What Does the Bible Teach About Spiritual Growth?

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The Foundation of Spiritual Growth in Scripture

Spiritual growth is a central theme throughout the Bible, rooted in the transformative power of Jehovah's Word and the believer's responsibility to live according to His commandments. Spiritual growth does not occur spontaneously; it requires diligent study, heartfelt obedience, and a life wholly submitted to the will of God. The process begins with the acknowledgment of Jehovah as the Creator and Jesus Christ as the Savior, leading to a life of sanctification. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18), emphasizing both the divine source of grace and the human responsibility to pursue knowledge.

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that spiritual growth is not a mystical experience or the result of emotional fervor but is grounded in the study and application of Scripture. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." Here, sanctification—becoming more like God in holiness—is inextricably linked to truth, found in the inspired Scriptures. The Holy Spirit, working through the Word, convicts and transforms the believer's mind and actions.

Paul's words to Timothy illustrate the necessity of Scripture for spiritual maturity: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The completeness referenced here underscores that spiritual growth encompasses every aspect of life, equipping believers for good works that glorify Jehovah.

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Salvation as the Starting Point of Growth

The process of spiritual growth begins with salvation, an act of God's grace and the believer's response in faith, repentance, and baptism. Jesus stated plainly, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). Here, being "born of water and the Spirit" refers to the new birth that takes place through baptism, where sins are forgiven and one is added to the body of Christ (Acts 2:38).

Spiritual growth builds upon the foundation of salvation. It involves not merely a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of obedience and sanctification. Paul reminded the Philippians, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13). This passage highlights the dual role in spiritual growth: the believer's active participation and God's providential working through His Word.

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The Role of the Mind in Spiritual Growth

A renewed mind is essential for spiritual growth. Paul instructed the Romans, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). This renewal is achieved by immersing oneself in Scripture, allowing God's Word to shape thoughts, attitudes, and actions. The psalmist proclaimed, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), illustrating that spiritual growth is guided by divine revelation rather than human wisdom.

Renewing the mind requires an intentional rejection of worldly influences. James warns, "Friendship with the world is enmity with God" (James 4:4), and John adds, "Do not love the world or the things in the world" (1 John 2:15). The believer must choose to meditate on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and worthy of praise, as Paul exhorted in Philippians 4:8. By doing so, the believer aligns their thinking with God's will, fostering spiritual maturity.

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Obedience and Discipline in the Life of the Believer

Obedience to God's commandments is not optional but is a vital component of spiritual growth. Jesus declared, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). This obedience is not a burdensome legalism but a joyful response to God's grace. The apostle John emphasized, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3).

Discipline is another critical aspect of spiritual growth. Paul compared the Christian life to an athletic race, requiring self-control and perseverance: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable" (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). The disciplined life involves regular prayer, study of God's Word, and participation in the assembly of believers.

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The Goal of Spiritual Growth

The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is to conform to the image of Christ. Paul explained, "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29). This conformity involves reflecting Christ's character in every aspect of life, including humility, love, and holiness.

Peter described this process as partaking in the divine nature: "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire" (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Spiritual growth is not merely an individual endeavor but occurs within the context of the church. Believers are called to "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11) and to "stir up one another to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). The church serves as the body of Christ, where members grow together in unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Conclusion

Spiritual growth is a lifelong process rooted in the transformative power of God's Word and the believer's response in faith, obedience, and discipline. It begins with salvation and continues as the believer is sanctified through the renewal of the mind, obedience to God's commandments, and the pursuit of Christlikeness. Jehovah, through His inspired Word, equips His people for every good work, ensuring that they are thoroughly prepared to glorify Him in all aspects of life.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).