Christian Growth Psalms 92:12

Psalms 92:12-14 “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.”

1 Peter 2:1-2 “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 4:11-15 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ”

1 Corinthians 13:11 vs.14:20 “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”

Ephesians 3:1-5 “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is”

Ephesians 3:1-5 “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit”

Introduction Previous passages shows Christians are commanded to grow! Not an Option! Study is NOT just a responsibility of the: Preacher Elders Bible class teachers! Bible teaches that God’s word is understandable! Must study to understand it! To study, is a command! 2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

How Must We Grow? In the Knowledge of God’s Word! We err when we do not! Matt. 22:23-34 Can fail and loose fellowship with God! Hosea 4:6 Hebrews 5:11-14 John 8:31-32

How Must We Grow? In the Knowledge of God! Can know God only through the scriptures! John 17:3-6 To know God is to know His will! Colossians 1:9-10 Romans 10:17 Titus 1:16 The scriptures teach of the character, nature, will & works of God: John 4:24; Ephesians 1:17-23 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16 Romans 11:22; Acts 17:24-31 Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 5:1-4

How Must We Grow? In the Knowledge of Christ! 2 Peter 3:18 Must believe He is His Son! John 17:1-3; Acts 8:36-38 That He was sent by God! John 3:16-17; 14:6 That Christ is the Light! John 1:1-14 That He died and rose for us! 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 That His word is law and will judge us! Galatians 6:2; 2 John 9-11; John 12:48 That we must obey Him! Hebrews 5:8-9 That He will judge us on the last day! Acts 17:30-31

How Must We Grow? We must have knowledge of the Devil! Because he is as a roaring lion! 1 Peter 5:8 Lest he get an advantage of us! 2 Corinthians 2:11 Of his many wiles! Ephesians 6:10-18

Results of Growing! Those who grow in knowledge, increase in wisdom and strength! “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength” – Prov. 24:3-5

How Must We Grow? In the knowledge of God’s word! In the knowledge of Christ! In the knowledge of the Devil! If you are not growing in spiritual things, please start today!