A disciple's spiritual growth

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18)

The Christian life rests on a personal relationship with God. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. From this spiritual life stems the Christian life, which is a life committed to Jesus Christ. The Bible instructs us to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." The growth needed is brought about by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and His work is understood by the teachings of the Bible (God's Holy Word). Like all other "growths," spiritual growth is a progressive increase. Consider some Bible verses in this area of spiritual growth:

1. Our dependency on Christ and His testimony in our lives is to grow. John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."

2. Our good works (aided by God) are to abound. 2 Cor. 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

3. Our knowledge (practical and Biblical) of God is to grow. Col. 1:10 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

4. Our Christian character is to change and increase. 1 Thess. 3:12 "And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:"

5. Our faith and love is expected to grow. 2 Thess. 1:3 "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;"

Spiritual growth is expressed in the disciple's everday life. Today is an opportunity to manifest spiritual growth.