficult to deny self for Christ?
- How can one become a follower of Christ?
- Mention three things people assume to be spiritual growth?

CHANGE LIVES
Spiritual growth is transformation whereby lives are changed from unbelief to belief and from ungodliness to godliness. A recognizable change begins with conversion and continues throughout life. Everyday, God’s attributes should be clearly seen in us i.e. spiritual growth.

To have the image of God, you must embark on the following;

1. Truthfulness – Speak the truth because God cannot lie.
2. Faithfulness – Be faithful to God and man.
3. Justice – Just as God shows no favouritism and partiality and is just in His dealings.
4. Integrity – Be honest, live a transparent life for others to emulate.
5. Purity and righteousness.

Finally, God’s goodness, kindness, compassion, patience, forgiveness, generousity, love, etc should be seen in the life of every believer.