IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL
GROWTH
INTRODUCTION
Importance of spiritual growth is identified by ushering in policies that are characteristic of the church of the Laodicean’s, as revealed by Apostle John, in the Book of Revelations, and rebuked by the Jesus. Jesus said: I know your works that you are neither cold nor hot; I would (wish) you were cold or hot. Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth (reject you) (Revelation 3:15-16).
Jesus then gave a call for repentance: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent (Revelation 3:19). The importance of spiritual growth is amply identified in these verses rather than continue in the same condition that would bring rejection and judgment.
Importance of Spiritual Growth
Prevent Moral Laxity
Importance of spiritual growth is identified by Jude, the servant of Christ: I give all diligence to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith, which was once (once for all) delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). It was noted that Jude was forced by developments in the church to write this earnest exhortation. Jude identified Christian faith as definite, unchanging, and unchangeable.
Jude was writing to Christians whose ranks had been infiltrated by false teaching and mislead by those peddling a message that promoted moral laxity and destructive pride. In the Western culture we are witnessing churches deviating from the foundational structure of yesteryear; not adhering to the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God, changing their bylaws to allow a new progressive social gospel that no longer spells out sin.
Walking Away from God's
Word
There has been a walking away from the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God by those that once stood firmly planted on God’s Word. Jude the servant of Christ revealed: There are certain men crept in unawares (unnoticed), who were before (long ago) of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (license to immorality), and denying the only Lord Jesus (Jude 1:4).
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having men’s admiration because of advantage (flattering words to gain advantage) (Jude 1:16); who separate themselves (cause divisions), sensual (worldly), having not the Spirit (Jude 1:19). Importance of spiritual growth is that one may be able to detect truth versus deceitful words that endanger one’s spiritual growth and testimony.
Immoral Practices Polluting
the Land
The importance of spiritual growth is the key to offset immoral practices that pollute the land and even the church in some cases. A genuine God-inspired, God-ordained, Spirit-filled revival is needed to enhance spiritual growth once again. Satan inspired activities, with immorality placed on the plate of acceptance, need to be exposed for what they are, through the Word of God being taught and preached to its fullness, not just the niceties that tickle the ear.
The Apostle Paul warned Timothy, a young evangelist: The time will come when they (the people) will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desires) shall they heap to themselves teachers (deceivers), having itching ears they (the church) shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Defection from the
Truth
Apostle Paul told Timothy: Watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5). Preach the word, be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). This exhortation was preceded with: I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom (2 Timothy 4:1).
This verifies the importance of the matter; not to be taken lightly but to fulfill one's calling. It was noted that preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth (stressing the importance of spiritual growth). Those who appeal to itching ears tell people what they went to hear not what they need to hear. There is a planting of such today rather than remaining steadfast in the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God without compromise.
Social Status
It was noted that the church is now being tempted to pursue social status rather than sanctification (being set apart unto God), financial security rather than sacrifice, prestige rather than the presence of God, and respectability rather than the moving of God’s Spirit. Noah H. Mack, in a sermon titled “Little Foxes” noted: This writer with much interest and prayer observed the movements and efforts of the church for more than thirty-five years; all this while it has developed a great power to work, but almost as fast as she grows in efficiency for labor she drifts into worldliness in one way or another and all because of fostered pride and love of pleasure.
Those
who have been responsible for the housekeeping in the church has not been
watchful enough and let the little foxes creep into the vineyard and now they
are so numerous and big that they cannot be driven out by ordinary methods of
teaching and warning, for they well-nigh have possession of the vineyard.
Unrighteousness Knocking
at the Door
There is an inroad towards immorality as in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit stressing the importance of spiritual growth to prevent such atrocities happening again. Unrighteousness is knocking at the door of many a heart, towards a pathway of acceptance, rather than reproach and condemnation.
The culture of yesteryear use to condemn ungodly behavior rather than embrace it. There is a movement to silence any opposition to the ungodliness of man as the ungodly grow in strength and power. Laws and rulings are being made to enhance and accommodate rather than condemn such activity.
Judgments in the
Earth
Prophet Isaiah revealed: With my soul have I desired in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek you early; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). It was noted that while others were asleep, in the times of darkness, the spirit that is within those awake to what was happening, were intense in spirit and eagerness of soul in seeking the Lord.
We are witnessing pestilence, famine, destruction (possibly God’s token judgments), but unfortunately such is not awakening the need for the righteousness of God towards salvation of the soul; Isaiah’s call was a call to live righteously and godly in this adulterous generation.
Increased Awareness
Apostle Peter wrote: As newborn babies, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). It was noted that the sincere milk is the Gospel message; the whole of it, not just easy truths but in its entirety. It is easy digestion for a spiritual person; also in helping a person who is consumed by sin, towards quickening such an individual to the need of salvation through Christ as one’s Lord and Savior.
The Word of God is pure and spiritual, not to be deceitfully handled or promulgated, but rather to be desired (longed for) as a new born bade does for its mother’s milk. That you may grow thereby stresses the importance of spiritual growth, increase of faith, furtherance of the joy of such, in the knowledge of Christ, and to experience spiritual strength through Him, not merely in profession, but in the fruit of grace, righteousness, and holiness. There needs to be increased awareness of the importance of spiritual growth; a yearning to be whole and complete in Christ, a vessel useable in His kingdom.
Deep-Seated Desires
Apostle Paul noted: In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and earth (clay); and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man purge (cleanse) himself of these (those who dishonor), he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified (set apart), and meet (useful) for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee youthful lusts; but follow (pursue) righteousness, faith, charity (godly love), peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:20-22).
It was noted that youthful lusts are deep-seated desires perilous to those who are youthful and inexperienced in the things of the Lord; stressing the importance of spiritual growth by those who are being victimized by others seeking their own ill-conceived gain, that does not include God.
Lay Aside Every
Weight
Apostle John wrote: He that keeps his (God’s) commandments dwells in him, and he in them. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit (God’s Spirit) which he has given to us (1 John 3:24). Scripture reveals: Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23).
Wherefore
seeing (since) we are compassed (surrounded) about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset
(ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set
before us; looking to Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfector)
of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Invitation Extended
Jesus, in speaking to the church at Laodicea (previously mentioned) extended an invitation, that is for all: I stand at the door (door of one’s heart) and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door (only you can), I will come into to him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20). I accepted that invitation and have been dining (blessed) ever since! I pray that if you have yet to make such a commitment you will.
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