The Bible Speaks - Words of Inspiration - Spiritual Growth

[00:00:00] Let us pray, pray together on our knees

[00:00:07] Let us pray, pray together on our knees

[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun

[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the knees

[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock

[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International

[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's word

[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast

[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin

[00:00:46] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the mighty and matchless name of our Saviour, Jesus the Christ

[00:00:52] To another edition of Words of Inspiration

[00:00:56] And today, we are going to be discussing Spiritual Growth

[00:01:01] Our inspirational scripture comes from 2 Peter 3 verse 18 which reads

[00:01:09] But grow in the grace of knowledge and of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

[00:01:14] To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen

[00:01:21] The Bible portrays spiritual growth as an ongoing journey

[00:01:25] Facilitated by engaging with the Word of God

[00:01:28] Living out one's faith in practical ways

[00:01:31] Experiencing and persevering through trials

[00:01:34] And continually deepening one's relationship with God

[00:01:38] This growth is not only about personal development

[00:01:41] But it's also aimed at equipping believers to serve others

[00:01:44] And fulfill God's purpose in the world

[00:01:47] So why do we have to grow spiritually?

[00:01:50] Isn't it enough to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour?

[00:01:54] When you consider our walk with God, there are stages

[00:01:59] And each stage requires growth to get to the next

[00:02:02] 1 Peter 2 verse 2 uses the metaphor of a newborn baby

[00:02:08] To describe new believers' need for spiritual nourishment

[00:02:12] It reads

[00:02:13] Like newborn babes crave pure spiritual milk

[00:02:17] So that by it you may grow up in your salvation

[00:02:20] This passage highlights the necessity of

[00:02:24] Dearing of desiring and ingesting God's Word

[00:02:28] To mature spirituality

[00:02:30] It also stated that we may grow up

[00:02:34] Have you ever been studying the Word

[00:02:37] And read something that stands out so much that you highlighted it?

[00:02:41] Why didn't you see it before?

[00:02:43] What was different this time?

[00:02:45] As we grow spiritually, God can expand our understandings

[00:02:49] Through the Holy Spirit

[00:02:51] This expansion is critical for the fulfillment of our assignment

[00:02:54] And purpose unto God

[00:02:56] Romans 12 verse 2 advises believers not to conform

[00:03:01] To the patterns of this world

[00:03:03] But to be transformed by the renewing of their minds

[00:03:06] This transformation is essential for discerning God's will

[00:03:10] And reflects spiritual growth and maturity

[00:03:13] As we learn to apply biblical principles to our lives daily

[00:03:17] This is also called wisdom

[00:03:21] Galatians 5 verses 22 through 23

[00:03:26] Describes the fruit of the Spirit

[00:03:29] Which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness

[00:03:35] Faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control

[00:03:38] These traits are markers of spiritual growth

[00:03:42] Indicating a believer's progress in reflecting Christ's character

[00:03:46] Through the power of the Holy Spirit

[00:03:49] Philippians 1 verses 9 through 10

[00:03:53] Expresses Paul's prayer for believers

[00:03:56] And this is my prayer

[00:03:58] That your love may abound more and more

[00:04:00] In the knowledge and depth of insight

[00:04:02] So that you may be able to discern what is best

[00:04:05] And may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ

[00:04:09] This passage underscores the importance of growing

[00:04:12] In knowledge and understanding

[00:04:14] As integral components of spiritual maturity

[00:04:18] This scripture also has application in our natural lives

[00:04:22] As we grow, the Holy Spirit will lead us

[00:04:25] In our understanding

[00:04:27] So we make better decisions, treat our neighbors better

[00:04:30] And have a fuller understanding of God's will and way

[00:04:34] Brothers and sisters, John 15 verses 4 through 5

[00:04:38] Uses the analogy of the vine and branch

[00:04:41] To emphasize the importance of remaining in Christ

[00:04:44] For spiritual growth

[00:04:46] Remain in me as I also remain in you

[00:04:50] No branch can bear fruit by itself

[00:04:53] It must remain in the vine

[00:04:55] Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me

[00:04:59] This relationship is essential for spiritual vitality

[00:05:03] And productivity

[00:05:05] I thank you once again for spending time with me on today

[00:05:09] And I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow

[00:05:12] Until then, God bless

[00:05:37] That's Harvest International

[00:05:39] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:05:44] Again, that's Harvest International

[00:05:47] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:05:53] Come in home

[00:05:58] Come in home

[00:06:01] Never leave