Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8200 The character of the believer » 8347 spiritual growth » 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
Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 6:1 See also 2 Corinthians 13:9-11; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 3:17-19; Philippians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1,7; 2 Timothy 1:9
Christlikeness is the goal of spiritual growth
Romans 8:29 See also Ephesians 4:13-15; Philippians 2:5; 1 John 3:2-3
Aspects of spiritual growth
Growth in grace
2 Peter 3:18 See also Proverbs 4:18; 1 Peter 2:1-3
Growth in faith
2 Thessalonians 1:3 See also 2 Corinthians 10:15
Growth in love
1 Thessalonians 3:12 See also Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 14:1; Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10; Hebrews 10:24; 1 John 4:7-21; John 5:1-3
Growth in understanding
Psalm 119:27; 1 Corinthians 14:20 See also Psalm 119:97-99; Romans 12:2; Romans 16:19; 1 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 1:17-19; Philippians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:9; Hebrews 5:14
Growth in holiness
2 Corinthians 7:1 See also Ephesians 5:25-26; Hebrews 2:11; Hebrews 10:10-14; Hebrews 12:14; Hebrews 13:12; 1 Peter 1:15-16
Growth in fruitfulness
John 15:16 See also Matthew 13:23 pp Mark 4:20 pp Luke 8:15; John 15:2,8; Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:10
Growth in contentment
Philippians 4:11-12 See also 1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5
Examples of spiritual growth
In individuals
1 Samuel 2:26 Samuel; Luke 1:80 John the Baptist
Jesus Christ:
Luke 2:40,52
Paul:
Acts 9:22; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; Philippians 3:12-14 Acts 18:26 Apollos; Phm 11 Onesimus; 3Jn 2-3 Gaius
In the church
Acts 9:31; Acts 11:26; Acts 16:5; 2 Corinthians 10:15; Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:3
See also
4450 fruit 5904 maturity, spiritual 6744 sanctification 7027 church, purpose 8102 abiding in Christ 8114 discipleship 8164 spirituality 8206 Christlikeness 8255 fruit, spiritual 8258 fruitfulness, spiritual 8266 holiness 8320 perfection
