8348 spiritual growth, nature of

Having given spiritual life to his people, God expects them to grow to maturity.

God desires the spiritual growth of his people

Mt 5:48; Heb 6:1 See also 2Co 13:9-11; Eph 1:4; Eph 2:10; Eph 3:17-19; Php 3:12; 1Th 4:1,7; 2Ti 1:9

Christlikeness is the goal of spiritual growth

Ro 8:29 See also Eph 4:13-15; Php 2:5; 1Jn 3:2-3

Aspects of spiritual growth

Growth in grace 2Pe 3:18 See also Pr 4:18; 1Pe 2:1-3

Growth in faith 2Th 1:3 See also 2Co 10:15

Growth in love 1Th 3:12 See also Ro 5:5; 1Co 14:1; Php 1:9; 1Th 4:9-10; Heb 10:24; 1Jn 4:7-21; 1Jn 5:1-3

Growth in understanding Ps 119:27; 1Co 14:20 See also Ps 119:97-99; Ro 12:2; Ro 16:19; 1Co 13:11; Eph 1:17-19; Php 1:9-10; Col 1:9; Heb 5:14

Growth in holiness 2Co 7:1 See also Eph 5:25-26; Heb 2:11; Heb 10:10-14; Heb 12:14; Heb 13:12; 1Pe 1:15-16

Growth in fruitfulness Jn 15:16 See also Mt 13:23 pp Mk 4:20 pp Lk 8:15; Jn 15:2,8; Php 1:11; Col 1:10

Growth in contentment Php 4:11-12 See also 1Ti 6:6; Heb 13:5

Examples of spiritual growth

In individuals 1Sa 2:26 Samuel; Lk 1:80 John the Baptist Jesus Christ: Lk 2:40,52 Paul: Ac 9:22; 1Co 9:26-27; Php 3:12-14
Ac 18:26 Apollos; Phm 11 Onesimus; 3Jn 2-3 Gaius

In the church Ac 9:31; Ac 11:26; Ac 16:5; 2Co 10:15; Col 1:6; 1Th 2:13; 2Th 1:3

See also