WHAT IS SPIRITUAL GROWTH?
The process of development and maturing refers to God’s kingdom and the spiritual development of believers. Scripture uses images of growth (such as seeds, plants, and infants) to stress the dynamic nature of personal faith and the kingdom of God.
2 Peter 3:18: 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
SPIRITUAL GROW FROM INFANCY TO MATURITY SHOWN IN :
Eph 4:13–15: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 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:
• Growing can be painful
• We see and go through a lot
• But we should progress from being baby Christians to Mature Christians
• Till Jesus comes
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
• We should measure our growth
• Not by comparing ourselves among ourselves
• But through the Word of God
• The true measuring rod
WE CAN ALSO USE THE LIVES OF A BIBLICAL CHARACTER LIKE MOSES, PAUL OR PETER
• We will look at Peter today
• We can see how our spiritual life has grown as quickly as his
GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR PERFECTION
• He just wants us to grow and make progress
• God doesn’t love Peter more than he loves us
• He is not a respecter of persons
James 2:9: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Romans 2:11: For there is no respect of persons with God.
• God does not show favoritism
• When Jesus died His Blood, sacrifice was for the whole world.
• What God did for Peter He is willing and ready to do for us
PETER WAS CALLED TO LEAVE EVERYTHING AND FOLLOW JESUS
Matt 4:18-20: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.19And he saith unto them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.20And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
• Peter didn’t have the Cross and the Resurrection to look back to
• Like we do
• Peter left his lucrative fishing business
o And became a fisher of men
o With his brother Andrew
o And the Zebedee brothers James and John
o Who also became disciples of Jesus
o PETER LEFT ALL HE KNEW ON THIS EARTH TO FOLLOW JESUS
o THE THINGS OF THIS EARTH GREW STRANGELY DIM
DO YOU REMEMBER THE DAY THAT YOU MET JESUS?
AND YOU WERE WILLING TO LEAVE IT ALL JUST FOR HIM?
• Are you still there, or have you slid back a bit?
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD AND CONTINUE TO GROW IN JESUS CHRIST!
Growth shown as Seeds and plants
Luke 8:14–15 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
The apostles worked and prayed for growth in believers
2 Co 13:9: For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Growth In faith
2 Corinthians 10:15–16 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
Give your heart to Jesus today by saying this prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.