Spiritual Growth
Introduction
April 2, 2006

1. Introduction - Growth compared to babies and trees.

· Spiritual growth compared to infancy.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people, but as to people of flesh, as babies in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food; because you were not yet able to receive it. In fact, you are still not able. 1 Cor 3:1-2

Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature- for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil. Heb 5:13-14

· Spiritual growth compared to fruit-bearing trees.

The righteous thrive like the palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they thrive in the courtyards of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age; healthy and green. Psalm 92:12-14

· What do we mean by “Spiritual Growth?” Other terms (maturity, discipleship, sanctification, spiritual formation).

· What does scripture say about spiritual growth?


Growing in Christlikeness - the purpose of our salvation.

For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. Rom 8:29

· Spiritual growth is a process whereby God the Father has enabled us, through the Holy Spirit to become like His Son. It is not complete until we reach our eternal home.

We all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18

· Creation and recreation.

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Gen 1:27

You have put on a new nature which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Col 3:10

And just as we have borne the image of the man made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly man. 1 Cor 15:49

· Christlikeness is best seen as we meditate on the life of Jesus in the gospels. Perhaps it can best be described as the fruits of the Spirit or the character described in the Beatitudes.

· Exhortations to follow the example of Christ:

You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do as I did to you. John 13:13-15

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find rest for your souls. Mat 11:29

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor 11:1

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. 1 Pet 2:21

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3

By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:5-6


Growing into Christlikeness takes place in the following areas:

· Growing in grace.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Pet 3:18

· Growing in love.

And this I pray, that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment. Phil 1:9

· Growing in faith.

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater. 2 Thes 1:3

· Growing in knowledge.

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Col 1:9-10

· Growing in holiness.

As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." 1 Pet 1:15-16 Message

· Growth in fruitfulness.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. John 15:8

· Growth in contentment.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. Phil 4:11-12

· Growth in all things.

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ. Eph 4:15


Seeing the heart of God for our growth/ desiring the same for others.

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. Galatians 4:19

· Helping others to grow and looking at areas of growth in my own life.