I. CHRISTIANS ARE COMMANDED TO GROW IN THE FAITH.

A. The Christian life is one of growth - beginning with birth and continuing to maturity.

John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.""

Ephesians 4:15 - "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ;"

1 Peter 2:2 - "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,"

B. We are commanded to "Go on unto perfection." (Maturity)

2 Peter 3:18 - "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."

Hebrews 5:12-14 "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. {13} For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. {14} But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

II. THE WAY TO CHRISTIAN GROWTH.

A. Seek Spiritual food.

2 Timothy 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

1 Peter 3:15 - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;" 

Matthew 4:4 - "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'""

B. Spend time in prayer daily.

God speaks to us through His word, we speak to Him through prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 - "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;"

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "pray without ceasing,"

C. Take advantage of every public assembly that the church offers. 

Hebrews 10:22-25 "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. {23} Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. {24} And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, {25} not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Acts 2:46 - "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart," 

There is strength gained from numbers. A coal cannot burn bright very long if it is removed from a fire. So, too, a Christian cannot remain faithful very long when removed from the fellowship that comes from other Christians.

D. Grow through self-sacrifice.

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

E. Grow through exercising our spiritual muscles - teaching others the gospel.

Matthew 28:18-20 

Acts 8:4 - "Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word."

F. Stay away from sinful situations.

Romans 12:9 - "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."

1 Thessalonians 5:22 - "Abstain from every form of evil."

III. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH?

A. We will become full-grown Christians.

1 Corinthians 13:11 - "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

Hebrews 5:13-14 "For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. {14} But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

B. It will bring real happiness to our lives.

As we learn more of God's will we will better appreciate His plan for us.

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, {2} looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
 
 

Copyright 1999 by Grady Scott may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.