From the Pen of Paul

Christian Growth

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (I Peter 2:2). "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18). These scriptures tell us that it is possible for God's children to grow; it is God's will that we should grow and how we may grow.

Growth is important. This can be observed in the natural realm; plants bear fruit only through a process of growth; animals become full-grown through a process of growth. We also observe the importance of growth in the human family; an infant grows into an adult through proper growth. We don't expect as much of an infant as we do a full-grown man or woman; neither do we expect the child to remain an infant (I Cor. 13:11).

The fact that growth is important can also be observed in the spiritual realm. We realize that it is vital that we become strong, well-developed Christians and this is not possible without growth. And, as in the natural realm, God doesn't expect as much of newborn babes in Christ as he does of older members. Part of the responsibility given to us in the Great Commission is "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). But, neither does He expect us to remain spiritual babes (Heb. 5:11-13; Rev. 3:14-22).

What is required for spiritual growth? How do we grow into mature Christians? In answering this question we can compare spiritual growth to physical growth. What are the requirements for proper growth in the natural realm? Let's look at some of the things that are necessary.

1. Proper food is necessary for growth. This means that we must eliminate the wrong kind of food and include the right kind; spiritually we must do the same. We must rid ourselves of all the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:9; Gal. 1:6-10). We must be careful not to "wrest" the scriptures "to our own destruction" (II Peter 3:16). In Ephesians 4:22-32, Paul shows us that when we become Christians we "put off concerning the former conversation the old man" (v. 22) and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (v. 24). He then proceeds to list a number of things that we are to get rid of and tells us what we are to replace them with. We are also instructed to "study to show thyself approved unto God" (II Timothy 2:15). We should have the same interest in studying the Word of God that the Bereans did. They searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). In fulfilling their responsibility to "feed the flock" (Acts 20:28) our elders have set aside two periods of Bible Study and two periods of worship each week. Most of us take advantage of these opportunities to further our knowledge in God's word. Those who do not avail themselves of these opportunities are depriving themselves of avenues of spiritual growth. If you are not presently participating in these classes, let me urge you to reconsider and resolve to attend, study diligently, and grow.
2. The proper environment is required for growth. Physically this means that we need proper ventilation, lighting, and sanitation. Spiritually it consists of avoiding evil in all forms (I Cor. 15:33; Romans 12:9; I Thess. 5:22). When we place ourselves in an environment where we are tempted to sin, growth is stunted at best. We should seek out friends and companions that will influence us for good instead of being a hindrance to our spiritual development.
3. Proper exercise is required for growth. Without exercise the physical body cannot develop and remain strong. The same is true of the spiritual man. The writer of Hebrews speaks of "those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14b). Paul exhorted Timothy to "exercise unto godliness" (I Timothy 4:7). In comparing physical exercise and spiritual exercise, Paul wrote: "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (I Timothy 4:8). Spiritual exercise consists of prayer (I Thess. 5:16-17), worship (John 4:24; Matt. 4:10; Heb. 10:25), self-denial (Matt. 16:24), service (Mark 9:35) and steadfastness (Acts 2:42; I Cor. 15:58; James 1:2-4).

What are the benefits of Christian growth? We gain the ability to discern between good and evil (Heb. 5:14; Philippians 1:9-10); we bear fruit (Philippians 1:11). We become able to teach others (Heb. 5:11-14; II Timothy 2:2). It should be the desire of every Christian to grow into the strongest possible Christian and continue that growth throughout life.
—Paul Wilmoth

From the Preacher's Viewpoint. . .

We have no confidence in men and theories that have no power except to scatter, tear down and destroy. The time has come when the brethren should put their mark upon all this description of men we care not what their idol may be, who are simply prating, whining, complaining, and murmuring among loving disciples gathered by the labors and sacrifices of other men, but who never built up a church, healed a difficulty, or promoted peace any place in their lives.

Nothing is so ridiculous as for such men to go grumbling round the country, finding fault with everything, pulling down other men's labor, and building up nothing, all the while prating about progression and reformation. Tremendous progress, that miserable prating, whining, and grumbling that never builds up anything but always pulls down, catches the sheep and scatters them! Mighty reformers they, who built up a church or gave any prosperity to the cause, any place or did anything more than scatter and devastate! Atheism has done this much and will do it again. If men have found any new light worth anything, and are themselves men of any force, improvement will appear; fruits will follow their labors. But nothing can be more manifest than that God did not send those men who only spread desolation, who only pull down, scatter, and kill, we care not what fine theories they propagate, nor how prettily they may talk.

We want men who will preach the Lord Jesus Christ, who will regard him, adore him, and obey him, and not a set of self-willed men, who idolize their own notions, and are determined to have them and propagate them, if the Lord's name is forgotten, and the fold scattered asunder. Mercy and peace upon the Israel of God. Mark them who cause divisions and contentions.
—Ben Franklin