Faith & Reason Nexus

Spiritual growth is a process that requires intentional effort and attention to various aspects of the Christian faith. The following six requirements can help cultivate spiritual growth in the life of a believer:

1. Spiritual Food

• 1 Peter 2:2: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
• Hebrews 5:12-14: Believers are encouraged to desire spiritual nourishment, not just the basic principles of faith but also the deeper truths of God’s Word. Spiritual food helps the believer grow and mature in their faith.
• Application: Spiritual growth requires a consistent intake of God’s Word—this is essential for nourishment, just as physical food is necessary for physical health.

2. Freedom from the Disease of Sin

• Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
• Diseases of Sin:
  • Disease of Neglect: Hebrews 2:3 warns against neglecting the salvation that God offers.
  • Disease of Worldliness: 1 John 2:15-17 cautions believers not to love the world or its desires.
  • Disease of the Love of Popularity: John 12:42-43 speaks of the religious leaders who loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
  • Disease of Lukewarmness: Revelation 3:15-17 warns against being lukewarm, neither hot nor cold in faith.
• Application: Sin and its accompanying diseases hinder spiritual growth. A believer must be free from the entanglements of sin to grow spiritually.

3. Studying God’s Word

• 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
• Application: Regular study of God’s Word is essential for understanding and applying the truth in our lives. It builds a strong foundation for faith and growth in Christ.

4. Exercise

• 1 Timothy 4:7: “Train yourself to be godly.”
• Application: Just as physical exercise is needed for a healthy body, spiritual exercise is necessary for spiritual vitality. This includes prayer, worship, service, and practicing the spiritual disciplines.

5. Proper Environment

• 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
• Application: Surrounding ourselves with positive influences and a community of believers is crucial for spiritual growth. The right environment encourages growth, while negative influences can hinder it.

6. Time

• Hebrews 5:12: “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”
• Application: Spiritual growth takes time. Just as physical growth doesn’t happen overnight, spiritual growth is a gradual process that takes time, commitment, and patience.

Conclusion:

Spiritual growth is a process that requires intentional effort. By seeking spiritual food, avoiding the diseases of sin, studying God’s Word, exercising our faith, maintaining a proper environment, and being patient with time, we can grow in our relationship with Christ and become more like Him.