Faith and Spiritual Life: Growing in Fellowship with God - Lesson 3
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
🌱 Introduction
There is an inner journey that every young person of God is called to begin: the journey of faith, prayer, and true fellowship with the heavenly Father. In a world full of many voices and the turmoil of worries, the soul of a young person can dry up like a river without rain. But Christ invites us to come to Him, to sink our roots deep in Him, to be like a tree planted by streams of water (Ps. 1:3).
A living faith is both a gift and a practice. It’s not just a fleeting feeling but a daily lifestyle—opening your heart to God in prayer, feeding on His Word, and sharing faith with others. That is where the strength for true victory and transformation is found.
Expected Outcomes:Participants will learn the foundations of spiritual growth, understand how to nurture and grow their faith in daily life, and gain strategies to build lasting friendship with God and His people.
📖 Biblical and Christian Foundations for Spiritual Growth
Abide in Christ
“Abide in Me, and I in you...” (John 15:4–5).
A Living Relationship with Christ. Jesus’ words are an invitation to remain in a close relationship, like the vine and the branches. The vine has no life without the branch, and the branch cannot bear fruit without the vine. Abiding in Christ is to depend on His life and the fruits of the Spirit—not on our own efforts, but through union with the Savior.
Moses – Seeking the Face of God. Just as Moses would remain in the tent waiting for the Lord, so we are called to seek God’s face and dwell in His presence. Without this, our lives become difficult, but when we are close to Him, we find new strength and direction (Ex. 33:11–17).
The Power of Prayer“
"Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17).
Prayer as the Breath of the Soul. Paul explains that prayer is not just a one-time event but a way of life. Just as breath is to the body, so is prayer to the soul. Prayer opens the door to wisdom, comfort, and victory over temptation.
Hannah – A Cry Answered. Hannah did not tire in praying to God despite shame and ridicule, and God answered her cry by giving her Samuel (1 Sam. 1:9–20). Like Hannah, perseverance and faithfulness in prayer bear fruit of blessing.
Feeding on God’s Word
“Your word is a lamp to my feet...” (Ps. 119:105).
The Word as Guidance and Food. God’s Word is a lamp that lights our path and food that nourishes our souls. The Word has the power to guide us, correct us, and rebuild us every time we read and meditate with an open heart.
Jesus in the Wilderness. Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations by saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Reading and meditating on the Word gives us victory in spiritual battles.
Fellowship of Believers
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship...” (Acts 2:42).
Community as a Source of Strength. The early church found strength and victory through true fellowship—praying together, sharing needs, and learning together. No one was created to live alone; true growth happens in a loving and supportive community.
Barnabas – Lifting Up the Weary. Barnabas reached out to Saul (Paul) and welcomed him into the community of believers, becoming a bridge for great evangelism (Acts 9:26–27). True fellowship can uplift and transform the lives of those who are weak.
Acts of Faith
“Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26).
Proof of Living Faith. James makes it clear that true faith produces action, just as the body cannot be alive without breath, faith cannot exist without works. The Christian life is proven by good deeds that come from living faith.
Abraham – Offering Isaac to God. Abraham showed his faith by obeying God and offering Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:1–18). Every act of obedience is proof of faith, and God rewards our faithfulness in unexpected ways.
🛐 Life Application
Pray: Start with a habit of praying every morning and evening; even a few minutes can change your day. Like a young person who sits quietly before sunrise, pray not only for yourself but also for those you love and those in need.
Read: Set aside special time to read one Gospel each month—read one chapter a day and jot down your insights. Like a traveler mapping out every step, let God’s Word guide you around the obstacles of life.
Share: Join a prayer group or small fellowship, where you can share your prayers, struggles, and victories. Like a team of players on the field, build your faith with others by standing together and supporting one another.
Do: Do an act of kindness or service for one person each week—visit the sick, help a neighbor, or offer words of comfort to the sorrowful. Like a small seed cast into the ground, your act of love can bring a season of hope to someone else.
🤔 Reflection Questions
Looking at your spiritual life as a map, what have you put first, and which area needs to change so your journey can have true direction?
Reflect on how your journey with other believers has uplifted or changed you—like a young person traveling with friends, the journey becomes easier and more joyful.
Are there any spiritual habits you want to rebuild or strengthen so your faith becomes more alive and fruitful?
Think of one testimony you can share about how prayer and God’s Word gave you strength and victory in the midst of your life’s challenges.
🙌 Final Blessing
May the Lord plant your roots deep in His love, make you a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruits of faith and good works. May He protect and strengthen you in every step of your spiritual journey. Amen.
Comments