Lesson 4- Spiritual Growth

So far we have discussed salvation and how to know that you are saved, sanctification and how God desires to shape and mold us so that we can be used, separation and how we are to be distinct from the world.

The goal of today’s lesson is to learn what you need to do in order to pursue spiritual growth.

2 Peter 3:18 (KJV): But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

When you and I were saved we were born again and we began a journey of spiritual growth which God desires to continue throughout the rest of our lives.

We start out as spiritual infants but we should grow up and progress towards spiritual adulthood as we follow the Lord and allow Him to work in our lives.

Ephesians 4:14–15 (KJV): That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

The Ingredients for Growth

There are several ingredients which work together to allow us to grow spiritually.

One of the most important ingredients is the Word of God.

1 Peter 2:2 (KJV): As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

The Word of God is our basic nourishment as we begin this journey of spiritual growth just as milk is the basic nourishment for every newborn baby.

As a baby grows, it will ultimately graduate from milk to solid foods. The Word of God is also our nourishment as we begin to mature and reach this stage in our spiritual growth.

Hebrews 5:13–14 (KJV): For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

We will never reach a point in our spiritual growth where we no longer have need of the Word of God. The Word of God grows with us and as we mature we will begin to understand the deeper truths which it contains.

Another vital ingredient to our spiritual growth is the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 (KJV): Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV): But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Spirit of God will guide us in truth and will apply the scriptures to our lives.

One other vital ingredient for your spiritual growth is the church.

Ephesians 4:11–12 (KJV): And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The primary ministry of the local New Testament Church is to help believers to grow to spiritual maturity.

How to Grow

Read and Study the Scriptures

Now that we know the ingredients that are necessary for our spiritual growth, we need to figure out what we must do to actually grow to spiritual maturity.

It is unfortunate but true that some believers have been saved for many years but have never progressed beyond spiritual infancy.

This is because spiritual growth does not happen automatically, you must be intentional if you want to grow.

In order to grow spiritually you must consistently spend time with the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV): Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The Bible is not like other books, we don’t read it through once and then cast it aside. We must make a habit of spending time daily in the scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV): All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

The Bible is a source of truth, it will convict us where we are wrong, it will show us how to make things right, and it will teach us how we ought to live.

Yield to The Spirit of God

If you want to grow you must be led of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit will help you to know how to make personal application of the scriptures.

Galatians 5:16 (KJV): This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

When we yield ourselves to the Spirit of God’s control, He will produce spiritual fruit in our lives.

Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Only by following the leadership of the Spirit of God can we live in a manner that is pleasing to God.

Romans 8:1 (KJV): There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Many believers cease to grow spiritually because they refuse to yield to the influence of the Spirit of God.

Be a Faithful Member of the Church

Many believers place very little emphasis on the church and do not consistently attend.

Yet God has chosen to use the church as the primary means of spiritual growth for every believer.

Ephesians 4:11–12 (KJV): And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

God has placed within the church those who are gifted with the ability to teach and preach the Word of God.

The purpose of the church is to “perfect” the saints which means to help them to grow to full maturity.

When a believer chooses to miss church on a regular basis, it will severely stunt his/her spiritual growth.

God uses the preaching and teaching in the church to grow us spiritually and to miss this opportunity is to miss out on vital spiritual nourishment.

Do You Want to Grow?

If you want to grow spiritually you are going to have to make some intentional choices, it will not happen by accident.

You need to make a choice to regularly read and study the Bible.

You may not understand everything that you read and you may have many questions, but you must determine to keep reading and to keep studying.

You need to make a choice to yield to the Holy Spirit.

Let the Spirit of God direct you and guide you in the application of the principles found in the scriptures to your own life.

You need to make a choice to be faithful to church.

Make church a priority and do your best to attend every service so that you can hear the teaching and preaching of God’s Word and grow as a result.