Spiritual Growth

INTRO: When we confessed our sins and asked Jesus Christ to forgive us and save us, we began a spiritual journey that will not end until we leave this earth. Here are a few suggestions to help you progress on the road of spiritual growth. If you do these things you will surely grow spiritually and you gain tremendous strides in your relationship with Jesus.

I. Acknowledge the fact that you are a spirit with a physical body, not a physical body with a spirit. If you can accept this idea, it will change your attitude toward many things in your life. Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. If you have been born again by God’s Spirit, His Spirit also lives in your physical body. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?                                            

 II. Look inside you, and try to find out what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. The Holy Spirit is the power by which Christians are brought to faith, then baptized into the body of Christ and then helped to understand their walk with God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 ⁹ But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." ¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

III. Make an effort to think positively. Your life will be guided by what you think. Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Always try to look at the bright side of life. Open the door for the positive and close it for the negative. The word of God is very positive! If you find yourself thinking negatively, immediately direct your mind to thinking on His word. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

IV. The Holy Spirit in you is stronger than your circumstances. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Don't let circumstances and situations dictate to you how to feel or think. Let the word of God dictate what you think regardless of how you feel. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

V. Endeavor to focus your attention on things that are of value, instead of letting your attention go wherever it desires. Colossians 3:1-2 ¹ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

VI. Start learning and practicing meditation on God’s word. Psalms 1:1-3 ¹ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

VII. Be filled with the Holy Spirit [Eph. 5:18] and live the Spirit filled life. Galatians 5:22-23 ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

VIII. Thank God for everything that you have in and through Him. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

1 Chronicles 29:10-13 ¹⁰ [a] "Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. ¹¹ Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all. ¹² Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. ¹³ "Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.

Invitation: Where are you in your spiritual growth? Do you even know God? If not, now is the time to admit that you are a sinner and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you and invite Him to live in your heart. Bow your head and pray right now.

If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, where are you in your relationship with Him since you have been saved? Are you growing daily in your spiritual walk with Him?

WOULD YOU PRAY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN YOUR LIFE?