Spiritual Growth
The process of development and maturing in the kingdom of God and the spiritual growth of believers is often depicted using images of growth like seeds, plants, and infants to emphasize the dynamic nature of personal faith.
Images of growth
Infancy to maturity Eph 4:13-15 Also see:1Co 3:1-2; 13:11; 14:20; Heb 5:12-14; 1Pe 2:2
Seeds and plants Lk 8:14-15 Mt 13:22-23 Mk 4:19-20 Also see: 2Co 9:10
The apostles worked and prayed for growth in believers
2Co 13:9 Also see: Col 1:28; 4:12
Dimensions of spiritual growth
In faith 2Co 10:15-16 Also see: 2Th 1:3
In knowledge 2Pe 3:18 Also see:Eph 1:17-18; 3:16-19; Col 1:10; 2Pe 1:3,6
In love 1Th 4:10 Also see:Php 1:9; 1Th 3:12; 2Pe 1:7-8
Growth comes from God
Col 2:19 See also 1Co 3:6-7; 2Co 9:10; Php 1:6
Growth comes through discipleship
Putting away the sinful self 1Pe 2:1 Also see:Ro 8:13-14; 2Co 7:1; Gal 5:24; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:5-10
Moving on from basic teaching Heb 6:1-2 Also see: Heb 5:11-14
Maturing in thinking 1Co 14:20 Also see: Ro 12:1
Persevering in faith Jas 1:4 Also see: Php 2:12; 3:12; 2Pe 1:5-8
Contributing to the growth in the church by exercising gifts Eph 4:11-12 Also see: 1Co 14:1-5; Eph 4:13-16
Examples of spiritual growth in some of God’s servants
1Sa 2:26; Lk 2:52 Also see: Lk 1:80; Ac 9:22
The growth of the kingdom of God
God promises that his kingdom will grow Col 1:6 Also see: Mt 13:31-33 Mk 4:30-32 Lk 13:18-21; Mk 4:26-29
The early church experienced rapid numerical growth Ac 4:4 Also see: Ac 2:41,47; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31; 11:21; 14:1; 16:5
Say this prayer to be saved or to renew your relationship with God:
Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for all my sins. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Teach me the Word of God and help me live for You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
