14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Ephesians 4:14-15 (KJV)
Bottom line: Spiritual growth is essential for every child of God.
Teaching
In the church today, we can find many Christians who have been in Christ for several years but spiritually, they are still babies. These are the ones who go every Sunday to church with one problem or the other seeking answers from God. We can liken them to babies who need their spiritual diapers changed every Sunday.
Everyone who is born again is indeed born into the kingdom as a child, but Jesus does not expect us to remain children in his kingdom forever. Our proof text says.
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Ephesians 4:14-15 (KJV)
Reasons why your spiritual growth is of vital importance
The Lord expects everyone to grow up. You can’t remain a child forever. Here are a few reasons why your spiritual growth is of vital importance:
The things of God are Spiritually discerned.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)
God is spirit. His communication to you is in the spirit. His blessings for you are in the spirit. Therefore, you need to know how to function in the spirit. For that, spiritual growth is required.
Only the mature inherit the kingdom of the father.
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Galatians 4:1-2 (KJV)
Just as you would never entrust important matters or things of great value to a child, so, you will never access spiritual things of great value until you grow up and mature.
Only the mature are greatly used by God.
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Hebrews 5:12 (KJV)
The Lord will never use a novice in a mighty way. Even if you have a special calling of God, he will require that you grow and mature before he can use you in great ways.
Your deliverance depends on your spiritual growth.
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour:
Proverbs 11:9 (KJV)
but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32 (KJV)
The lack of the knowledge of God is a prison which only knowledge of the truth can deliver you from.
The growth and advancement of the church as a body depends on your individual growth.
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:16 (KJV)
We are members of the body of Christ. If we seek the growth of the body, then we must grow individually.
There are many more reasons why you should grow spiritually. However, Spiritual growth does not come to you because you make a prayer of request.
How to pave the way for your growth and maturity in Christ
There are things you must do to pave the way for your growth and maturity in Christ. Some of these include.
Feeding your spirit with the Word of God daily.
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
1 Peter 2:1-2 (KJV)
You must discipline yourself to study God’s Word daily. You must hunger for his word for your faith to grow. The Bible says:
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
Pray in the Spirit (In tongues) daily.
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost
Jude 1:20 (KJV)
When you pray in tongues, your spirit prays, and your inner man is edified. Your spiritual antennas are fine-tuned to the frequency of the Holy Spirit.
Don’t be absent from your weekly church gatherings.
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
When Christians gather to worship the Lord, there is a corporate anointing that flows in the life of everyone. Fellowshipping with other Christians will strengthen your faith and desire for the Lord. Moreover, this is where you are being taught God’s Word which is vital for your growth.
Therefore, strive today to grow daily in the Lord and watch how your life will be sweeter, from one level of glory to another.
Further Study
- Matthew 13:31-32 [Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.]
Reflection
- How much time do you dedicate to your spiritual growth daily?
- Are you a consistent member of your local church?
- Do you have a hunger in your spirit to know more about the Lord?
- If yes, what steps have you taken to satisfy this hunger?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for making me a member of your glorious kingdom. Father, I pray today for an increase in hunger for your word and things of the kingdom. Increase my desire for you daily. Cause me to seek you with all my heart that I may find you. I ask in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
