Spiritual vitality

The quality of possessing a living faith, which is commended by Scripture.

Spiritual vitality commended

2 Thessalonians 1:3 See also Job 17:9; Psalm 84:7, Psalm 92:12; Proverbs 4:18; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Peter 1:5–7

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.

The means of developing spiritual vitality

Abiding in Christ

John 15:4

Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

Seeking to imitate Jesus Christ

Ephesians 4:15 See also John 13:15; Romans 12:1–2, Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Galatians 3:27; Philippians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6, 1 John 2:28

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

Resisting temptation

1 John 2:14 See also Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 7:5, 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 2:18; James 1:2–3, James 1:12; Revelation 3:10

I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Developing discipline

1 Timothy 6:12 See also Hebrews 12:7–11; Revelation 3:18–19

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

Exhorting others

1 Kings 2:2; 2 Chronicles 15:7; Isaiah 35:4; Haggai 2:4; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:10; 2 Timothy 2:1

Being filled with the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:18 See also Galatians 5:16–18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Obstacles to spiritual vitality

Lack of sound teaching

2 Timothy 4:1–3

A failure to progress beyond basic teachings

Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 2:2

Examples of individuals with spiritual vitality

1 Samuel 2:26 Samuel; Luke 1:80 John the Baptist; Luke 2:40, Luke 2:52; Acts 9:22 Paul

The consequences of spiritual vitality

Spiritual growth

Galatians 5:22–23; 2 Peter 3:18 See also Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:11–15; Philippians 3:12; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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.

Loving others

1 John 3:23 See also Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 1:15, Ephesians 6:23; Colossians 1:4–5; 1 Timothy 1:5

And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.

Rejoicing in the Lord

Philippians 4:4–7 See also Psalm 5:11, Psalm 13:5, Psalm 33:21; Isaiah 35:10; Acts 16:34; 1 Peter 4:12–13

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Spiritual perseverance

Hebrews 6:12 See also 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Timothy 3:9; 2 Timothy 1:13; Revelation 13:10

Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.