Icebreaker:

What is one area of your life that you would love to see growth in this year? Explain.

``Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalms‬ 1:1-3‬ NLT)

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1. God's desire is growth

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season”

The first command to Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth (Genesis 1:28). We are here because of their obedience to that command. God also created seed bearing plants with the ability to reproduce. God wants you to grow as well. He wants your influence and ministry to grow. A good question to ask ourselves is; Do I have a growth attitude? 

2. Enemies of growth

“This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough!” (Galatians 5:9)

 Our enemy, Satan, does not want us to grow. His desire is to plant discouraging thoughts in our spirit that will stifle a growth mentality. He may even send people across our path to say things such as; “you can invite them but they won't come…”  “I don't know if that person could ever be saved…”“I’ve been doing this a long time and let me tell you…” 

“well i read recently, heard recently”

An attitude of defeat or complacency will stop the growth in our lives that God wants to take place. 

3. An Attitude of Growth

“Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30)

When God led the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt to the land He had promised, there were enemies that had to be defeated. Out of twelve spies who went in to survey the land only Joshua and Caleb had an attitude of growth that pleased God. 

Let's be “we can conquer” type of leaders and let’s be people with a “YES” in our mouth and spirit!

Questions:

1. What does a growth attitude look like? What are some of the characteristics of someone who is growing? 
2. Words can be so powerful. They can build up and encourage or they can tear down. Have you ever been affected by a discouraging report or criticism? How did you respond?
3. If you could do any ministry for God and His kingdom what would it be. What group of people would you target?