Growth

The process of development and maturing, used to refer to the progress of the kingdom of God 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.

Images of growth

Infancy to maturity

Ephesians 4:13–15 See also 1 Corinthians 3:1–2, 1 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Corinthians 14:20; Hebrews 5:12–14; 1 Peter 2:2

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

Seeds and plants

Luke 8:14–15 parallels Matthew 13:22–23, Mark 4:19–20 See also 2 Corinthians 9:10

The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and their fruit does not mature. But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop.

The apostles worked and prayed for growth in believers

2 Corinthians 13:9 See also Colossians 1:28, Colossians 4:12

In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

Dimensions of spiritual growth

In faith

2 Corinthians 10:15–16 See also 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Neither do we boast beyond our limits in the labors of others. But we hope that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory.

In knowledge

2 Peter 3:18 See also Ephesians 1:17–18, Ephesians 3:16–19; Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Peter 1:6

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

In love

1 Thessalonians 4:10 See also Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 2 Peter 1:7–8

And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more

Growth comes from God

Colossians 2:19 See also 1 Corinthians 3:6–7; 2 Corinthians 9:10; Philippians 1:6

He has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow.

Growth comes through discipleship

Putting away the sinful self

1 Peter 2:1 See also Romans 8:13–14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 5:24; Ephesians 4:22–24; Colossians 3:5–10

Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

Moving on from basic teaching

Hebrews 6:1–2 See also Hebrews 5:11–14

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Maturing in thinking

1 Corinthians 14:20 See also Romans 12:1

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Persevering in faith

James 1:4 See also Philippians 2:12, Philippians 3:12; 2 Peter 1:5–8

Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Contributing to growth in the church by exercising gifts

Ephesians 4:11–12 See also 1 Corinthians 14:1–5; Ephesians 4:13–16

And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Examples of spiritual growth in some of God's servants

1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52 See also Luke 1:80; Acts 9:22

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

The growth of the kingdom of God

God promises that his kingdom will grow

Colossians 1:6 See also Matthew 13:31–33 parallels Mark 4:30–32, Luke 13:18–21; Mark 4:26–29

that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.

The early church experienced rapid numerical growth

But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.