Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept:Growth, in a biblical context, refers to the process of development and maturation, both physically and spiritually. It encompasses the increase in knowledge, faith, and character that aligns with God's will. Growth is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers. Biblical References: 1. Spiritual Growth: · 2 Peter 3:18 : "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." · This verse emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in understanding and experiencing God's grace and knowledge through Jesus Christ. · Ephesians 4:15 : "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." · Here, growth is depicted as a communal and individual journey towards maturity in Christ, characterized by truth and love. 2. Growth in Faith: · Colossians 1:10 : "So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." · This passage links growth with living a life that pleases God, bearing fruit through good works, and increasing in the knowledge of God. · 2 Thessalonians 1:3 : "We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." · The Thessalonians are commended for their growing faith and love, illustrating the dynamic nature of spiritual growth. 3. Growth in Love and Community: · Philippians 1:9 : "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." · Paul prays for the Philippians' love to grow, highlighting the connection between love, knowledge, and discernment. · 1 Thessalonians 3:12 : "And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows." · This verse underscores the importance of growth in love within the Christian community, fostering unity and mutual care. Theological Implications: Growth is a divine expectation for believers, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely an individual pursuit but a communal endeavor, as believers are called to encourage and edify one another. The process of growth involves trials and challenges, which God uses to refine and strengthen faith (James 1:2-4). Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to engage in practices that promote growth, such as regular prayer, study of Scripture, fellowship with other Christians, and active participation in the life of the church. Growth is also evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which manifests in a believer's life as they mature in their walk with Christ. Conclusion: While growth is a lifelong journey, it is marked by a deepening relationship with God and an increasing resemblance to Christ. It is both a gift and a responsibility, as believers are called to pursue growth diligently, trusting in God's power to bring it to fruition. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The process of growing; the gradual increase of an animal or a vegetable body; the development from a seed, germ, or root, to full size or maturity; increase in size, number, frequency, strength, etc.; augmentation; advancement; production; prevalence or influence; as, the growth of trade; the growth of power; the growth of intemperance. Idle weeds are fast in growth.2. (n.) That which has grown or is growing; anything produced; product; consequence; effect; result. Greek 838. auxesis -- growth ... growth. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: auxesis Phonetic Spelling: (owx'-ay-sis) Short Definition: increasing, increase, growth Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/838.htm - 6k 837. auxano -- to make to grow, to grow 638. apopnigo -- to choke 3542. nome -- a pasture, a grazing 1659. eleutheroo -- to make free, fig. to exempt (from liability) 5046. teleios -- having reached its end, ie complete, by ext. ... 4115. platuno -- to make broad 5449. phusis -- nature 5047. teleiotes -- completeness, perfection Strong's Hebrew 3954. leqesh -- the after-growth, spring crop... 3953, 3954. leqesh. 3955 . the after-growth, spring crop. Transliteration: leqesh Phonetic Spelling: (leh'-kesh) Short Definition: crop. ... latter growth. ... /hebrew/3954.htm - 6k 3759. karmel -- a plantation, garden land, fruit, garden growth 6780. tsemach -- a sprout, growth 5599b. saphiach -- growth from spilled kernels 7973. shelach -- a missile, weapon, sprout 2946. taphach -- to extend, spread 2218. Zered -- a wadi East of the Dead Sea 6285. peah -- corner, side 7898. shayith -- thornbushes 249. ezrach -- a native Library Growth Growth Growth in Grace Death and Growth Means for Growth. Growth by Transplanting Spiritual Growth The Growth of the Church. The Dawn of the Second Century was Full ... The Growth and Power of Sin On the Growth of the Soul. Its Maturity Coincident with the ... Thesaurus Growth (77 Occurrences)... size or maturity; increase in size, number, frequency, strength, etc.; augmentation; advancement; production; prevalence or influence; as, the growth of trade ... /g/growth.htm - 29k Side-growth (1 Occurrence) Spontaneous (5 Occurrences) Rank (42 Occurrences) Root (54 Occurrences) Mowing (1 Occurrence) Plant (92 Occurrences) Room (174 Occurrences) Planting (57 Occurrences) Zoroastrianism Resources What is spiritual growth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about church growth? | GotQuestions.org Growth in Life ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Growth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Growth (77 Occurrences)Matthew 6:27 Matthew 6:28 Matthew 13:7 Matthew 13:22 Mark 4:7 Mark 4:19 Mark 4:27 Luke 8:7 1 Corinthians 3:6 1 Corinthians 3:7 1 Corinthians 14:20 2 Corinthians 9:10 2 Corinthians 10:15 Ephesians 4:13 Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:16 Philippians 1:25 Philippians 3:15 Colossians 2:19 2 Thessalonians 1:3 Hebrews 5:14 Hebrews 6:1 Hebrews 12:14 James 1:15 James 1:21 Revelation 9:4 Genesis 25:27 Leviticus 2:14 Leviticus 13:2 Leviticus 13:10 Leviticus 13:19 Leviticus 13:37 Leviticus 13:43 Leviticus 14:56 Leviticus 21:18 Leviticus 23:14 Leviticus 25:5 Leviticus 25:11 Deuteronomy 33:14 Judges 16:22 2 Kings 19:29 Job 15:33 Psalms 44:2 Psalms 58:9 Psalms 65:10 Psalms 69:31 Psalms 92:12 Psalms 92:14 Psalms 103:15 Psalms 104:16 Psalms 129:6 Proverbs 11:28 Proverbs 27:25 Ecclesiastes 11:5 Song of Songs 6:11 Isaiah 4:2 Isaiah 15:6 Isaiah 17:5 Isaiah 17:11 Isaiah 23:4 Isaiah 37:30 Isaiah 53:2 Jeremiah 12:5 Jeremiah 24:2 Jeremiah 49:19 Jeremiah 50:44 Ezekiel 16:7 Ezekiel 17:6 Ezekiel 17:9 Ezekiel 17:24 Ezekiel 19:3 Ezekiel 31:3 Ezekiel 31:14 Hosea 9:12 Amos 7:1 Jonah 4:10 Zechariah 6:12 Subtopics Related Terms |