Spiritual growth, nature of

Having given spiritual life to his people, God expects them to grow to maturity.

God desires the spiritual growth of his people

Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 6:1 See also 2 Corinthians 13:9–11; Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 3:17–19; Philippians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 2 Timothy 1:9

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.[’’]

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,

Christlikeness is the goal of spiritual growth

Romans 8:29 See also Ephesians 4:13–15; Philippians 2:5; 1 John 3:2–3

For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

Aspects of spiritual growth

Growth in grace

2 Peter 3:18 See also Proverbs 4:18; 1 Peter 2:1–3

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.

Growth in faith

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

We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.

Growth in love

1 Thessalonians 3:12 See also Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 14:1; Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:9–10; Hebrews 10:24; 1 John 4:7–21, 1 John 5:1–3

And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows,

Growth in understanding

Psalm 119:27; 1 Corinthians 14:20 See also Psalm 119:97–99; Romans 12:2, Romans 16:19; 1 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 1:17–19; Philippians 1:9–10; Colossians 1:9; Hebrews 5:14

Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.

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

Growth in holiness

2 Corinthians 7:1 See also Ephesians 5:25–26; Hebrews 2:11, Hebrews 10:10–14, Hebrews 12:14, Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:15–16

Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Growth in fruitfulness

John 15:16 See also Matthew 13:23 parallels Mark 4:20, Luke 8:15; John 15:2, John 15:8; Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:10

You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will remain — so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Growth in contentment

Philippians 4:11–12 See also 1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5

I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.

Examples of spiritual growth

In individuals

1 Samuel 2:26 Samuel; Luke 1:80 John the Baptist; Luke 2:40, Luke 2:52; Acts 9:22; 1 Corinthians 9:26–27; Philippians 3:12–14; Acts 18:26 Apollos; Philemon 1:11 Onesimus; 3 John 1:2–3 Gaius

In the church

Acts 9:31, Acts 11:26, Acts 16:5; 2 Corinthians 10:15; Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:3