IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL
GROWTH

INTRODUCTION

Importance of spiritual growth is identified by policies that were characteristic of the Laodicean church, revealed by the writings of Apostle John, and rebuked by Jesus.  John wrote: Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; know you that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17).

Jesus said: I know your works that you are neither cold nor hot; I would (wish) you were cold or hot.  Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth (reject you) (Revelations 3:15-16).

Jesus then gave a call for repentance: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent (Revelation 3:19).  The importance of spiritual growth is amply identified in these verses rather than continue in the same manner that would bring rejection and judgment.

Importance of Spiritual Growth
Prevent Moral Laxity

Importance of spiritual growth is identified by Jude, a servant of Christ: I give all diligence to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith, which was once (once for all) delivered by the saints (Jude 1:3).  It was noted that Jude was forced by developments in the church to write this earnest exhortation.  Jude identified Christian faith as definite, unchanging, and unchangeable. 

Jude was writing to Christians whose ranks had been infiltrated by false teachers and mislead by those promoting moral laxity and destructive pride.  In the Western culture we are witnessing churches deviating from the foundational structure of yesteryear; not adhering to the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God, changing bylaws to accommodate a progressive social gospel that does little to identify sin.

Walking Away from
God's Word

There was a walking away from the Word of God;  as Jude, a servant of Christ, revealed: There are certain men crept in unawares (unnoticed), who were before (long ago) of old ordained to this condemnation; ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to immorality), and denying the only Lord Jesus (Jude 1:4).

These are murmuerers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having men’s admiration because of advantage (flattering words to gain advantage) (Jude 1:16); who separate themselves (cause divisions), sensual (worldly), having not the Spirit (Jude 1:19).  Importance of spiritual growth is that one may be able to detect truth versus deceitful words that endanger one’s spiritual growth and testimony.

Immoral Practices Polluting
the Land

The importance of spiritual growth is to offset immoral practices that pollute the land and even the church in some cases.  A genuine God-inspired, God-ordained, Spirit-filled revival is needed to enhance spiritual growth again.  Satan inspired activities, with immorality placed on the plate of acceptability, needs to be exposed for what it is, through the Word of God being taught and preached to its fullness, not just niceties that tickle the ear.

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, a young evangelist: The time will come when they (the people) will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desires) shall they heap to themselves teachers (deceivers); having itching ears they (the church) shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Remaining Steadfast

Apostle Paul instructed Timothy: Watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).  Preach the word, be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).  This exhortation was preceded with: I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom (2 Timothy 4:1).

This verifies that Timothy was not to take the charge lightly but to fulfill his calling.  It was noted that preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth (stressing the importance of spiritual growth).  Those who appeal to itching ears tell people what they went to hear not what they need to hear.  

Unrighteousness Knocking
at the Door

There is an inroad towards immorality, as in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit, stressing the importance of spiritual growth to prevent such atrocities happening again.  Unrighteousness is knocking at the door of many a heart, towards a pathway of acceptance, rather than condemnation.

The culture of yesteryear use to condemn ungodly behavior rather than embrace it.  There is a movement to silence any opposition as the ungodly grow in strength and power.  Laws and ruling are being made to enhance and accommodate rather than outlaw such activity.

Judgments in the Earth

The Prophet Isaiah revealed: With my soul have I desired in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek you early; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). It was noted while others were asleep, in the times of darkness (sinfulness), the spirit that is within those awake to what was happening, were intense in spirit and eagerness of soul in seeking the Lord.

We are witnessing pestilence, famine, destruction (possibly God’s token judgments), but unfortunately such has not awakening the need for the righteousness of God towards salvation of the soul; Isaiah’s issued a call to live righteously and godly in an adulterous generation.

Increased Awareness

Apostle Peter wrote: As newborn babies, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).  It was noted that the sincere milk is the Gospel message; the whole of it, not just easy truths but in its entirety.  It is easy digestion for a spiritual person; also in helping a person who is consumed by sin, towards quickening to the need of salvation through Christ as one’s Lord and Savior.

The Word of God is pure and spiritual, not to be deceitfully handled or promulgated, but rather to be desired (longed for) as a new born babe does for its mother’s milk.  That one may grow thereby stresses the importance of spiritual growth, increase of faith, furtherance of the joy of such, in the knowledge of Christ, and to experience spiritual strength through Him, not merely in profession but in the fruit of grace, righteousness, and spiritual growth; a yearning to be whole and complete in Christ, a vessel usable in His kingdom.

Deep-Seated Desires

Apostle Paul noted: In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and earth (clay); and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man purge (cleanse) himself of these (those who dishonor), he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified (set apart unto God), and meet (useful) for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.  Flee youthful lusts; follow (pursue) righteousness, faith, charity (godly love), peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:20-22).

It was noted that youthful lusts are deep-seated desires perilous to those who are youthful and inexperienced in the things of the Lord; stressing the importance of spiritual growth instead of being victimized by those seeking their own ill-conceived gain, that does not include God.

Invitation Extended

Apostle John wrote: He that keeps his (God’s) commandments dwells in him, and he in them.  Hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit (God’s Spirit) which he has given to us (1 John 3:24).  Scripture reveals: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23).

Jesus, in speaking to the church at Laodicea (previously mentioned) extended an invitation, that is for all: I stand at the door (door of one’s heart) and knock; if any man hear my voice (invitation), and open the door (only you can), I will come into him, and will sup (dine) with him, he with me (Revelation 3:20).  I accepted that invitation and have been dining every since.  Today is the day of salvation, tomorrow may be too late.

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