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

Matthew 5:48

God desires the spiritual growth of his people

Hebrews 6:1

See also

2 Corinthians 13:9-11
Ephesians 1:4; 2:10; 3:17-19
Philippians 3:12
1 Thessalonians 4:1,7
2 Timothy 1:9
Romans 8:29

Christlikeness is the goal of spiritual growth

See also

Ephesians 4:13-15
Philippians 2:5
1 John 3:2-3
2 Peter 3:18

Aspects of spiritual growth

See also

Growth in grace

Proverbs 4:18
1 Peter 2:1-3
2 Thessalonians 1:3

See also

Growth in faith

2 Corinthians 10:15
1 Thessalonians 3:12

See also

Growth in love

Romans 5:5
1 Corinthians 14:1
Philippians 1:9
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
Hebrews 10:24
1 John 4:7-21; 5:1-3
Psalms 119:27
1 Corinthians 14:20

Growth in understanding

See also

Psalms 119:97-99
Romans 12:2; 16:19
1 Corinthians 13:11
Ephesians 1:17-19
Philippians 1:9-10
Colossians 1:9
Hebrews 5:14
2 Corinthians 7:1

See also

Growth in holiness

Ephesians 5:25-26
Hebrews 2:11; 10:10-14; 12:14; 13:12
1 Peter 1:15-16
John 15:16

See also

Growth in fruitfulness

Matthew 13:23
John 15:2,8

pp Mk 4:20

Philippians 1:11

pp Lk 8:15

Colossians 1:10
Philippians 4:11-12

See also

Growth in contentment

1 Timothy 6:6
Hebrews 13:5
1 Samuel 2:26

Examples of spiritual growth

In individuals

Luke 1:80

Samuel

Luke 2:40,52

John the Baptist

Jesus Christ:

Acts 9:22
1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Paul:

Philippians 3:12-14
Acts 18:26
Philemon 1:11

Apollos

3 John 1:2-3

Onesimus

Acts 9:31; 11:26; 16:5

Gaius

2 Corinthians 10:15

In the church

Colossians 1:6
1 Thessalonians 2:13
2 Thessalonians 1:3

See also

4454 gleaning
5907 miserliness
6744 sanctification
7027 church, purpose
8104 assurance
8114 discipleship
8168 way, the
8206 Christlikeness
8256 fruitfulness
8260 generosity
8266 holiness
8321 perfection, divine