“Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.” -A.W. Tozer, Pursuit of GodSpiritual growth. Have you ever stopped to really think about it? How does a follower of Jesus grow in his or her Christian life. What does it take to mature in the faith? How is God involved in this, and what's He doing in the process?
In similar fashion, you might wonder what our role is, and what does a well-balanced Christian life look like? How can I make the decisions that God wants me to make? These are all excellent questions, and have surely been asked, along with many others, across the great expanse of time. And, one only has to start looking to discover that there are many avenues which offer possible answers to these questions.
The early church devoted itself to five priorities of spiritual growth These were: Scriptures, Prayer, Fellowship, Witnessing, and Service. Each area is powerful, and has been well-presented many times and ways. However, albeit briefly, today I would like to focus solely on the first priority; the Scriptures. As we proceed, keep in mind that complexity is not a prerequisite for spiritual growth, obedience is. Indeed, there are many truths in the Scriptures that are simple to understand, but obviously not so simple to apply.
Before we begin, permit me to offer a few points regarding spiritual growth. First, no other living creature here on Earth thinks about spiritual growth. It's one major characteristic that is uniquely human. We are all inherently spiritual, and our exclusive awareness of spirituality is a distinct human trait!
What's more, there are many paths to spiritual growth. Yes, that right. There is no single, direct way! If you look around, you'll see that there's an abundance of voices in contemporary mainstream spirituality; each one advocating different methods for acquiring spiritual growth through higher consciousness, self-improvement, and study or ritual. For the most part, a considerable number of these methods are aimed at achieving self-knowledge, fulfillment, and control over the troubles of everyday life.
On the contrary, Christianity as a whole is centered on a relationship with Jesus. As I mentioned earlier, the Bible is a great source of information on the subject. See for yourself what it has to say as the indispensable witness to Jesus’ life and teachings. The writers of the Bible make it unmistakably clear that the gospel is the backbone of spiritual growth.
Now, when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, we recognize our sinfulness, repent of our sins, and trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. This is how we participate in the good news, or gospel of Jesus Christ. It's all laid out for us in 1 Corinthians 15:1–5. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:33 that we should become a seeker , not just be acquainted with God or have knowledge of His Word, but to seek after God.
As a person first comes to Christ, he is spiritually immature. As time passes, he should develop the qualities or abilities which the Bible says characterize the mature believer. In actuality, many Scriptures describe the need to grow and mature spiritually: Ephesians 4:14,15; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Philippians 1:9. Studying, knowing, applying the Scriptures to one’s Christian life is absolutely necessary if there is going to be any spiritual growth.
When we refer to the Word of God, it's different from any other writings, both past and present. Other writings, no matter how religious, truthful, or filled with inspiring anecdotes are only the product of man, not God (2 Peter 1:20-21). But the Scriptures, on the other hand, are in all reality just as they say they are; the “word of God.” The Scriptures originated with, and are, the product of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Plus, not only are the Scriptures God’s word, but they are accompanied with God’s power to “perform its work" in believers. This is one of the reasons that the Scriptures are so vital to spiritual growth!
The Holy Spirit also uses the word of God as well, in bringing the believer to maturity. Certainly there are other ways in which He works in the life of the believer. However, to neglect the Scriptures would be to neglect the Spirit’s main instrument in spiritual growth. Moreover, one cannot even spiritually ascertain the Scriptures without the illuminating ministry of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-16). Only believers have the Holy Spirit and the issue is spiritual growth. The only issue for unbelievers is salvation and new birth.
Since the Scriptures are vital to the Spirit’s ministry in spiritual growth, every believer must make a personal commitment to study and apply the Scriptures daily. I can't stress this enough: Time must be set aside every day for personal bible study, memorization, and family devotions if there is going to be spiritual growth. If we all approached our spiritual nourishment like our physical nourishment, we would never miss a meal!
Unquestionably, there is so much more to explore in this specific area of spiritual growth; and we've barely scratched the surface today. Even so, the purpose of my message is to encourage you along the path of spiritual maturity. As Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:2, a true believer will long for the nourishment of the word. As he maintains a steady diet of the word, the result will be spiritual growth.
Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 5:6; Philippians 4:13; John 4:14; Psalm 103:2-4; Ephesians 6:11
Prayer: Father, I thank you for all you have done for me. Pleas grant me the wisdom to do for others as you have done for me. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Stacey
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