THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF THE CHRISTIAN

By Gary McDade

The collective growth of the church numerically and spiritually depends upon “the spiritual growth of the Christian.” The beginning New Testament Greek student learns that the imperative mood is used in commands. Significantly to this discussion the apostle Peter used the imperative mood when he wrote the final charge with which he closed his inspired writing. In 2 Peter 3:18 he wrote, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” The imperative here is “grow.” While many Christians incorrectly have concluded that the means to their spiritual growth—things like daily Bible reading, regularly assembling with the church for all its teaching opportunities—are optional, the truth is to neglect these opportunities is to neglect the command to “grow.”

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Let’s briefly discuss five aspects necessary for “the spiritual growth of the Christian.” First, the DESIRE to grow. The Psalmist showed the way on this point when he affirmed, “O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119.97). Second, the DISPOSITION to grow. Again the Psalmist displayed the underlying attitude or disposition which favors growth in the 63rd Psalm, “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches” (vv. 5-6). Third, the DEDICATION to grow. Paul said to Timothy, “Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13, ASV). And, then these familiar words, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Fourth, the DEVOTION to grow. As you know, when asked what is the greatest commandment Jesus responded with, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). Devotion like the Psalmist had is a requirement for spiritual growth. He wrote, “With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:10). And, fifth, the DETERMINATION** to grow. See this in the Psalmist’s declaration, “I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy word” (Psalm 119:16). For more on this point consider, “I am small and despised: yet do not I forget Thy precepts” (Psalm 119:141).

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The growth of the church in every way emerges from “the spiritual growth of the Christian.”