Grow in stature and favor
“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” (Luke 2:52 NLT)
“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with people.” (1 Sam. 2:26 NIV)
I had a lot to learn
I remember very early on, shortly after I had received Christ, I was leading a Bible study in a Christian coffee house. In the group was a woman who had been a Christian for many years. After the study she said to me, “Young man, you’ve got a lot to learn!” She was certainly correct! It’s been over 50 years since then, and I’m still learning and growing.
God will continue His work within you
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Phil. 1:6 NLT)
Press on towards the goal in Jesus Christ
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:12-14 ESV)
Grow up in your salvation
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Pet. 2:2-3 NIV)
Be rooted and built up in Him
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Col. 2:6-7 NIV)
Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Pet. 3:18 NIV)
Therefore
“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Tim. 4:15 ESV)