Thesis: Many Christians don't grow spiritually because they don't feed themselves, despite the abundant availability of Bibles in the world today.
1. COMMANDED TO GROW SPIRITUALLY * Become more like Christ (1 John 2:6) * Mature in Word (1 Peter 2:2) * Go after maturity earnestly (Philippians 3:13)
2. SPIRITUAL GROWTH NOT MERITORIOUS * Not age-based * Not knowledge-based * Not activity/work-based * Not success-based (church-size, influence, etc)
4. LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH Stage 1: Little Children * in training (lack of knowledge) * saved, but immature spiritually * unconditional love for parent (new Christian thrilled with God) * lack discernment Stage 2: Young Men * learns doctrine, knowledge of God * discerning, not easily deceived * not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine Stage 3: Fathers * moves from knowing theology, to "knowing" God * plumbs depths of God's character * experiential worship of God * intimate knowledge of God
CONCLUSION: Reading Bible isn't just to be a "devotional", it is delving into the scripture to grow spiritually, moving from being able to discern true from false and knowing theology, to meditating on the person and character of the One who the Bible talks about.
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