“And Jesus increased… in favor with God…” (Luke 2:52c) “As he is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17b)
Spiritually
Over the last couple of days, I pointed out that according to Luke 2:52, as Jesus grew from a child into an adult, He increased in four distinct areas of His life: 1. Wisdom (mentally), 2. stature (physically), 3. favor with God (Spiritually) and 4. favor with man (socially).
Jesus, without a doubt, was a perfect example of living a perfect balanced life. We also should work to increase in all four of these important areas.
Yesterday I discussed the second area, stature, which is physically (the body). Today will be the third one, “favor with God” which is the spiritual area.
How to begin
You can do a lot to grow spiritually, but it all begins with becoming a child of God by receiving Jesus Christ as your personal savior. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12)
When you receive Christ, His Holy Spirit comes inside of you and will help you grow spiritually. (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; John 14:17).
How the Holy Spirit helps you
He teaches you (1 Cor. 2:13; John 14:26).
He guides you into all truth (John 16:13).
He reveals the deep things of God to you (1 Cor. 2:10).
He transforms you into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
He strengthens your spirit (Eph. 3:16).
Practical things you can do to grow spiritually
1) Pray. Talk to God about everything. He hears you. He cares for you. He will help you grow closer to Him.
2) Read the Bible every day. It is God’s Word to us. The Bible is literally “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).
3) Memorize scripture. The Bible is a book of tremendous wisdom that can have an impact on every area of your life. By memorizing the Scripture, you are able to have that wisdom with you at all times.
4) Attend a Bible believing, Bible preaching church each week where you will continue to grow in His knowledge and grace.
5) Read good Christian books. Visit a Christian bookstore and there you will find shelves of great books for encouragement and spiritual growth.
6) Listen to Christian music. You can find it on Christian radio stations and you can find it in every style at your Christian book store.
7) Join a small Bible study group. Most churches have them. They usually meet in private homes, coffee shops and restaurants. You usually grow spiritually at a faster rate in community because you are able to share your experiences with one another and hold each other accountable.
8) Listen to Christian speakers. There are lots of them.
9) Volunteer for Christian service. Helping others is a great pathway towards spiritual growth. As you help others, God helps you!
“Be no longer children, but grow up in Christ.” (Eph. 4:14-15)
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)