Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to
follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.
Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will
overflow with thankfulness.
1. Growing in Christ reminds us each day of what really matters in 2026.
Philippians 1:9-10 (NLT)
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on
growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what
really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of
Christ’s return.
2. How did the first believers grow in Jesus?
Acts 2:42-47 (NLT)
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship,
and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many
miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place
and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions
and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the
Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals
with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the
goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those
who were being saved.
3. How can we as a church grow in 2026?
Start each day with reading scripture and prayer.
Make your church family a priority with Sunday or Thursday worship.
Be in a home group or small group.
Love and serve others outside of church.
4. Eight steps for growing in Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT)
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement
your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence
with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient

endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly
affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
faith
moral excellence
knowledge
self-control
patient endurance
godliness
brotherly affection
love for everyone
The Promise?
2 Peter 1:8 (NLT)
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow
to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of
love and peace will be with you.