Every biblical command toward sanctification assumes the necessary obedience of the ones commanded. Therefore, it is clear that believers have a duty to faithfully and obediently use the means of grace to grow to maturity. Yet in discussing spiriutal growth, it is important to address several misconceptions that must be carefully avoided:

1. Spiritual growth does not determine the believer’s standing in grace before God. That issue is completely settled when sinners trust in the atoning work of Christ (Romans 3:21-26)

2. Spiritual growth does not affect God’s love for believers. He does not love the mature saints more than the less mature, and He does not love us more when we are faithful to Him. (Romans 5:8)

3. Spiritual growth is not measured by the calendar. Spiritual growth is determined through our study of the Word of God, and obedience to sound teaching. (Hebrews 5:11-14)

4. Spiritual growth is unrelated to the amount of theological information people know. We are reminded that the Pharisees were the religious leaders of the day, and knew the Bible well, but they still had no relationship with God.

5. Spiritual growth has nothing to do with outwardly successful ministry activity. Some of the … READ MORE

One essence of life is growth. This is true in both the physical realm and the spiritual realm. Just as living seeds grow into mature plants and infants grow into mature adults, so new Christians grow into Christlikeness. When growth is hindered in the physical realm, either by malnutrition, disease, or birth defects, the results can be tragic. But it is an even greater tragedy when believers fail to grow and mature spiritually. After all, immature Christians cannot fully appreciate all the blessings and privileges that God has reserved for them, nor serve Him with the usefulness He desires. Like physical growth, spiritual growth ultimately depends on God’s power, but it also requires the element of human responsibility. Scripture calls to the believer to be obedient, James says, “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18). Our works are not a product of our faith, but a proof that we have faith. As we grow and mature, we assume responsibilities, and those responsibilities are an outgrowth of our maturity. Paul challenges the church at Corinth, by saying, “I could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as … READ MORE

What is the relationship between repentance and Biblical change? The Bible indicates that repentance is an important aspect of change, but change cannot happen unless a person repents of their sin. True Biblical, God honoring change will certainly involve more than just a turning from sin, it will include a change in behavior that is brought about because of the gratitude that we experience from the forgiveness of God. Repentance is not the entire journey, but the journey to change cannot be accomplished without repentance as the beginning point. May times people feel remorse over sinful behavior, but that remorse does not lead to any identifiable change, A person who is repentant is a person who has seen their sin for what it is, rebellion against God, and who recognizes their need to turn from that choice and live in a way that brings Glory to the Lord (1 Corinthians10:31). Choose today, to turn from your sins and to God, who will enable you to overcome those sinful choices. To truly overcome sin, turn to the body of Christ (the church) to give you support and encouragement in your daily walk. … READ MORE