It’s wonderful to grow in our knowledge of God’s word. But thankfully, God wants more, – and better – for us than just knowledge.

In Colossians 1:9–10, the Apostle Paul shares God’s desire when he prays for believers:

“…since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way…” (Colossians 1:9–10).

The goal isn’t information. It’s transformation. Not just knowing more, but living a life that pleases God. God gave us his word to shape our loves, decisions, habits, priorities – our whole lives. But we can feel a gap. We can understand something clearly and still struggle to live it. We can agree with what God says and still drift toward distraction, worry, pride, or comfort. So, we need God’s Spirit to fill us with wisdom and understanding that actually changes how we think, speak, and live. Growth Groups help us bring the truth of God’s word into everyday obedience.

Sylvia from our 11:30am gathering reflects:

“Being in a Growth Group has helped me refocus on what truly matters. Meeting with brothers and sisters during the week to read God’s word reminds me that Christ is and should be my priority. It helps me realign my week when I get distracted by the worries of the world.”

Refocus. Realign. We all drift. Our hearts slowly slide toward lesser things – busy schedules, endless scrolling, small frustrations. Growth Groups are one of the ways God brings us back, reminding us who he is and what truly matters.

Similarly, Poppy (7pm) says:

“Being part of a Growth Group has helped me see how members of the church, both in similar and different stages of life to me, prioritise their relationships with and service to God. It has shown me that putting God at the centre of everything I do isn’t an abstract idea that only ministers can do, but something that all believers can and should pursue and grow in.”

This kind of growth springs from digging into God’s word together, praying through it, and applying it together.

Sylvia also shares:

“I really appreciate that we are taught how to read the Bible faithfully and in its proper context. When our discussions start to stray, we gently bring ourselves back to Scripture. This keeps us grounded in God’s Word and points us to God’s character and objective truth.”

Growth Groups help each other not get lost in speculation or opinion, but to keep returning to what God has actually said. And as we keep returning to Scripture together, God uses ordinary discussion and prayer to change us.

Susan (9:45am) says:

“Being in a Growth Group has helped to deepen my understanding of God’s word which in turn helps me to grow in my relationship with Jesus. His word instructs me, convicts me, corrects me and is a constant source of comfort both spiritually and emotionally.”

Ailsa (9:45am) adds:

“Listening to and reflecting upon comments of others as we discuss the questions have deepened my knowledge and appreciation of the scriptures and the relevance they have to everyday living.”

Growth Group helps us ask honest questions:

• What does this mean for my work?
• For my marriage?
• For how I speak to my children?
• For how I respond when plans fall apart?
• For how I handle suffering or disappointment?
• For how I use my time?

And we can help each other bring these answers into real life.

When we know God’s grace to us in Christ, we grow to forgive instead of holding a grudge. When we know his patience with us, we can take a deep breath and respond more gently to our child or spouse. When we know his holiness, we can stop ignoring that “little” sin and instead confess it and fight it. When we know his sacrificial love at the cross, we can choose costly love – serving when we’re tired, and speaking the gospel when it’s uncomfortable.

Growth takes time, commitment, and community. And it takes humility to say, “I need help living this out.”

If you’re not in a Growth Group, you can join one this week. Visit the Growth Groups page on our website, speak with your congregational pastor, or ask someone in a Growth Group what it’s meant for them. God has given us one another so that his truth doesn’t just fill our minds, but reshapes our lives from the inside out, so we can live a life worthy of him.

Hosea Luy (Assistant Minister | 9:45am & 11:30am)