Spiritual vitality

Spiritual vitality commended

2 Thessalonians 1:3 KJV 1900

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

See also Job 17:9; Ps 84:7; Ps 92:12; Pr 4:18; 1 Ti 4:15; 2 Pe 1:5–7

The means of developing spiritual vitality

Abiding in Christ

John 15:4 KJV 1900

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Seeking to imitate Jesus Christ

Ephesians 4:15 KJV 1900

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

See also Jn 13:15; Ro 12:1–2; Ro 13:14; 1 Co 11:1; Ga 3:27; Php 3:10; 1 Th 1:6; 1 Pe 2:21; 1 Jn 2:6; 1 Jn 2:28

Resisting temptation

1 John 2:14 KJV 1900

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

See also Mt 26:41; 1 Co 7:5; 1 Co 10:13; 1 Th 3:5; Heb 2:18; Jas 1:2–3; Jas 1:12; Re 3:10

Developing discipline

1 Timothy 6:12 KJV 1900

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

See also Heb 12:7–11; Re 3:18–19

Exhorting others

1 Ki 2:2; 2 Ch 15:7; Is 35:4; Hag 2:4; 1 Co 16:13; Eph 6:10; 2 Ti 2:1

Being filled with the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:18 KJV 1900

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

See also Ga 5:16–18; 1 Th 1:5

Obstacles to spiritual vitality

Lack of sound teaching

2 Timothy 4:1–3 KJV 1900

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

A failure to progress beyond basic teachings

Heb 5:12; 1 Pe 2:2

Examples of individuals with spiritual vitality

1 Sa 2:26 Samuel; Lk 1:80 John the Baptist

The young Jesus Christ:

Lk 2:40; Lk 2:52

Ac 9:22 Paul

The consequences of spiritual vitality

Spiritual growth

Ga 5:22–23; 2 Pe 3:18

See also Ro 12:1–2; 2 Co 3:18; Eph 4:11–15; Php 3:12; Col 1:10; 1 Th 4:3–7

Loving others

1 John 3:23 KJV 1900

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

See also Ga 5:6; Eph 1:15; Eph 6:23; Col 1:4–5; 1 Ti 1:5

Rejoicing in the Lord

Philippians 4:4–7 KJV 1900

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

See also Ps 5:11; Ps 13:5; Ps 33:21; Is 35:10; Ac 16:34; 1 Pe 4:12–13

Spiritual perseverance

Hebrews 6:12 KJV 1900

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

See also 1 Th 5:8; 1 Ti 3:9; 2 Ti 1:13; Re 13:10