Young Adults' Group

Spiritual Growth

by Pastor Mark
October 04, 2018

The challenge to grow

As we enter into the last quarter of the year, how have we been growing? It is crucial that we learn to grow our faith so much more. How should we understand this concept of growth?

Hindrances to growth

The apostle Peter was concerned about the growth of the faith of the brethren. He highlighted that their sins may hinder or prevent them from growing. He wrote, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,” (1 Peter 2:1) All these sins can affect our growth. In the Greek, there are “and”s in between each word. It shows that they all connected. We need to put away all these sins that affect our growth. Let us not remain stagnant in our growth.

Growing through the Word of God

“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:2,3)

Peter wrote about having initial growth through a longing for the Word of the God. Milk is a reference to the fundamentals of the Word. We must begin with milk before moving on to solid food. Our longing should be to feed on the pure, genuine Word…for us to increase our knowledge and faith. As we study the fundamentals of the Word, the purpose is to grow more mature. We should not remain as babes. Studying the Lord’s Word should bring about consistent growth. As we have tasted and experienced the graciousness of the Lord in salvation and joy, let us be challenged to grow.

Coming to Christ as the living stone

“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,” (1 Peter 2:4)

Let us seek to appreciate Christ as a living stone. He is more than just historical or symbolic. He is living and He gives life to others. The word “coming” in Greek is “proserchomai” which means to approach, to draw near. Each time when we come near to this living stone…to the church, it would be lifegiving and it would bring growth to our faith. Let us be challenged to drawn near to the Lord.

Doing our part in the church

When we are able to grow our faith, then we will be able to do our part in the church.

“you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) All who believe in the Lord Jesus will become living stones in the church just as the Lord Jesus. They are meant to be alive. This is the Lord’s way of identifying with us…even though He is the cornerstone.

The church is also seen to be alive as a spiritual house. (1 Peter 2:5) The whole house is meant to be spiritual. It is made up of many living and spiritual stones. We are being built up together to become a spiritual house. We are also meant to be a holy priesthood. (1 Peter 2:5) We are called priests…to minister to the Lord. Let us seek to offer prayers as a holy priesthood. Let us be challenged to do our part for the church.

May we seek to grow from strength to strength. Let us not allow anything to stagnate the development of our faith. Let us be challenged to grow towards spiritual maturity.

Back to Article Listing