Published by 2 Peter 3:18, Psalms 92:1-14
Growing in grace is likened to the growth which involves a new born baby form day 1 after birth. Likewise the born-again christian or new creature in Christ Jesus is expected to grow in line with the word and will of God Almighty. We shall look at this article in three points to be able to see what God intents for the new and standing believers.
1. Areas of Growth
Luke 2:52; 4:22; 1Corinthians 13:11; 14;20; Ephesian 4:13-15. a. Grow in grace b. Grow in wisdom ( the correct application of knowledge) c. Grow in knowledge of God (2 Peter 3:18), Jesus, the word of God and spiritual matters. d. Grow in faith. Hebrews 11 e. Grow in love. 1 Corinthians 13 f. Grow in understanding g.Grow in Christ-likeness. Ephesian 4:15 h. Grow in relationship with others. Philemon 7-10 i. Grow in service- both in quality and quantity. j. Grow in judgement (in such a way that you are not quick to condemn others
1 Corinthians 6:10 k. Grow in the fruit of the Spirit l. Grow in soul-winning. Mark 4:20; 16: 15-20. m. Grow in listening to the Spirit of God. Acts 13:1-2; 16:6-9; 10:19; Revelation 2:7. Listening to the spirit means to perceive, hear God speaking to you, to have divine communication or to hear the Spirit speaking to you. You must hear or receive from God before going out to witness or preach the gospel of Christ. mark 1;15; 13:9,16,23; 4:23-24. the more you hear the more will be given. proper hearing results in i. attention and retention, ii. action and inspiration, iii. attitudinal change and information( which is revelation), iv. admonition and improvement. v. association( for proclaiming God’s word), and influence, vi. advancement and increase. Mark 4:23-24 and vii. attainment and illumination. Perception and profitable hearing is God’s will for you. To remove hearing impairment, you must i. be a prayerful hearer, ii. be a patient hearer, iii. be a perceiving hearer, iv. be a prepared hearer( Ezra 7:10), v. be a passionate hearer, vii. be a progressive hearer.
2. Assessing Our growth Job 17:9. Growth in grace is synonymous with increase in grace. Now assess yourself with the following: a. Am I able to overcome temptations and trials that come to me on a daily basis? b. Am I more Christlike c. Do I tremble at the word of God. d. Do I still hear God’s voice and follow his leading e. Am I growing in faith f. Am I more loving and caring than before g. Am I tender to my all i. Am I rising and falling j. Do I understand the scriptures better now k. How is my relationship with people- Is it cordial and wanting to linger with me or repulsive. l. before the Spirit of God, am I pretentious(Ezekiel 33:30-32), am I presumptuous, am I proud, am I prejudiced and profane, am I predetermined(1 Samuel 3:3). Also ask the Spirit of God.
3. Attitude of growing Christians
Psalms 42;1-2; Mathew 5-7. A good attitude involves following the steps to growth. a. Renounce sin and every weight. Hebrews 12: 1-2 b. Hunger and thirst after growth c. Avail self of the best means of growth- quiet time d. Abide in Christ. You must decide to cleave unto the lord. this involves loving God with all your heart.Deuteronomy 13;1-3; 30;19-20. cleave to the lord at all times, keeping and obeying all the commandments of the Lord, hating the world( 1John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2), walking in the revealed will of God, separating from false doctrine, and such like. All these amount to abiding in Christ. Deuteronomy 4:1-6; Numbers 14:22-24. You must decide to abide in Christ today for growth to be attained. Ruth 1:4-18.
