Growth

Images of growth

Infancy to maturity

Ephesians 4:13–15 NKJV

till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

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Seeds and plants

Luke 8:14–15 NKJV

Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

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The apostles worked and prayed for growth in believers

2 Corinthians 13:9 NKJV

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.

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Dimensions of spiritual growth

In faith

2 Corinthians 10:15–16 NKJV

not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

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In knowledge

2 Peter 3:18 NKJV

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

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In love

1 Thessalonians 4:10 NKJV

and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more;

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Growth comes from God

Colossians 2:19 NKJV

and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

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Growth comes through discipleship

Putting away the sinful self

1 Peter 2:1 NKJV

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

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Moving on from basic teaching

Hebrews 6:1–2 NKJV

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

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Maturing in thinking

1 Corinthians 14:20 NKJV

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

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Persevering in faith

James 1:4 NKJV

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

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Contributing to growth in the church by exercising gifts

Ephesians 4:11–12 NKJV

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

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Examples of spiritual growth in some of God’s servants

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The growth of the kingdom of God

God promises that his kingdom will grow

Colossians 1:6 NKJV

which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

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The early church experienced rapid numerical growth

Acts 4:4 NKJV

However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

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