1. Spiritual Growth Eph. 4:11-16
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
Ephesians 4:15

2. Growth is necessary
Plants
Animals
Children
Adults
Spiritually

3. The need for Growth
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.” 2 Pet. 3:18
The growth of the church depends on each member
Eph. 4:11-16
apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
perfecting, work of the ministry, edifying of body
no more children – may grow up

4. The need for Growth “may grow up”
Be mature – put away childish things - 1 Cor. 13:11
Spiritual growth can continue and flourish
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16
Spiritual growth is a renewal

6. Spiritual Birth
John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Spirit - given us the word of God – obey 1 Pet. 1:22-23
Water
Acts 2:38 repent and be baptized
Titus 3:5 washing of regeneration

7. Right Food Requirement for growth Spiritually malnourished - skeletons
- Matt. 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Must desire spiritual food
1 Pet. 2: desire – that you may grow

8. Children desire to grow
Do you desire to grow spiritually ??
Attendance
Read and study Bible
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matt. 5:6

9. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Heb. 5:12
How long have you been a Christian ?
Have you grown ?
Are you still on milk ?

10. Proper Climate
“Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits.” Cor.15:33

11. Free from Disease
Sin is the disease of the soul It affects spiritual growth
“For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23
Treat sin like a dangerous disease
Laying aside - 1 Pet. 2:1
Love not – 1 John 2:15-17

12. Free from Disease Vaccinate ourselves against sin
1 John 2:14 “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”
Ps. 119: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

13. Regular Exercise The Christian life is a race that requires exercise
“exercise thyself rather unto godliness” 1 Tim. 4:7
“Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” 1 Tim. 4:8
“your faith groweth exceedingly” 2 Thes. 1:3
2 Pet. 1: Christian graces

15. Spiritual Growth Have I grown spiritually ?
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Cor. 13:5
Have I grown spiritually ?

16. Sermon by Arthur Pigman
Evans Church of Christ
515 Gibbs Road
Evans, Ga
Sunday Evening June 12, 2011