Preparing to Take New Ground | The Spacious Life Week 1 | Pastor Andrew Cromwell

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 MSG: Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!

Wide-open and Spacious Life vs. Restricted and Limited Life

John 10:10 NIV: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Laying the Foundation for the Spacious Life

Plotting a Course

1. Where you are  — Your Current Location

2. Where you want to go — Your Destination

3. How you are going to get there —  Your Strategy

Identifying Where You Are

Give careful attention to your spiritual life and every cherished truth. — 1 Timothy 4:16 TPT

The Spiritual Levels of Engagement (click to view)

• Exploring Christ
• Growing in Christ
• Close to Christ
• Christ-Centered (the goal)

Exploring Christ

Characteristics

1. Attend church regularly, but no personal relationship with Christ.
2. Sluggish spiritual growth.
3. The longer they attend church, the less likely they are to become Christ-followers.

Growing in Christ — New LIFE

Characteristics

1. Most of the church.
2. Involved in church activities at a higher level.
3. Slow but steady spiritual growth.

Close to Christ — Abundant LIFE

Characteristics

1. Making relationship with Jesus part of everyday life.
2. Connecting daily with God through spiritual practices.
3. Showing signs of spiritual transformation.

Christ-Centered — Sacrificial LIFE

Characteristics

1. Sold out — head over heels in love with God.
2. Tithing, serving, and sharing more than anyone else.
3. Underchallenged by the church.
4. On the brink of spiritual greatness.

Targeting Where You Are Going

Exploring Christ

Action Items

1. Stop being passive, take ownership.
2. Recognize that time is critical.

Growing in Christ — New LIFE

Action Items

1. Expect to be challenged.
2. Grow in spiritual disciplines/practices.
3. Seek out spiritual conversations.

Close to Christ — Abundant LIFE

Action Items

1. Practice personal Bible study methods.
2. Intentionally make room for the Holy Spirit daily.
3. Take ownership of your spiritual growth.
4. Identify your giftings and operate in them more and more.
5. Move toward Sacrificial Living.

Christ-Centered — Sacrificial LIFE

Action Items

1. Leading the way — bringing people to Jesus, teaching them, spearheading new initiatives, stepping into the community
2. Restructuring life — choosing a lifestyle centered around mission

 

What am I doing to move towards the center?