Growing At First Family

Spiritual growth, or sanctification, is the life-long process of becoming more like Jesus Christ, and is clearly the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (Literally, the word “sanctification” means to become holy.) Be sure to understand that spiritual growth is not the result of a program, book, class, or even an intentional discipleship process, it is the clear evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in your life. Isaiah 61:11 makes this clear,

For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.–Isaiah 61:11

The Apostle Paul compares our spiritual growth to a plant, and again makes it clear that God is the one who brings forth fruit:

⁷So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ⁸ He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. ⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.–1 Corinthians 3:7–9

Yes, God is the Master Gardner, but this does not leave us to lead a life of passive absorption, simply basking in the shower of God’s blessings. On the contrary, the Bible makes it clear that we, too, play an active role in our sanctification. Look at the words Peter uses to describe this process and the responsibility we have in our spiritual growth (emphasis added):

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, ⁴ by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul uses the comparison of an athlete training for a race to demonstrate the type of self discipline followers of Christ must possess:

⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

The Greek word Paul uses that is translated as “train” into the English is gumnazo, the root of the English word gymnasium or gymnastics. Vine’s defines the word to mean “to exercise, to train the body or mind.” We all know the self-discipline it takes to become a skilled athlete, and in this Scripture, Paul lets us know that it takes the same kind of self-discipline and determination to become a well-grounded follower of Jesus Christ.

As with many “growth” areas in life, spiritual growth may not be easy at first. In fact, spiritual growth is very similar to physical growth…we start out life slow. We cannot walk. We cannot talk. We cannot eat on our own. So it is with our spiritual growth. As we begin on the life-long journey of sanctification, we cannot become discouraged if we feel our growth is too slow or not happening. Yes, in the early stages it may appear that growth is simply not happening, but you cannot give up any more than we would give up on a two-year old child because she is not showing evidence of becoming an adult. It takes time. Paul, again, encourages us,

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6

How can I grow spiritually at First Family?

Are you looking for some ways you might take the next step with your faith?

If so, below is a simple list that has some ideas that you may want to consider. Sometimes we want to grow, but we’re just a little stuck and need a different perspective or new opportunity. If you’d like to talk with someone about growing spiritually, click here to contact us.

Commit your life to Christ. The most important decision you’ll ever make!
Get baptized. Make this outward expression of your inward commitment of faith.
Commit to showing up consistently to our weekend services. One of the best ways to develop your spiritual life is to meet regularly with other believers.
Attend a Newcomers Lighthouse. Newcomers is our basic introduction to our church family.
Check out a small group.
Commit to a daily time with God. Download a Bible reading plan: 30 Days | 90 Days | 1 Year
Deepen your Bible study skills by downloading and following this devotional study form.
Serve in a ministry team. You’re never more like Jesus than when you are serving others because of him. If you’re looking for significance and fulfillment, then start serving today!
Host a small group. We are always looking for leaders so we can connect others into new groups, maybe it’s time for you to step up and host a group.
Go on a Short-term Mission Trip. If you want to make a difference globally, maybe it’s time for you to step out in faith and serve on a GO Team. Contact us today for more info.

For more about the various ministries at First Family and how they can help you in your life-long journey of spiritual growth, visit each section under the banner of “Grow” at First Family:

If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the church office (515-965-8300).