Spiritual growth requires immersing in Scripture, embracing troubles and temptations as growth opportunities, engaging with a church family, allowing time for maturity, and relying on God for true transformation. Believers must continually assess and pursue these keys to become more like Christ.

Spiritual growth is essential for every believer, calling us to assess our progress in relationships, knowledge of God, service, character, and worship, while recognizing that stagnation is possible but change is achievable. Like a plant thriving in the right environment, we grow through immersing ourselves in Scripture, embracing troubles and temptations as opportunities, engaging deeply with a church family, allowing time for maturity, and relying wholly on God for true transformation.

# Keys to Spiritual Growth

## Introduction

- Biblical call to spiritual growth: 1 Peter 2:1-3 (long for the sincere milk of the word) and 2 Peter 3:18 (grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ).
- Reflection on personal and congregational progress at year's end.
- Key question: How is your spiritual growth? Assessment in relationships with God and others.
- Five areas for self-evaluation:
1. **Relationships**: Modeling godliness in family, friends, and work; honoring Christ in treatment of others.
2. **Knowledge**: Increased understanding of God and Scripture; applying it to life situations (Philippians 3:10).
3. **Service**: Contributing to church rather than consuming; thinking of others (1 Peter 1:15-16 implied).
4. **Character**: Doing right for God's sake, exhibiting fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
5. **Worship**: Joyful participation (Psalm 122:1); wholehearted engagement.
- Encouragement: Long-time Christians may stagnate, but growth is possible; new Christians can pursue these areas to become like Christ.
- Analogy: Plants need specific conditions (sunlight, water, temperature); Christians need "keys" or environmental factors for growth.

## Key 1: Scripture in Our Hearts and Minds

- Essential for faith and soul nourishment (Romans 10:17; Acts 20:32 – commended to God and the word of grace, which builds up and gives inheritance).
- Jesus' example: Faced temptation with Scripture (Matthew 4:4); treasured it more than food (Job 23:10); sanctifies by truth (John 17:17).
- Practical application: Abide in the word to be true disciples and find freedom (John 8:31-32).
- Impact: Counters discouragement; even small daily engagement transforms attitudes and decisions.
- No substitute: Scripture is primary food for spiritual life.

## Key 2: Trouble

- Inevitable in life (Job 14:1; John 16:33 – tribulation in the world, but Christ has overcome).
- Opportunity for growth: Light afflictions prepare eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17); not surprising (1 Peter 4:12).
- Response matters: Count trials as joy; testing produces endurance and maturity (James 1:2-4).
- Biblical insights: Affliction leads to keeping God's word (Psalm 119:67); prepares for greater challenges (Jeremiah 12:5).
- Christian perspective: Endure with Christ as Shepherd for His glory; avoid bitterness by choosing faith.

## Key 3: A Church Family

- Essential for growth: Engage deeply, not nominally (Acts 2:42-47 – devotion to doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread, prayers; shared life as family).
- Body analogy: Grow into Christ through mutual love and truth-speaking (Ephesians 4:15-16); nourished by connections (Colossians 2:19).
- Benefits: Prevents hardening by sin (Hebrews 3:13); marks discipleship (John 13:35 – love one another); sharpens like iron (Proverbs 27:17).
- Warning: Isolation hinders growth; church delivers unique grace and handles conflicts for maturity (Acts 2:47).
- God's design: Function as family for collective edification.

## Key 4: Time

- No quick fixes; requires consistency and patience (Philippians 1:6 – God completes the good work; 2 Peter 3:18 – grow in grace).
- Contrast: Mushrooms vs. oak trees – aim for deep-rooted strength (Psalm 1:1-3 – tree by water, fruitful in season).
- Seasons of life: Everything has its time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8); wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14).
- Application: Be patient with spiritual immaturity; fruit like patience develops gradually (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Encouragement: Persist daily; frustration is normal, but steady walking in light leads to maturity.

## Key 5: Temptation

- Common to all (1 Corinthians 10:13 – not beyond ability, with escape); tests heart loyalties (Jeremiah 17:9 – deceitful heart).
- Not inherently wrong: Opportunity to choose good over evil (Proverbs 16:17 – guard the way); devil prowls (1 Peter 5:8).
- Jesus' example: Tempted yet sinless (Hebrews 4:15); rewards steadfastness (James 1:12 – crown of life).
- Growth through choice: Align will with God's; reveals true heart (e.g., Peter's denial).
- Positive outcome: Overcoming builds spiritual maturity by departing from evil and doing God's will.

## Key 6: God

- Ultimate source: God gives growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7); from Him alone (Colossians 2:19).
- Relationship essential: Abide in Christ as vine and branches for fruit (John 15:4-5 – apart from Him, nothing).
- Pursuit: Increase knowledge, please Him (Colossians 1:10-11); God equips for His will (Hebrews 13:20-21).
- Confidence: He began the work and will complete it (Philippians 1:6); grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18).

## Conclusion

- Spiritual growth is every Christian's obligation; assess: Are you growing?
- Illustration: Harry Truman's friend – age doesn't stop growth; continue investing in Scripture, church, etc.
- Invitation: Begin or renew walk with Christ through faith, belief in gospel, confession, repentance, baptism (Galatians 3:27).