13 August, 2023

GROWING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

(Growing in Faith, in Truth & in Spirit: GFTS 7)

Knowing and trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is only the first step. The Bible exhorts us “to go on to maturity” (Heb.6:1). It also tells us that “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith…abounding in it with thanksgiving” Col.2:6-7). We are also told to “grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet.3:18).

These instructions of God’s Word mean that we must grow in our faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus. We are not to be stagnant and stunted in spiritual growth. Every baby born must and is expected to grow; otherwise, something is wrong. Similarly, if a “born again” believer in Christ does not grow spiritually, then there is something wrong – either with his faith or his commitment; or, with his understanding of believing in Christ.  The above Scriptures tell us in what way we are to grown spiritually.

1. We are to be “established in the Faith”.
This means that our faith must be strong and able to withstand mockery, discrimination and even persecution. “The Faith” also suggests that our steadfastness depends on what we know and believe – based on the Word of God and Biblical doctrine. That is why we must read and study the Word of God in order to grow “rooted and built up” in Christ. The Bible says, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Pet.2:2-3). The Word of God is the spiritual food for the soul and spirit. It will strengthen our faith and dispel doubt or unbelief.

2. We are to “go on to maturity”.
That means we are to grow into spiritual adulthood, so that we can stand on our own two feet. In other words, it means that we will not easily fall into temptation and swayed by false or questionable teaching. It also implies that we will be strong morally and spiritually and will not succumb to worldly and sinful influences. We will live a godly life and glorify God in all that we say or do. That is because we depend on the Lord to give us strength.

3. We are “grow in the Grace and Knowledge Christ”.
“Grace” here means spiritual strength given by Christ. Paul told his disciple Timothy, “Be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim.2:1), so that he can serve God in ministry. It is in knowing and growing closer to Christ that we will find grace to sustain us. This comes in growing in the knowledge of Christ. That means we must get to know Christ in a more intimate and deeper way through regular and discipled times in Worship and in Word. This is building a close relationship with Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us. The Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us as we read and study the Word of God and worship Him fervently. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you seek to grow deeper into Christ. 

Click HERE to return to Article Listing