CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING SPIRITUALLY: GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Proper nutrition and respiration along with appropriate exercise generally result in physical growth and development.  In humans growth and development occur both physically and mentally.

The growth and development in the corporate body of Christ is a result of the work of the God given ministry to the church

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52 KJV  

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV 

Psalms 1:1-6 KJV Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Colossians 2:6-10 KJV As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Ephesians 4:11-16 KJV  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There is much we can talk about concerning growth and development. We will however restrict ourselves to a few obvious and not so obvious ones.

 

PHYSICAL GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT	SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTIC	SCRIPTURE/COMMENTS
Physical growth occurs when the body cells which are produced from the basic stem cells, increase and develop to become specialized for the task to which they are assigned.	A saint of God also grows as he allows the Word to be applied to his life molding and shaping him for that which God requires of Him	Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:1-3 KJV
Bones grow and support the overall structure of the body giving it its general shape Muscles which are attached to bones also grow with proper food and exercise and contribute towards body shape.	Sound doctrine is essential to sound growth. Sound doctrine gives structure and definition to the body of Christ. It also   separates the true believer from the false and is vitally	But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 KJV
Mental development and growth  is vital for the proper maturity and functioning of the individual	A believer is not supposed to be static but is expected to increase in maturity and wisdom as he devotes time to studying and practicing of the Word.	Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:13-16 KJV
Exercise of the body and senses is essential to growth and development of the person	If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 KJV	For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 KJV

EXERCISING OF THE SENSES IS ESSENTIAL TO GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SAME.

Hebrews 5:13-6:3 KJV For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  14 but strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  6:1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  3   And this will we do, if God permit.

DESIRE FOR GROWTH CAN BE HINDERED, SUFFOCATED OR DESTROYED BY VICES SUCH AS MALICE, GUILE HYPOCRISY, ENVY AND ALL EVIL SPEAKING. 1 Peter 2:1-3 KJV  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  2   As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

GODLINESS IS THE GOAL OF SPIRITUAL WORKOUT. PROFANE AND OLD WIVES FABLES ARE A NEGATIVE EXERCISE FORM.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 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. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 1 Timothy 4:7-9 KJV

GODLINESS IS A VITAL PART OF THE OF THE PROGRESSIVE BUILD UP IN THE SPIRITUAL MAN TO THE APEX OF LOVE

 2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

CHASTENING IS A FORM OF EXERCISE THAT MAY WELL FIT THE SLOGAN: “NO PAIN NO GAIN!"

Hebrews 12:11-16 KJV Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  12   Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;  13  And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.  14   Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  15   Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  16  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

  

Jude 1:20-21 KJV   But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,  21   Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.