Message Library

Spiritual Growth

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But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

Spiritual growth can be defined as always seeking a closer loving relationship with the Lord. A closer relationship includes the following: knowledge of the Word, obeying the Word, increasing God’s love in our hearts, prayer and thankfulness, and Christian fellowship.

But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. (Psalm1:2) We should read the Word at least once per, and read it with an attitude of teaching it to others. Think deeply about scripture so it can be retained in memory. If we just read scripture and close the Word, it we be lost in short term memory. That is why scripture tells us to meditate on the Word, which means we think how the scripture will affect us.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22) When we obey the Word it will remain in our hearts and bring us closer to the Lord. As we continue to obey the Word, God changes us by filling our hearts with is love.  Love in our hearts is what motivates us, and we pray for the Lord to guide us so we can bring Christ to others.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7) As we minster to others our hearts get filled with God’s love, and a heart of love helps us to understand the Lord and his emotions. A heart of love also helps us to better understand the Word, because we have a deeper understanding of God’s attitude. And as we obey the Word, we will also have a better of understanding of how the Word can changes us to be more like Christ.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Pray without ceasing implies we talk to God in our thoughts throughout each day, just as if Christ was walking beside us.  Our prayers and conversation with God should be filled with thankfulness and praise. Thankfulness that Jesus died for our sins, we have forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and Christ is willing to guide us through life with his divine love, wisdom, and power.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25) It is important to be a member of a Bible based church, because every Christian needs to be associated with other Christians to spiritually grow. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Today remember the things that God has planned, so we can spiritually grow closer to the Lord. The closer relationship we have with Christ, the greater is our life, because God fills our hearts with blessing from Heaven that never go away but continually get stronger.

Prayer: Father guide me through life so I can have closer relationship with Christ. In Jesus name, Amen