How can believers continue Spiritual Growth over the course of a lifetime?

How can believers continue Spiritual Growth over the course of a lifetime?

We are complete in Christ when we receive Him as our Lord and Savior. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV).

My position in Christ is perfect: I am complete in Him. I have “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 ESV). I have received all spiritual blessings. However, I need to progress in life in a way that corresponds with my position. He tells us we will “not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).

Dearly beloved, living things are that which grow.

The Spirit had Peter write, “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” (2 Peter 3:18 ESV). We grow in grace and knowledge by loving others through the power of the Spirit and by continual study of His Word. Our response to the world around us demonstrates the love and grace of our Lord. As we grow in His Word He receives glory both now and forevermore. The great theme of the universe is the glory of God. We exist in order to glorify Him. Spiritual growth in the saints brings Him glory. Paul wrote, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV). To press on indicates effort to grow and to pursue Christ Jesus.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16-17 ESV).

Dear ones, that is spiritual growth.

Pastor Bob