Growing in Obedience, Not Just in Numbers
Sermon Title: “Growing in Obedience, Not Just in Numbers”
Introduction
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s a blessing to be gathered here today in the presence of the Lord. I want to talk to you about something very close to God’s heart—the true measure of church growth.
We often hear churches boast about their increasing attendance, their expanding buildings, or their growing membership rolls. And while growth in numbers can be a sign of God’s blessing, I want to challenge us today to look deeper. Because, according to the Word of God, the real growth of a church isn’t just in how many people are gathered, but in how obedient those people are to Christ.
Today, I want to share with you that the true indicator of a thriving church is the level of obedience and faithfulness of its members. Because, if we are obedient to God’s Word, the growth will follow—spiritually first, then numerically.
Part 1: The Biblical Model of Church Growth
Let’s begin by looking at the Bible’s picture of growth.
In Acts 2:41-47, we see the early church. After Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, about 3,000 people were added to the church in a single day. But notice what led to that growth: obedience. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They were committed to living out God’s Word.
And verse 47 says, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” The growth was organic, rooted in obedience.
Now, consider the house churches mentioned in Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, and Colossians 4:15. These early Christians met in homes—not grand cathedrals or large auditoriums—yet the church grew. Why? Because obedience and faithfulness in small, intimate settings fostered authentic community and spiritual maturity.
Key Point:
Growth in the early church was not just about numbers; it was about obedience to Christ’s commandments. Genuine growth is rooted in spiritual faithfulness.
Part 2: Obedience as the Mark of a Genuine Church
Jesus Himself emphasized obedience. In John 14:15, He said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is the proof of our love for Christ.
In John 14:21, Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.” Obedience is the evidence of true discipleship.
And in John 14:23, Jesus makes an incredible promise: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Obedience opens the door to intimacy with God.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:21, 23) offers a vital lesson: those who are faithful and obedient with what God has entrusted them will be rewarded. Growth, in God’s view, is linked to faithfulness and obedience—not just the number of people.
Obedience leads to spiritual maturity, which in turn produces authentic growth. When individuals and churches obey God’s Word, they reflect Christ’s character and attract others to Him.
Part 3: The Danger of Focusing on Numbers Alone
Brothers and sisters, we must be cautious. The crowd following Jesus in John 6:26-27 shows that numbers can be deceiving. Jesus told them, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life.”
Many are attracted by signs and miracles but lack true obedience.
Jesus warned about false growth in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom, but only the one who does the will of my Father.”
Size does not equal spiritual health. A church can have a large congregation but still lack genuine obedience and righteousness.
Superficial growth is dangerous because it can breed complacency and false security. What God desires is obedient hearts committed to His Word.
Part 4: Principles for True Growth
So, what does biblical growth look like? Here are some principles:
1. Obedience is the Path to Growth
James 1:22-25 reminds us: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Obedience to God’s Word is the foundation for spiritual growth.
2. The Fruit of Obedience
Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit. When we obey the Spirit, our lives produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits attract others and demonstrate genuine growth.
3. Leadership and the Whole Church
Ephesians 4:11-16 explains that leaders equip believers for works of obedience and service. When every member obeys and serves, the church grows in maturity and unity.
4. The Power of Obedient Community
Acts 4:31 shows that when the early church was unified in obedience, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and boldness. This unity and obedience led to explosive growth.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, I want to leave you with this truth: God’s true measure of growth is obedience, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity—not just the size of our congregation or the number of members.
Let’s examine ourselves today. Are we obeying God’s Word? Are we committed to living out what Jesus has commanded? Because as we do, God promises to bless us—spiritually first, and then, in His perfect timing, numerically.
Remember the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Obedience to Christ is the key to genuine growth.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that instructs us clearly. Lord, we confess that sometimes we focus too much on numbers and forget that true growth begins in the heart—through obedience and faithfulness.
Help us, Lord, to be obedient to Your commands. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may produce the fruits of righteousness.
May our church be known not just by its size but by its faithfulness, obedience, and love for You.
Grow us spiritually, Lord, and in Your perfect timing, add to our number those whom You are calling into Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Optional Closing Song:
“Trust and Obey.”
Final Words:
Brothers and sisters, let’s commit ourselves anew to obeying God’s Word. As we do, we can be confident that God will bring the growth He desires—both inwardly and outwardly.
God bless you all!
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