SPIRITUAL GROWTH #1
Spiritual Growth Is A Choice

INTRODUCTION
The blessings enjoyed in Christ include not only
redemption, but renewal from baptism, for we rise to
“walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4)
B. The renewal we find in Christ involves the concept of
spiritual growth…
1. Just as a healthy physical life is one of growth
2. So a healthy spiritual life is a process of growth
C. Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually…
1. Many have been Christians for years, with little change or
improvement
2. They are no more, often less, useful to the Lord than when
they first became Christians
3. Failing to grow – become as a stagnant pool of water
D. That is because Spiritual Growth Is A Choice
1. It doesn’t happen by default (unlike physical growth)
2. Spiritual growth (like emotional maturity) occurs only
when we choose to grow
3. If we do not make that choice, and stick to it, there will be
no spiritual growth!
E. To encourage us to make the right choice regarding spiritual
growth, consider that…
DISCUSSION
A. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS A CHOICE COMMANDED BY GOD
1. This command is implicitly stated…Great Commission
a. Matthew 28:18-20
b. Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples,
baptize, and TEACH
c. Implicit in the command to teach, is that disciples would
be obedient learners, i.e., constantly growing as they
learned and obeyed their Lord
2. Commanded explicitly in the Apostolic Epistles
a. 2 Peter 3:18
1) We are to grow in grace
2) We are to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
b. Peter begins his second epistle describing how we are to
grow © _ 2 Peter 1:5-8
1) We must add to our faith such graces as virtue,
knowledge, self-control, etc.
2) Abounding in these graces, being fruitful, which
implies growth
3. Christians who did not grow, were sternly rebuked © _
Hebrews 5:12-6:1
a. Spiritual growth is a not an option, reserved for a few
select Christians. The Word of God commands growth!
a. We should also remember that…
B. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS A CHOICE THAT REQUIRES DILIGENT EFFORT
1. This is unlike physical growth
a. People grow physically by default (unless … disorder)
b. No effort is required on our part; we mature physically
whether we want to or not
c. Don’t think that just because you grow older, you are
growing spiritually!
2. Spiritual growth requires concentrated effort…
a. Jesus said it requires labor… John 6:27
b. Paul wrote that it requires work, pressing on…
Philippians 2:12; 3:13-14
c. Peter wrote that it requires diligence… 2 Peter 1:5,10
d. Like physical health, spiritual growth requires regular
exercise… 1 Timothy 4:7-8
3. Spiritual growth is not easy. We must work at it. Today.
Tomorrow. Always.
4. But we can take comfort in knowing that…
C. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS A CHOICE THAT IS ASSISTED BY GOD
1. We are not alone in our efforts…
a. While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us
… Philippians 2:12-13
b. God desires to complete the work He started when He
saved us… Philippians 1:6
2. We are strengthened by God in our efforts…
a. He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner man…
Ephesians 3:16
b. He empowers us with unimaginable power that is in us
… Ephesians 3:20
c. He provides the armor to stand strong in the power of
His might… Ephesians 6:10-11
d. There is no excuse not to grow, for Christ strengthens
us! … Philippians 4:13
3. With God as our aid, spiritual growth is possible. And not
mediocre growth, but spiritual growth beyond what limits
we might think hinder us!
4. Finally, let us remember that…
D. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS A CHOICE THAT IS BLESSED BY GOD
1. The blessings begin in this life…
a. 2 Peter 3:18
1) As we grow we experience the blessings of the grace
in which we stand
2) Such as peace with God, rejoicing in hope…
Romans 5:1-2
b. We must also… 2 Peter 3:18
1) When we grow we experience the blessings of adding
virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. to our faith
2) Such as a victorious life, in which we do not stumble
so as to fall… 2 Peter 1:10
c. Indeed, it is spiritual growth that ensures the “abundant
life” – now that Jesus promised! … John 10:10
2. The blessings continue into the life to come
a. We will experience an “abundant entrance” into the
everlasting kingdom… 2 Peter 1:11
b. In some way, our works do follow us…
Revelation 14:13
c. At the very least, we know that our labors will not be in
vain! … 1 Corinthians 15:58
CONCLUSION
A. We have been talking about growth; but not just any
growth, for not all growth is good…
1. The hearts of some grow dull (Mt 13:15)
2. The love of many grow cold (Mt 24:12)
3. There is the danger of growing weary in doing good
(Gal 6:9; 2 The 3:13)
4. There is possibility of growing corrupt according to
deceitful lusts (Eph 4:22)
5. There is danger of growing wanton against Christ
(1 Tim 5:11)
6. There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and
being deceived (2 Tim 3:13)
7. Like the growth of cancerous cells, the wrong growth can
be deadly!
B. We have been talking about spiritual growth, the kind of
growth that is…
1. Commanded by God
2. Requires diligent effort
3. Assisted by God
4. Blessed by God
5. It is this kind of growth that Peter enjoined as he closed
his epistle (2 Pet 3:18)
C. What kind of growth is taking place in our spiritual
lives?
1. Is it a deadly kind of growth, creating dull hearts, love that
is cold, weariness in doing good, even moral
corruption?
2. Or is it a vibrant kind of growth in which we are
abounding in love, joy, and peace, being faithful and
fruitful in our service to Jesus Christ?
3. The one kind of growth is often the result of neglect, the
other kind of growth comes only when we make the right
choice!
4. If we desire to experience the blessings of the right kind of
growth, then never forget that Spiritual Growth Is A
Choice!
5. Are you making the right choice today and every day?

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com