Continuous Personal Renewal

A lifelong personal growth plan

Paul J. Bucknell
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An Extended Outline

Our full resources for this is in the D2 (Discipleship 2) Library.

Purpose

An extended outline for Continuous Personal Renewal: A lifelong personal growth plan provides a basic understanding how spiritual growth takes place and practical steps on how to renew that growth throughout our lives.

1. Struggles in Our Spiritual Life

• Discovering the Source of Struggles

  1. Not the word of God

  2. Not in God’s will

  3. Not in God’s power

  4. Not in who we are

• Reflections on Struggles

  • Do you or others sense confusion or trouble in your soul?

  • Observe what you or others are focusing on.

  • Confess this confusion.

  • Seek His wisdom, light, love, protection and guidance.

2. The Path of Spiritual Growth

Three Developmental Paths

(1) Redemptive Perspective (Eph 1:6)

I belong to God and live for His purpose.

(2) Plan Perspective (Eph 2:10)

• God’s plan for our lives encompasses many activities

• and specific actions through our lifetime.

• Developmental Perspective (1 John 2:12-14)

• Three spiritual growth stages parallel family growth.

(3) Reflections on Paths of Growth

• Our sonship, we belong. Do I doubt my salvation or importance of living a Christian life?

• Our part, God’s plan. Do I fit? What good can I do?

• Our growth, God’s life in us. Am I growing as He purposes in my life?

3. Development at Each Stage of our Spiritual Lives

Stage #1: Children -> New Believers -> Strong Security in His Love

Our trust in God grows as we better grasp God's love for us seen in our salvation through Christ. God adopts us as His children, trains us to be like Him and engages us in His work with Him. No matter what I face in life, God is with me.

The meaning of life - know we are loved and belong to Christ.

Stage #2: Young Men -> Young Believers -> Great Confidence in His Word

Establish a greater confidence in God’s Word as we regularly experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Through His Word the Lord reveals His truths which mark out His path for us. At the same time we are better able to discern the evil one’s way of confusing and distressing us. No matter what problems I face, God's Word enables me to overcome.

The power of life - obtain victory by our confidence in God’s Word.

Stage #3: Fathers -> Mature Believers -> Deep Intimacy with God

Learn how intimacy with God the Father produces glorious results as we better discern and  complete the Lord’s good works. God further reveals His mysterious self, welcomes us step further in and engages us to carry out His good works. No matter which situation I find myself in, God will bear fruit that glorifies Him.

The purpose of life - enjoy God and carry out His will.

Reflections on Paths of Growth

• Are you growing?

• Which stage are you at?

• What particular issues are you growing in?

• Are you helping others to grow?

• Do you know how?

4. A Personal Development Chart for You and Others

Two charts are available.

Make your renewal chart personal!

Appendix

Spiritual Growth Values

• God wants His life to abundantly grow in each of His children.

• With His Word and Spirit, each believer can grow to full maturity.

• There is no temptation or evil force that needs to hold back His children from complete spiritual development.

• There is no spiritual failure that would keep us from spiritual growth in the future.

• God wants us to grow to Christ’s fullness.

• Spiritual growth is a typical (supernatural) process.

• Before we can grow further at some stages, we need to further develop the spiritual foundations of earlier stages.

• Spiritual growth should vigorously continue until we see Christ.

• God is always at our side, wanting us to progress in spiritual strength and fervor.