AGCC Values – The 5 G’s – Gracious & Grow

Sunday, January 8 th 2023

Ephesians 4:17-32; Colossians 3:9
Because of the gospel, we can love, be a friend and grow in Jesus
I. GRACIOUS
The second value and ‘G’ is GRACIOUS.
v.32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ
forgave you.”

Being gracious is displayed in two ways:
First, we are gracious in LOVING everyone.
Because of the example of Jesus in loving us while we were his enemies, gives us the
grace and power to love everyone…even our so-called enemies.

Second, we are gracious being FRIENDLY to everyone.
We can be friendly to anyone because Jesus is friends with us, and we were once his
enemy! Listen to the words of Jesus:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You
are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the
servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that
I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:13-15

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

II. GROW
The third value and ‘G’ is GROW. When God saved us, He gave us the Holy Spirit so
we could ‘put off’ the old self and ‘put on’ characteristics that reflect God and Jesus.

“…seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new
self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:9

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be
the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Growth in God comes in two ways, individually and corporately:
First, we grow individually. We grow individually by cultivating the spiritual disciplines
that help us hear God’s voice and bring change to our lives. The spiritual disciplines are
those practices that help us draw closer to God and mature in Christ. Prayer, Bible
study, fasting, solitude, giving, and serving are ways we all grow individually. Jesus will
continue to grow you into His image. It is a lifelong journey.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion
at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Second, we grow corporately. Growth comes corporately by making Sunday
Celebrations a priority. A key component of growth is the local church. It is where we
hear God’s word and apply it to our lives. Joining together with our spiritual family.
“
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to
meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more
as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24,25

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God
varied grace; who speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one
who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be
glorified through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:10

III. Conclusion
Because of the gospel, we can love, be a friend and grow in Jesus