Spiritual Growth And Progress

Feature 3 – October 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Spiritual Growth And Progress

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. —Psalm 139:14 NKJV

The mother of a newborn is normally very concerned about the well-being and growth of her baby. She wants the little one to be healthy and will feed her child the best she can, enjoying a close relationship with him or her.

In the spiritual realm, our heavenly Father tenderly cares for His children and functions for them like a loving mother. The apostle Paul displayed the Father’s care for the new believers in Thessalonica and elsewhere, watching closely over them with genuine love. As their spiritual father, he showed real concern, being to them a mother and a godly brother (1 Th. 2:7-11). Thus, we see family relationships provide many illustrations and lessons about the spiritual formation of all believers.

Progress – The Example Of Jesus
Luke’s gospel describes many details of Jesus’ perfect humanity. In it we read about His conception in His mother’s womb through the Holy Spirit, some details about the following nine months and His birth (see also Ps. 22:9-10). After this amazing event, the angels were heard praising God (Lk. 2:13-14) – a major theme in Luke’s writings. Jesus’ early childhood is summarized, “the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (v.40).

This is followed by some details about when He was 12 years old and stayed behind in the temple when His parents were returning to their home. When found by Joseph and Mary, He asked His mother, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (v.49). This was the first public statement Jesus made. The passage also describes His progress: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (v.52).

When Jesus grew physically, emotionally, morally and spiritually, He did so harmoniously – in spirit, soul and body. The perfect balance we observe in Christ represents God’s model for us. We find a beautiful illustration of this in the fine flour of the meal offering that was mixed and anointed with oil (Lev. 2). The oil points to the Holy Spirit through whom Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb and with whom He was anointed (Acts 10:38) at the beginning of His public ministry, always being led by Him. The meal offering was without leaven, which means there was no influence of sin or corruption. He was without sin, apart from sin and knew no sin. No honey was used in this offering either, possibly indicating that Jesus did not allow any improper natural influence. All of this represents God’s plan for the believers (see 1 Th. 5:23).

Growing up, Jesus became stronger, filled with wisdom and had God’s favor (Lk. 2:40). At the same time, Jesus is the perfect Model and Example for all Christians to be strengthened (see 1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 3:16) and from whom we may learn (Mt. 11:29). Furthermore, several keywords in Ephesians 1:19-21 indicate how much strength, energy and power God displayed to bring Christ into His present glorious position in heaven. The same power is needed to introduce believers into the enjoyment of Christ’s present position and glories (2:1-10).

We find lovely examples of growth in Samson (Jud. 13:24), Samuel (1 Sam. 2:26, 3:19), John the Baptist (Lk. 1:80) and others. Speaking of Christ, we read: “The Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (2:40). His human spirit was distinct from the Holy Spirit, who filled Him with wisdom, guided and kept Him in all His ways. What we read applies to all believers. “Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption – that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord’” (1 Cor. 1:30-31).

Jesus’ own example is described for our encouragement, “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned” (Isa. 50:4). This passage shows how He was in God’s school, being taught day by day, relying on Him for every word, step and action. Being His witness, Jesus represented God’s grace. This – “the grace of God was upon Him” (Lk. 2:40) – is the first time the New Testament mentions the word ”grace” or ”favor.” How wonderful He is!

All Christians are encouraged to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18). This verse should be a daily motto for every Christian, along with: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

The Word of God is essential for the formation of the Christian, to become a man or woman of God. “Do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature” (1 Cor. 14:20). Let us make progress, growing towards maturity (13:11).

The Need To Grow
In Ephesians, Paul summed up why we need to grow and how: “For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (4:12-16).

We need to keep reading these verses again and again, because this passage is so important. If we do not grow we become an easy prey to the enemy. However, the Lord desires us to be strong, wise, alert, able to withstand the enemy’s efforts, and to stand firm until He comes again.

Growing: Starting-point, Prerequisites, Helps
First of all, we need to be sure about our own personal salvation (Jn. 1:12, 10:27-30; 1 Jn. 5:1,12). Just as a healthy child has a natural desire to grow, it is expected that every believer wants to grow. The Lord encourages this, “for He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” (Ps. 107:9).

The secret of spiritual growth is holding fast to the Head (Col. 2:18-19), being attracted to Christ as He has been on earth and as He is now in the glory. God wants reality, and for this reason a general principle applies: be what you are – or be in practice what you are in Christ.

There are three categories of believers: “little children,” “young men” and “fathers” (1 Jn. 2:12-14). Clearly there is a concept of growth. All true believers are “children of God” (Jn. 1:12; Phil. 2:15; 1 Jn. 3:1-2, see Eph. 5:1-2), and may represent Him who is light and love (1 Jn. 1:5, 4:8,16). Furthermore, all are encouraged to be overcomers, by obeying God’s Word and following the Lord Jesus (Jn. 16:33). The overcomer, motivated by true love, practices God’s truth despite all hindrances or impossibilities.

If the next eight things remain, or abide, in us, we will grow and be true “overcomers” – for His glory and our well-being:

1. Knowing Him who is from the beginning characterizes the fathers (1 Jn. 2:14).
2. The Word of God that abides in them strengthens the young ones (v.14).
3. When what was heard from the beginning remains in us, we will beovercomers (v.24).
4. Christ’s anointing imparted through the Holy Spirit helps usabide in Him (v.27).
5. The seed of God remains in us and does not sin because we are born of Him (3:9).
6. God’s love remains in us and causes the overcomer to care for his brother (v.17).
7. Christ Himself remains in us as we keep His commandments (v.24).
8. God Himself remains in us as we love our fellow Christians (4:12-16).

Attracted to Christ, we will grow, getting closer to Him and to each other, as Scripture teaches:

1. Taste that the Lord is good, “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Pet. 2:3). This is in the context of a personal relationship with Him who is now at God’s right hand. While on earth, the disciples the Lord called were drawn to Him, left all and followed Him (Mk. 1:17-20). To be able to grow we need to focus a single “eye” on Christ alone (Mt. 6:22; Lk. 11:34).

2. Paul’s prayer (Col. 1:3-11) contains several important elements needed for growing and fruit bearing. Then, he focused on “Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ” (vv.27-28). The apostle spoke about “the mystery” as being a person: “Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:2-3).

3. Christ is the Head of the body, and Paul encouraged the believers to hold “fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God” (v.19). How wonderful!

4. Paul taught this growth is directly connected with “the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:8) with God, and with His Spirit. Also, growth is associated with the right spiritual condition among the believers, with true wisdom (vv.6-16) and the proper attitude among them. All of this is needed so God can give the increase (3:1-7). The apostle linked the progress in spiritual agriculture with God’s work in building, emphasizing each believer’s responsibilities (vv.8-23).

5. Growth has in view progress towards maturity, in the context of unity and diversity (4:1-16). God’s plan for all believers is that they may grow spiritually, both individually and collectively, to:

• Be a “man of God” equipped for all “good work” (2 Tim. 3:17);
• Be “perfect,” or mature, in Christ (Col. 1:28);
• Produce the nine-fold “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23) instead of works of the flesh;
• Have Christ “dwell” in our hearts (Eph. 3:17);
• Be “filled with the Spirit” (5:18) and under the Spirit’s control (Rom. 8:14);
• Display the seven features of the “wisdom that is from above” (Jas. 3:17);
• Cultivate a close relationship with the Lord Jesus, so He may be “all” to us (Col. 3:11).

All of this implies that the right choices must be made (Phil. 3:8). This presupposes total commitment to the Lord and is part of the challenge of being a true disciple and overcomer, possible only through love and obedience (Jn. 14:21,23) with the right priorities. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mt. 6:33).

Opposition And Obstacles To Spiritual Growth
All of what is right, including that which involves spiritual growth, is under the enemy’s relentless attack. Beware!

Some sources of attacks we can identify in Scripture are:

• A carnal condition, party spirit and pride (1 Cor. 3:1-3).
• False doctrine (Gal. 1:6-7) aimed at replacing true affection for Christ. This makes believers “foolish” through a spirit that “has bewitched” them (3:1).
• Strange philosophies, gnosticism, legalism, ritualism or other isms (Col. 2:8-22).
• Competing elements which take away the place due to Christ, preventing real growth (Heb. 5:14–6:1).
• Five vices that should be judged and removed, with an ardent desire to grow (1 Pet. 2:1-2).
• Jealousy, rivalry and other problems which must be dealt with (2 Cor. 12:20), including “the works of the flesh” (see Gal. 5:19-21), wisdom from below (Jas. 3:14-16) and avoiding six vices (Rom. 13:13).

The Road To Spiritual Growth – Helpful Examples And Words
First of all, Christ is presented to us as the One who has run the race on earth, despite opposition and hardships. He endured and completed it because of “the joy that was set before Him” (Heb. 12:2).

Abraham, the father of all believers, went out from the center of idolatry, having seen the glory of God and moved by great faith and joy (Jn. 8:56; Heb. 11:8-10; Acts 7:2-3). Obedience and love go together, as shown in Abraham. He was a real “overcomer,” not sidetracked or wrongly influenced.

Paul’s prayer for the believers in Colossae contains several important points for spiritual progress (Col. 1:9-11). Also, his prayer for the believers in Galatia is still applicable to us: “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). Such formation is vital.

The Greek root morphè is contained in several words that occur ten times in Paul’s writings. Consider 2 Corinthians 3:18, where we read: “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” This moral transformation, or metamorphosis, was seen first in the Lord on earth (Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2). It should be seen in the believers today. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).

This renewal is part of a process through the trials of life in the school of God, as Paul experienced. It is a model or example for all Christians (2 Cor. 4:16-18). The purpose, goal or objective of this formation is that Christ may be “all and in all” (Col. 3:10-11) – all to us, and then all in us. Objectively, apart from anything we do, He is all for us, according to God’s thoughts. Subjectively, as affected by our attitudes and behaviors, He becomes all for us – an increasing reality in our own experiences and lives while we are being changed from glory to glory.

In God’s mercy, He saved us and then initiated a process of formation and renewing. Titus 3:5 emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in this followed by His ongoing work, but without excluding our involvement and commitment. This renewal is part of a new order of things (Eph. 4:23-24) and implies a work of God. Besides the Holy Spirit, our God and Father is involved in this work (1:17) as well as Christ in the glory (2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 5:25-26). In fact, the triune God takes care of our training and formation.

On the one hand this renewal and formation process depends entirely on God, through the energy He gives to us and His work in us. On the other hand, without any contradiction, it also depends on us: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (v.13). In the Greek, there is a link between “work” and “do.”

“Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29). Thus, God carries out His eternal plan for us, in us and with us, according to the three main portions of Romans (chapters 1–8, 9–11, 12–16). The renewal implies that God has a plan for us to reflect the beauties of Christ, just as was the case with Moses and his shining face (Ex. 34:29).

For us today such a process implies adjustments (2 Cor. 13:11) and improvements (Eph. 4:12), as well as an ongoing work in us (Heb. 13:21) and additional strengthening (1 Pet. 5:10). Every true disciple is in God’s school and subject to continuous formation, being trained in view of perfecting him or her to become as the Master (Lk. 6:40; Mt. 10:24-25).

Words Used About Growth
Various words in the New Testament describe the growth and progress God desires for the believers. Morphè (noun) and metamorphóomai (verb), together, occur 13 times.1 They imply a process of individual or collective growth, of formation and/or transformation, from the inside out (see 1 Jn. 3:3). A mere outward form of godliness, without reality, is the enemy’s counterfeit, which characterizes our days (2 Tim. 3:5).

The term schèma, as verb or noun, emphasizes an external change (1 Cor. 7:31). It sometimes represents counterfeits, imitations of the enemy (Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). The word is also used of the Lord Jesus (Phil. 2:7) and of God’s work with us (3:21; 1 Pet. 1:14).

Auxánô is a verb meaning “to grow, to increase,” usually in a positive sense.2 It is sometimes used in a compound form, and twice written in a negative sense (Mt. 13:32; Lk. 13:19). The related noun auxèsis (growth) occurs two times (Eph. 4:16; Col. 2:19).

The noun hèlkía (stature) occurs eight times3 and is also linked with growth.

The word télos (perfect) indicates purpose, direction and perfection as linked to growth. It tells of:

• A perfect position by the accomplished work of Christ (Heb. 10:14, in verb form).
• A position of future perfection and the road to get there (Phil. 3:12, as a verb). Here it is a link implied with the various meanings of salvation.
• A correct attitude of spiritual maturity, as in “You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mt. 5:48).4

Even though télos is not used in Colossians 3:10-11, it is implied in Paul’s statement about “the new man” in whom “Christ is all and in all.” These verses show the perfection God has in mind for all the believers.

Spiritual Maturity
In concluding, let us simply list some characteristics of fathers in Christ – those who have grown:

• They keep God’s/Christ’s commandments, practicing righteousness (1 Jn. 2:3-6,29, 3:22, 5:3);
• They love all true believers, according to Christ’s commandment (Jn. 13:34), which is a new commandment;5
• They have the Spirit of Christ who guides them (1 Jn. 3:24, 4:13). Babes have the anointing of the Spirit but they still may be “carnal” (1 Cor. 3:3), whereas fathers are led by the Spirit and are spiritual, being occupied with and led by Christ;
• They do not practice sin (1 Jn. 3:6,9-10, 5:18) nor pretend to be sinless (1:8);
• They confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God who came in the flesh (2:23, 4:2,15, 5:1,5). How great He is!

May we all “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

ENDNOTES
1. Mt. 17:2; Mk. 9:2, 16:12; Rom. 2:20, 8:29, 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 4:19; Phil. 2:6-7, 3:10,21
2. Mt. 6:28; Mk. 4:8; Lk. 1:80, 2:40, 12:27; Jn. 3:30; Acts 6:7, 7:17, 12:24, 19:20; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; 2 Cor. 9:10, 10:15; Eph. 2:21, 4:15; Col. 1:6,10, 2:19
3. Mt. 6:27; Lk. 2:52, 12:25, 19:3; Jn. 9:21,23; Eph. 4:13; Heb. 11:11
4. Mt. 5:48, 19:21; Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 2:6, 13:10, 14:20; Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:15; Col. 1:28, 4:12; Heb. 5:14, 9:11; Jas. 1:4 twice,17,25, 3:2; 1 Jn. 4:18
5. 1 Jn. 2:9-11, 3:14,18-19, 4:7-8,16,20-21, 5:2

By Alfred Bouter

The Christian is surrounded by the Adversary and his servants, seeking to overthrow him and bring dishonor on Christ. Therefore Paul told believers to put on the whole armor of God, that he may stand against the schemes of the Devil (Eph. 6:10-18). As long as the Christian is in this world his warfare never ends. To enter into a truce with the enemy is fatal; spiritual growth then ceases and backsliding inevitably takes its place. This is a most solemn truth, and every believer should take it to heart.

The young Thessalonian church had taken earnest heed to this: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly” (2 Th. 1:3). Peter, writing to those who had obtained like precious faith, warned them lest any, being led away with the error of the wicked, should fall from their own steadfastness. He urged them to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:17-18). Growth is always the proof of a healthy state of soul. — Adapted from “An Outline Of Sound Words”