Chapter 10: Steps To Spiritual Growth
This chapter transitions from the "why" of the new birth to the "how" of maturity. By comparing spiritual development to the biological needs of an infant, you provide a practical roadmap that a scientifically oriented mind can easily grasp.
As previously discussed, the second purpose of the new birth is Spiritual Growth. The Apostle Peter compares the new birth to a seed transplant:
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:23, KJV)
Being born again is the planting of the divine seed; growth into maturity must follow. Just as a child grows to resemble its parents, our spiritual growth ensures we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father.
Ten Goals for Spiritual Maturity
To ensure consistent spiritual development, every believer should aim for these ten foundational goals:
Receive the Word: Be born again by accepting Jesus Christ (John 3:3; John 1:12).
Water Baptism: Publicly identify with Christ’s death and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41).
Deliverance and Empowerment: Experience personal freedom (John 11:44) and be baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
Biblical Study: Meditate on the Word day and night to flow in revelation knowledge (2 Timothy 2:15; Joshua 1:8).
Submit to Leadership: Devote yourself to the teachings of God's servants (Ephesians 4:11–18; Acts 2:42).
Consistent Prayer: Make prayer a daily reality, incorporating praise and worship (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 113:1).
Active Fellowship: Regularly gather with other believers and share your life with the community (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:44–46).
Total Surrender: Give 100% of your will to God’s perfect plan (Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 2:20).
Great Commission: Commit to winning and discipling souls for Christ (Matthew 28:19–20).
Faithful Stewardship: Discover your spiritual gifts and play an active role in the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 12:4–8).
The Biological Contrast: Physical vs. Spiritual Growth
Just as physical life is governed by biological laws, spiritual life is governed by spiritual principles. Consider these parallels:
Physical Necessity: Breathing
Spiritual Counterpart: Prayer: The “breath” of the soul.
Scriptural Basis: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Physical Necessity: Fluids
Spiritual Counterpart: The Holy Spirit: The living water that must continually fill us.
Scriptural Basis: Acts 2:4; John 7:37–39
Physical Necessity: Eating
Spiritual Counterpart: The Word of God: Consuming the Bread of Life.
Scriptural Basis: 1 Peter 2:2
Physical Necessity: Exercise
Spiritual Counterpart: Spiritual Acts: Praise, tithing, witnessing, and using spiritual gifts.
Scriptural Basis: 1 Timothy 4:7–8
The Process of Spiritual Nutrition
Similar to physical eating, benefiting from the Word of God involves a three-stage process:
Ingestion: Studying the Word.
Digestion: Meditating on the Word (breaking it down).
Assimilation: Acting on the Word (incorporating it into your life).
Our journey is one of continuous progression. We are called to move:
From Grace to grace (2 Peter 3:18),
From glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18),
From faith to faith (2 Thessalonians 1:3), and
From love to love (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
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