Living The Christian Life
Spiritual Growth
1. The principle of spiritual growth
2. The development of spiritual growth
3. The origin of spiritual growth
4. The means of spiritual growth
5. The benefits of spiritual growth
For Additional Study
1. The principle of spiritual growth
The believer who accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior understands that this act has many implications in his life. Henceforth his way of life should demonstrate that he belongs to Christ ( Col 3: 1-2 ) and reflect the image of Christ ( Col 3: 9-10 ). During his conversion, the Christian is set apart for God and he is called to strive for holiness (saint = set apart, separated) in his daily life; this is what the Bible calls sanctification ( 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-3 ; 2 Corinthians 6:14 ; 2 Corinthians 7: 1 ).
Sanctification is a "walk from progress to progress" ( 1 Thessalonians 4: 1 ) which is also presented in the Bible as spiritual growth ( 2 Pi 3:18 ). In creation, everything that has life is called to grow and so is spiritual life (Ge 1: 11-12; Ps 92:13 ; Lu 1:80 ; 2 Th 1: 3 ).
2. The development of spiritual growth
Through his spiritual growth, the believer is transformed to possess and gradually manifest the Christian character. This transformation does it:
• to pass from the life of the flesh (the natural being, the instinctive being) to that of the Spirit ( Ga 5: 16-25 );
• to pass from the state of spiritual childhood to that of "made man" ( Heb 5: 13-14 ; Eph 4: 13-15 );
• strive for perfection ( 2 Cor 13:11 );
• to detach oneself from earthly things to become attached to heavenly things ( Col 3: 1-2 ; 2 Cor 4:18 ; Phil 3: 18-20 ).
The progress of growth continues until death ( Phil 3:12 ).
3. The origin of spiritual growth
The origin of spiritual growth is found in:
• God's plan to make his children like Christ ( Ro 8:29 ) and conform to his holiness ( 1 Pi 1: 15-16 ; Jud 1:24 );
• the work of God ( 1 Cor 3: 6-7 ; 1 Cor 6:11 ; 1 Th 5:23 ; 1 Pi 5:10 );
• obedience of the child of God called to reject sin and to conform to the will of God ( 1 Pi 1: 14-16 , 1 Pi 1: 22a ; Heb 12: 1-2 ).
For the Christian, the motive for his obedience is found in his love for God and his desire to please and glorify him. The fear of being caught should not be the reason ( Mt 22: 37-38 ; 2 Cor 5: 14-15 ; 1 Cor 10:31 ; 1 Pi 4:11 ; 1 Jn 4:18 ). When the Bible speaks of "fear of God" (for example in 2 Cor 7:11 ), it is not fear but respect for God.
4. Means of spiritual growth
God gave several means necessary for the spiritual growth of the believer:
• reading and studying the Word of God which provides nourishment suitable for the spiritual age ( 1 Pi 2: 1-2 ; Heb 5: 11-14 ; cf. 2 Ti 3:16 );
• prayer ( Jud 1: 20-21 ; Phil 4: 6 );
• regular participation in the life of a local Church to benefit the ministries exercised in that Church ( Eph 4: 11-13 ; Heb 10:25 );
• the testimony lived and spoken ( 1 Ti 4:12 , 1 Ti 4: 15-16 ; cf. Acts 9:20 , Acts 9:22 ).
By neglecting these means, the believer slows down, even stops, his spiritual growth.
5. The benefits of spiritual growth
Spiritual growth puts the believer to the benefit of God's blessing in all areas of life ( Ps 1: 1-3 ). It follows:
• a regulated and balanced life ( Ga 5: 19-22 );
• joy ( Jn 15: 10-11 ; Ps 1: 1-2 );
• peace, tranquility, rest, security ( Mt 11:29 ; Phil 4: 6-9 ; Pr 29:25 );
• a fruitful life that brings satisfaction ( Jn 10:10 ; Jos 1: 8 ; Ps 1: 3 );
• spiritual discernment and maturity of judgment ( Hebrews 5:14 ; 1 Cor 14:20 );
• the constitution of a treasure in heaven ( Mt 6: 19-21 ).
In return, the believer glorifies his Father by manifesting these fruits ( Jn 15: 8-9 ; Col 1:10 ).