GROWING UP INTO CHRIST

How does the Bible describe the change of life by which we become children of God?

John 3:3.

Once we have become spiritual infants by being “born again”, what is Gods further plan for us?

1 Peter 2:2.

What other symbol or figure of speech does Scripture use to describe this important change?

Matthew 13:24,37,38.

Just as a seed is planted in order to grow, what should me do who have been “planted” in Gods kingdom?

Ephesians 4:14,15.

Note: It is Gods purpose that as soon as we become His child by accepting Jesus as our Savior, we are to begin growing in the Christian life so that we will be more and more like Jesus.

Who causes both our new spiritual life and also its subsequent growth?

Mark 4: 26-28

Note: The farmer who plants his seeds doesn’t actually give them life nor cause them to grow. He can co-operate with the law of nature and provide the necessary conditions for life and growth, but only God can actually give life. So it is in our spiritual life. Only through the divine life of God can spiritual life be originated in our heart; only through His grace can spiritual growth take place.

How does Jesus illustrate our dependence upon Him for spiritual life and growth?

John 15:4-6

How clear does Jesus make it that we must depend totally on Him?

John 15:5.

How are we to abide in Christ?

Colossians 2:6

Hebrews 10:38.

Note: By faith you gave yourself to God to wholly His –to serve and obey Him. You could not atone for your sins yourself or change your own heart. So by faith you gave yourself to God and believed that He did all of this for you for Christ’s sake.

What is one important ingredient in our personal spiritual growth?

Psalms 5:3.

What is another vital component of spiritual growth?

Psalms 37:5-7

Isaiah 30:15.

Does a life of restful trust in Jesus mean that we will be inactive spiritually?

Matthew 11:29.

Note: The rest to be found in Christ Jesus is not the same as inactivity. Indeed, the Savior says that only those who gladly shoulder His yoke will find rest. The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him.

What is one of Satan’s most effective methods of preventing our spiritual growth?

2 Corinthians 4:4

2 Timothy 1:12.

What great spiritual law is at work when we fasten the attention upon Jesus?

2 Corinthians 3:18,

Hebrews 12:2.

Note: By beholding, we become changed. That is why Satan will always present attractions to break our connection with Jesus. Here is where we need to watch and pray that nothing may entice us to choose another focus for our attention. We are always free to do this. But looking unto Jesus, we are safe.

How did Paul express this idea of spiritual growth through Jesus?

Galatians 2:20

How did the early disciples of Jesus grow to become like Him?

1 John 1:1,2

Before Jesus left His disciples to return to Heaven, what assurance did he give them that their association with Him would continue?

Matthew 28:20

John 14:16,18

John 14:1-3

John 17:20

What, then, is God’s desire for all those who come to know and love Him?

2 Peter 3:18.