SPIRITUAL GROWTH
WHAT IS IT? To increase in the Faith and knowledge of Christ so that we reach maturity and be like Him-Ephesians 4:11-16. Here, Growth is stated two times.
Why is it necessary? It is the will of God. Heaven is not a nursery made up of babies. The whole of life speaks of growth. Mountains become barren so that valleys become fertile, babies grow to become mature people, plants grow...It is God's Law ingrained in the whole of Nature. If we do not grow we violate it.
How is Growth brought about? At Conversion. the Holy Spirit enters our lives and starts to prod us towards growth. He builds in us the urge to grow, naturally and spiritually. If we do not feel this prod then we shall remain spiritual babies.
How do we recognize a lack of Growth? In the same way a baby fails to grow. Believers who fail to grow live carnal lives feeding on milk-1 Corinthians 3:1-2.
What are the factors for spiritual growth? Two vital agents are needed, as in natural growth, Food and Exercise.
Food-The Word, 1 Peter 2:1-2.
Prayer-Matthew 14:23.
Are there any obstacles to spiritual growth? Yes, there are many. Some of them are:
Double mindedness-James 1:5-8.
Lack of deep roots-Ephesians 3:14-19.
Cares of this life and anxieties-Matthew 6:25-29. The parallel is drawn from nature. Everything grows naturally under God's care. When care and anxiety rest upon us, it is not God's responsibility to provide for us. Then Spiritual Growth is stunted.
Sin-Romans 6:14. A major obstacle to growth in the life of the believer. Faith and Prayer are hindered, thus making growth ineffective.
WHAT IS IT? To increase in the Faith and knowledge of Christ so that we reach maturity and be like Him-Ephesians 4:11-16. Here, Growth is stated two times.
Why is it necessary? It is the will of God. Heaven is not a nursery made up of babies. The whole of life speaks of growth. Mountains become barren so that valleys become fertile, babies grow to become mature people, plants grow...It is God's Law ingrained in the whole of Nature. If we do not grow we violate it.
How is Growth brought about? At Conversion. the Holy Spirit enters our lives and starts to prod us towards growth. He builds in us the urge to grow, naturally and spiritually. If we do not feel this prod then we shall remain spiritual babies.
How do we recognize a lack of Growth? In the same way a baby fails to grow. Believers who fail to grow live carnal lives feeding on milk-1 Corinthians 3:1-2.
What are the factors for spiritual growth? Two vital agents are needed, as in natural growth, Food and Exercise.
Food-The Word, 1 Peter 2:1-2.
Prayer-Matthew 14:23.
Are there any obstacles to spiritual growth? Yes, there are many. Some of them are:
Double mindedness-James 1:5-8.
Lack of deep roots-Ephesians 3:14-19.
Cares of this life and anxieties-Matthew 6:25-29. The parallel is drawn from nature. Everything grows naturally under God's care. When care and anxiety rest upon us, it is not God's responsibility to provide for us. Then Spiritual Growth is stunted.
Sin-Romans 6:14. A major obstacle to growth in the life of the believer. Faith and Prayer are hindered, thus making growth ineffective.
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