The True Way to Spiritual Growth
This study examines the true method of spiritual growth.
The Biblical Method to Spiritual Growth
Trials and Suffering Lead to Holiness if the Bible is Used
False Methods of Growth used by Christendom
Why is the Bible the Source of Growth?
How are We to Study the Bible?
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Introduction
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:13
The Bible teaches that Christians are to serve God in all that they do. They see to grow into a beautiful tree that produces its fruit in season (Ps 1:1-3). Although they are already holy (1 Cor 3:17, Eph 1:4), they are to present themselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord (Ro 12:1). But, how can the Christian achieve spiritual growth? How is it that the Christian, who still lives in a body of flesh, can grow up to maturity, abounding in good works?
By and large, there is much focus and concern on improving oneself in this world. This world spends much energy trying to make people more spiritual, more moral or just plain better. It institutes laws to place bounds on acceptable behavior. Psychological, philosophical and ‘new age’ systems are devised to help enable people to be more complete. However, with all the world’s devices, it is unable to solve the ‘sin’ problem. Sin still prevails in this world. But, there is a way to become more moral.
Christianity also has many methods that they use to try to lead people to be more holy. It abounds in books that are written to teach people to be holy. Many ‘Christian Psychologists’ teach philosophies on how to lead an overcoming Christian life. These philosophies usually involves some work or effort that needs to be performed by the Christian. There are others in Christianity that teach that Christians need very specific rules on how to live one’s life will result in a holy life. These rules include such debatable things as requiring certain dress codes, certain people or places to avoid, church attendance, attending meetings and significantly restricting one’s association with the world. They teach that separation from the world brings holiness. Still many others teach that mystical experiences are what the believer needs to lead him into a more holy life. They teach that experiences such as visions, speaking in tongues, receiving the ‘second blessing’, and participating in ‘holy laughter, meetings brings spirituality into the Christians life that will cause the believer to be more holy. Others have used new age techniques such as yoga, mind-emptying spiritual experiences and other transcendent experiences to attempt to live a higher ‘Christian’ consciousness. Finally, others teach that friendly, warm fellowship, experiences or lively Christian music will bring people into a closer walk with the Lord.
The Biblical Method to Spiritual Growth
The following is the method to Christian growth: the Bible. But, some will say that it could not be that simple. In this complicated world in which we live, do not we need learned doctors that can teach us psychological and philosophical methods for us to become better people? Do not we need very specific rules and regulations to live in this complicated society? Do not we need exciting experiences to make us feel more holy? Do not we need spiritual awakenings to achieve a high consciousness and enlightenment? The clear Biblical answers to these questions are no.
In the Bible, there are many verses that teach us the simple mechanism of spiritual growth. The following Scriptures are offered for study:
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because. when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. 1 Thess 2:13 (emphasis added)
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from your commandments. Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against thee. Ps 119:9-11 (see also entire chapter of Ps 119)
All Scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God maybe prefect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim 3:16-17
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speaking, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby:
1 Pet 2:1-2
Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither: and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Ps 1:1-3
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
2 Pet 3:18
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.
John 8:30-31
It is the spirit that quickens: the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
If any man teach otherwise and consent not to the wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 1 Tim 6:3
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then shalt have good success. Josh 1:8
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:12
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Joh 17:17
Other verses that testify to the fact that the bible is the instrument that God uses to sanctify believers are the following: Heb 5:11-14, Titus 1:1, Eph 5:25-26, 2 Cor 3:18, Ro 10:17.
From the above verse cited, it should be evident that it is the Word of God that effectively works in us who believe. There is no replacement for God’s word. God is the ultimate teacher to which we must look. It is only when the words of Christ dwell in us that we will be set free from sin (John 8:31-32).
All other methods of producing holiness are mere facades of the true method, the true way to be more holy. In many cases they are directly condemned in the Bible. In the next section, we will briefly examine what the Bible says about certain tools used today in Christianity to produce holiness.
Trials and Suffering Lead to Holiness if the Bible is Used
We find passages in the Bible that indicate that a Christian can grow spiritually through difficult circumstances (e.g., trials, suffering, temptations, etc.):
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
(Rom 5:3-5)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.
(Jas 1:2-5)
But, it is important to note that it is not ‘only’ the trial or suffering that causes holiness. We see in James 1:5, that trials are fruitful if we ask God for wisdom. As we read in 1 Cor 1:30, Col 2:3, Is 9:6, etc.). Jesus is the bread of life, by which we must live (John 6:33-35). Christians are to live not by physical bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Mat 4:4). Below, we find clear Bible evidence that God works through our trials to cause Christians to look for answers in the Bible:
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
(Psa 119:50)
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
(Psa 119:67)
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
(Psa 119:71)
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
(Psa 119:107)
We see in the above verses that affliction brings us to God and His Word. His Word, the Bible, brings us into a closer holy walk with Jesus Christ, who is our role model of suffering and affliction.
False Methods of Growth used by Christendom
- Christian Psychology and Philosophy
This teaching has made very significant inroads into the church. Nearly all denominations and Christian ministries support and practice this type of teaching. Ministries by leading ‘Christian Psychologist are held very high regard by Christians. In many cases, these ministries may have done some moral good for certain individuals, but we must be alert to what the Bible teaches concerning these activities.
In Corinth, Paul encountered trouble concerning some who used the wisdom of the wisdom of the world instead of the word of God to live by. Paul did not come to the Corinthians using superior speech or wisdom. Rather, he came to them in humility, knowing nothing except Christ and Him crucified. His preaching did not use persuasive words of wisdom. But he came in the demonstration of the Spirit of God. He came so that people’s faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God (see 1 Cor 1 and 2).
Paul did not mix in the current philosophies of the day with preaching Christ. Rather, using the Old Testament Scriptures as a base, he proclaimed the word of God. How sad today when ‘Christian’ ministries will come in the name of Chris5t, but the core of their teaching is based on the world’s methods of psychology and philosophy. ‘Christian Psychologists’ use a few Bible Scriptures to make their ministry appear ‘orthodox’. However, the main message of their ministry is based on psychology that they have learned in the world’s universities.
Paul continued his denouncement of the world’s philosophies in Colossians 2. Here we find:
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit; after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him . which is the head of all principality and power. Col 2:8-10
We are complete n Christ. We do not need the world’s philosophies to lead us to be more holy. God has placed His Holy Spirit within us (Romans 8:9). We, therefore, have the mind of Christ (1 or 2:16). It is the Holy Spirit, using the word of God that actively works in us who believe (1 Thess 2:13, Heb 9:14).
There are many other passages in the Bible that teach the uselessness of man’s wisdom in bringing about holiness. The reader is encouraged to carefully study the following passages: Ecc12:12, Ps 119:24, Is 28:29, Ro 1:21-23, 1 Tim 6:20, 1Cor 1:19-2:1-5. Gen 3:5. I earnestly encourage the reader to lay aside the ‘Christian psychology’ literature and books and earnestly desire and study the only true source of Christian growth, the Bible.
- Extreme Legalism
Another method used by certain sectors of Christianity is that of extreme legalism. By extreme legalism, it is meant: those commands that are outside of Biblical teaching and are taught as necessary requirements for holy living. It is those extra – Biblical rules and regulations that certain church leaders have developed in order to attempt to lead people into holiness. Presumably, these rules and regulations are added because the Bible itself is felt to be insufficient for developing the believer in holiness. Examples of these rules included: strict dress codes, agrarian lifestyles, abstaining from certain restaurants, because of alcohol being served, painting car bumpers black, insisting that public schools are unbiblical, not wearing jewelry, abstaining from certain foods on certain foods on certain days, hairstyles, etc, etc, etc.
Although these rules may at first seem to genuinely result in a holier lifestyles, examination of the Bible reveals that these type of rules do not bring true holiness. Romans 14 and 1 Cor 8 were written to address the issue of legalism. Here we learn that these type of rules are unimportant. The key importance is that one is convinced in their own mind as to the appropriateness of partaking in these activities. Whatever is not of faith is sin. There is nothing wrong with eating meat offered to idols if you know that it has no spiritual significance. However, all must be done not to cause a brother to stumble.
The Pharisees are a classic example of a group of people who rewrote the Bible with their own rules. Jesus condemned their activity. The Pharisees had the Old Testament, but wrote many, many other of details of how to implement the Bible. They added to the word of God. They were not content with what God had provided in His word. Because their hearts were hardened and uncircumcised, they were unable to be holy. Therefore, to control the ‘ sin problem’, they resorted to legalism.
Similarly, legalists today are not content with the Bible. They do not trust the Scriptures that teach the word of God will effectively work in those who believe. In essence, they deny the grace of God. God’s grace extends beyond salvation. It also includes sanctification. God promises that He will not only save, but also sanctify those who believe (Phil 2:13, Eph 2:10, 2 Pet 1:1-3)
The reader is referred to other Scriptures that warn against exalting legalism over the Bible: 1 Cor 10:23-33, 1Tim 1:3-11, 6:3- 5. Gal 4:8-31,5:1-23, Col 2:13- 17, 20-23, Titus 3:9-11, Mat 12:7,2 Tim 2:23, James 4:11_12, Ro 7:4-6, 2Tim 2:16-18, Mk 7:1-13, Mat 15:1-20, Phil 3:1-3, Lk 11:52, Mat
23:-23-28.
- Mysticism
Another very popular method that certain sectors of Christianity uses for developing holiness is mysticism. By mysticism, it is meant anything that is a secret or unable to verify. Subjective experiences are often used by many to be a method and proof that someone is living a holy life. Such things as tongues speaking, holy laughter, dreams, visions, and miracles are offered to prove one’s holiness. These activities are done to supposedly bring Christians to a higher state of holiness.
The main problem with this approach to developing holiness is that there is no Scriptural support for it. On the contrary, the Bible warns us that those who continually seek a sign or a miracle are weak in faith (Heb 11:1, 1 Cor 1:22). The3 Bible warns us to not let anyone defraud us with mystical experiences (Col 2:18-19). These type of experiences are unverifiable and can lead to much confusion. Unclear and unverifiable truth is rebuked in the Bible. (Titus 3:9-11, 2 Tim 2:16-18, 1 Tim 6:20, 1 Tim 1:3-4). Christians are not to endeavor to go beyond what God has told us in His word lest they be found guilty of adding to the word of God (Rev22:18).
God teaches us to study and show ourselves approved, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). It is this word of truth that leads us into doing those things that are holy. Mystical experiences can only serve to excite the flesh and fill the void for a faith that is lacking (Heb 11:1, 6).
We must also be wary of replacing the earnest study of God’s word with fun, games and music. Many have fallen into the trap of believing that they are becoming more holy because they are participating in many church activities. Even music can become a diversion from the study of the Bible. We must bear in mind that the true Biblical fellowship is defined in the Bible as follows:
- Fellowship and Music
We must also be wary of replacing the earnest study of God’s word with fun, games and music. Many have fallen into the trap of believing that they are becoming more holy because they are participating in many church activities. Even music can become a diversion from the study of the Bible. We must bear in mind that the true fellowship is defined in the Bible as follows:
- Ministering the Gospel (Phil 1:5, Gal 2 :9, Titus 1:4)
- Doctrine (Acts 2 :42, John 11, Philemon 6, Jude 3)
- Suffering for the Gospel (2 Cor 1:7, Heb 10:33, 1 Pet 4:13, Phil 3:10)
- Giving (Ro 15:26-27, 2 Cor 8:4, 9:13, Phil 4:14-15, Gal 6:6, Ro 12:13, Heb 13:16)
True fellowship involves the study and ministering of the Bible by word and by deed. Fun and games, dinners, desserts, and bingo can never be a true substitute for the sharing of the word of God.
Why is the Bible the Source of Growth?
Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35). The bible teaches us that we are to feed Jesus to have life. Man is not to live by bread alone, but by the word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Mat 4:4, Deut 8:3). That is, physical bread can only bring nourishment for the physical body. It is the word of God that brings nourishment to the spiritual soul. Jesus as the bread of life is that spiritual nourishment.
The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is also the Word of God (John 1:1,14). He is that word incarnate that came and tabernacled with us. God has provided us with that wonderful word of life. As Christians, we must shun all perversions of false teaching and earnestly apply ourselves apply to the Bible. It is by the word of God that we are fed and are enabled to grow spiritually.
How are We to Study the Bible?
The next question may arise is how we study the Bible. The Bible at times may seem very obscure and hard to understand. It may seem to have historical information that just does not seem to minister to our current needs.
We must remember, however, that the entire Scripture is the inspired word of God. We have learned earlier in this study that the Bible is the source of our spiritual nourishment and growth. We must all earnestly desire to feed and dwell on the word of God. We must not be fooled into the philosophy of many that Bible study should be limited to a short ‘devotional’ time each day. It should be our meditation day and night (Ps 1:2, 63:5-6). Just as we teach our children, we should dwell on it as we drive along the road, as we sit in the home, at work, and in all our waking moments (e.g., Deut 6:7). We must be renewed in the spirit of our mind (Eph 4:23). We must present ourselves as a sacrifice to God, renewing our minds with spiritual truth (Ro 12:1-2). We must earnestly pray that we may be full of wisdom of God (Col 1:9, James 1:5). We must continually strive to set our minds on things that
are above and not on earthly things (Col 3:1:3).
Once we begin doing these things, God will develop our minds in His spiritual truth. He has given us His Spirit by which we will be enlightened to spiritual truth (Cor 2:9-16). Line upon line, we will begin understanding deeper truths of Scripture (Is 28:9-10). We will no longer be feed with milk, but on the solid food (Heb 5:11- 14). We will begin to see how God’s word is totally consistent throughout the entire Bible. Metaphors will become apparent all through the Bible. We will learn to compare spiritual to spiritual (1 Cor 2:12-13), thereby being able to learn deeper truths of God.
At first, the Bible passages may seem to only be a historical narrative or a moral lesson. As we study and meditate, it will be illumined to us that there is a deeper spiritual meaning to be gleaned about the person and work of Jesus Christ. We will see how man is totally unable to merit salvation or help himself out of his fallen spiritual condition. Oh, the love of God that He would send His son for such a wicked people as us! We will be so enamored with the word of God, that it becomes our meditation day and night. We lie awake at night praying and communing with God. Bathed with prayer, the love of God’s Word will be our passion. The passions of the world will fade and the passion for God will thrive. This is the wonderful work of God’s grace. He gave us His son to atone for our sins. He gave us His Spirit to illumine us to the likeness of His Son.