SPIRITUAL GROWTH EXPRESSED IN THE EPISTLES

If one does a careful expository study of the epistles, he or she can take out at least one major aspect: - spiritual growth was assumed and expected in the lives of Christians in the 1st century church. In other words, in light of the epistles, Christians are supposed to grow and mature spiritually. Let's examine a few passages.

I am compelled to start with Romans 8:3-14: This is one of my all-time favorite passages, when I preach and teach about spiritual growth and maturity. Spiritual growth and maturity has to do with the mindset of the Spirit. "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:5). That's why is so important to "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph. 4:23). John Piper ¹ said, "This is how the mind is renewed-by steadfastly gazing at the glories of Christ for what they really are." Spiritual growth implies transformation (metamorphosis), "by the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2).

Merriam-Webster Dictionary ² defines metamorphosis this way: 1: (a) Change of physical form, structure, or substance, especially by supernatural means. (b) A striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances. 2: A typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching. Therefore, spiritual growth and maturity is not about information, but transformation. Paul makes this aspect very clear in his writings. (See especially 2 Cor. 3:18 and Rom. 12:2). The ultimate goal of spiritual maturity is to be free to rule with Christ (Rom. 5:17; Gal. 5:1). The love of God, as spiritual fruit in us, is evidenced by "self-control" (Gal. 5:23). When we are led by the Spirit, we are mature sons [huios] of God freely displaying Christ's character in us.

First Corinthians 3:1-3 is another great passage, where Paul explains that God is in the business of spiritual growth. Continuing on to verse 7, "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." Church planting is a wonderful and rewarding thing, but God is not in the business of planting only. Church service and good outreach programs are beautiful things, but God is not for watering only. God expects growth in all of His churches. If Christians don't grow spiritually, they are no different than the "mere men" (v. 3) from the world. When the atmosphere in the church is filled with "jealousy and strife," it is because its members are "fleshly" Christians. To be a Christian and fleshy at the same time is an oxymoron. Christian spirituality and carnality are incompatible.

Let's not forget about the love chapter. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 is a passage of a tremendous importance. The love chapter is called by some...read more here

Send this writer a Note of Encouragement:  Click Here

PDF Version of this Article:  Click Here

   

 

¹John Piper. The Renewed Mind and How to Have It. http://www.desiringgod.org/ accessed March 2011.

² Merriam-Webster. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metamorphosis accessed December 2010.

 

Valy Vaduva (Michigan, USA) is a contributing writer for IOM America - Transformational Biblical Worldview & Exchange Life Development.

 

Spiritual Growth in Christ. Copyright © 2015 by Valy Vaduva. Used by permission. Articles or portions of articles may be used only with written permission from writer. Editorial changes by IOM America approved by author.

 

Scripture Note: Changes made to original verses [i.e. bold, indent, underline, parenthetical contents...] are by this article's author for emphasis and/or clarification.

 

Unless otherwise noted, Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.