GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY BY @EXCEPTIONAL20

Growth in this physical realm is easy to understand, because it involves visible changes and transformation. Everyone is constantly in the process of growth. There was a time we were water and blood in our mothers womb, with time we grew into a baby in the womb which after 9 months, we came forth. And since then, we have been growing up, while others are growing older.

Growth is necessary. Paul said when I was a child I talk like a child now am matured I put away childish things. What happened to Paul? Growth. A child that doesn't grow becomes a burden to the parents and people around him. As important as physical growth is, Spiritual growth is far more important.

Hebrews 6:1: “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God."

Hebrews 5:12: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food."

The author of the book of Hebrews clearly raises a concern for spiritual growth among believers. It is imperative in our walk with God that we grow in Him and not merely remain as “churchgoers." As we see, remaining in stagnancy does not bring about any good in our lives.

Perhaps the best summary of spiritual growth is becoming more like Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of what it truly means to be spiritual.

Second Peter 3:18 tells us, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

If we examine this verse, we can see that there is a very simple definition of what spiritual growth is; growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! To take it slightly further, in order to do that we must truly dedicate our time not only to reading the bible but by becoming students of the word.

We need to study the scriptures and become knowledgeable about its truth. The Holy Spirit is the one who reveals the Word of God to us. If we come to Him in prayer and ask Him to open our understanding to His Word as we study it, He will teach it to us. Spiritual growth can be defined as simply growing and maturing in our knowledge and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since we have taken the time to understand why spiritual growth is important, let’s examine what are some of the keys to spiritual growth.

Prayer: Having a strong prayer life is absolutely essential to our spiritual growth.

Bible Study: As I mentioned earlier, we must become students of the Word and put that knowledge into application.

Church Fellowship: The Book of Proverbs teaches us that wise men walk in wise counsel (Proverbs 13:20).

Humbling Ourselves: One thing that the bible makes clear is that God will resist the proud but He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). In order for us to grow spiritually, we must be humble and teachable.

Be Forgiving: As with humbling ourselves, there is no way to allow God to work in our hearts if we do not learn to forgive others (Matthew 6:15).

As we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, our faith begins to strengthen. Our will begins to align itself with the will of God. It is important for us as believers to grow spiritually so we can be effective in our God-given calling. We as the church have been given power by God to change the world and the only way we will be able to do that is by having a firm foundation on the Rock (Jesus Christ) and be rooted in His Word.