Become An Active Learner

Become An Active Learner

Lesson 2: Learning To Grow In Christ

NKJV: 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture Is Given By Inspiration Of God, And Is Profitable For Doctrine, For Reproof, For Correction, For Instruction In Righteousness,”

Some Principles of Interpretation

“Scripture has only one meaning to which its content lends itself, there are many secondary
applications.”         …….. Dr. Fred Wittman – How To Mature in Christ <pages 10 – 18>

General Rule

1. Interpret grammatically with due regard to the meaning of the words, the forms of
   sentences, and the peculiarities of idioms in the language employed
2. Interpret historically with regard to context
3. Interpret comparatively with regard to parallel passages of Scripture
4. Application

Seven Areas of Growth:

NKJV: 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”

1. Flourishing: <The Means of Spiritual Growth> If we are to flourish, it will be the direct result of and in direct relation to the Word of God.

NKJV: Psalm 92:12-14, “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing’” 

NKJV: Ephesians 5:17, “Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”                   

2. Filling: < The Conditions for Spiritual Growth>
This refers to the filling of the Holy Spirit in us. Without the filling (control) of the Holy Spirit there can be no spirituality and therefore no true holiness.

NKJV: Ephesians 5:17, “Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 

NKJV: Ephesians 5:18,  “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

NKJV: Ephesians 3:19,“to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

NKJV: 1 Peter 1:14 – 16, “as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

NKJV: Hebrews 12:14,“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:”

NKJV: 1 Corinthians1:9, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

NKJV: 1 John 1:3-7, ”that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”

NKJV: Philippians 2:1, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,”

NKJV: Philippians 3:3, “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,”

4. Fighting: <The Conflicts in Spiritual Growth>

NKJV: Ephesians 6:10 – 18, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints”

5. Financing: < The Management of Trust in Spiritual Growth>
We are servants of the Lord and He has given us all that we have and put His trust in us to use it wisely and for His purposes.

NKJV: 2 Corinthians 9:6-13, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

“He has dispersed abroad,
 He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,”

NKJV: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”

6. Following: <The Pursuits in Spiritual Growth>
Throughout His ministry, the Lord Christ called on people to follow Him. He challenges us to continue to follow Him and never turn back.

NKJV: Luke 9:23, “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

NKJV: John 21:22, “Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

7. Faithfulness: <The Manner of Spiritual Growth>
Faithfulness is a trait that must be developed and our Lord Jesus Christ promised us great rewards for those who remain faithful to Him.

NKJV: Revelation 2:10, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

NKJV: Nehemiah 4:6, “So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.”

NKJV: 1Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Conclusion:

By this overview, it can be seen that all seven areas emphasized are found in seed thought in the Gospels where they are taught by our Lord Jesus Christ and experienced by the early church in the book of Acts.

The teaching and exhortation found in the Epistles will be included in future Lessons. It is necessary that you give diligent attention to develop these areas of growth and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in perfecting each of these areas in your life. In the following lessons each area of growth will be presented and expounded in greater detail on a level for babes in Christ to understand and to put into practice so that proper growth may take place into spiritual childhood.