The Thrust of Life
Physical life naturally seeks growth, and the chapter uses this analogy to explain the potential of spiritual life. The Holy Spirit begins new life and sets believers on a path toward maturity. Growth is more than affirming that life exists; it is the development and expression of the life God has given.
Lesson goal: Replace anxiety about spiritual potential with confidence in the Holy Spirit’s presence and purpose to bring believers to maturity.
Watch the Lesson
Video length: 14:41
Read and Apply
Read Chapter 5: The Thrust of Life in The Life Core, pages 37–40.
Use the PDF or EPUB book from your enrollment links or Lesson 1.
The author rejects the idea that some genuine believers receive a superior grade of spiritual life. Although believers develop at different paces, the source and power of their life are the same. Confidence in God’s continuing work encourages anticipation and thankfulness rather than worry, both in learners and in those who teach them.
Key Teaching Points
- Spiritual life carries a God-given capacity and direction for growth.
- The Holy Spirit’s presence supplies the power for development toward maturity.
- Believers do not possess different grades of spiritual life.
- Different rates of growth do not imply a different source or inferior spiritual life.
Scripture to Consider
2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 5:5; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 1:13–14
For Reflection
- Identify a fear about your spiritual growth and consider it in light of Philippians 1:6.
- Thank God for beginning His work in you, and name one area where you can expect and respond to His continued work.
Reflection prompts help you apply the lesson; they are not graded quiz questions.
Three-Question Lesson Check
Answer all three questions; all three correct answers pass. After checking your answers, use Retake to clear the answers and explanations before trying again.