How Do Christians Grow Spiritually — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Peter commands, 'As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby' (1 Peter 2:2). Growth begins with Scripture intake. Hebrews 5:14 describes maturity: 'Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.' The means of growth include prayer ('Pray without ceasing,' 1 Thessalonians 5:17), fellowship ('Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,' Hebrews 10:25), obedience ('If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them,' John 13:17), and trials ('The trying of your faith worketh patience,' James 1:3). Paul's goal was that believers would grow up 'unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ' (Ephesians 4:13). Growth is progressive: 'The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day' (Proverbs 4:18). It requires intentional discipline (1 Timothy 4:7: 'Exercise thyself rather unto godliness') and the Spirit's empowerment. Spiritual stagnation is warned against — Hebrews 5:12 rebukes those who should be teachers but still need milk.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages