In what ways can we grow "with the growth that is from God"? Holding Fast to Christ the Head “[The whole body] grows with a growth that is from God” when it “loses connection to the Head” no longer (Colossians 2:19). • Remain relationally joined to Jesus. “Remain in Me… for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). • Seek His glory, not self-promotion (Colossians 1:18). • Daily surrender thoughts, plans, and desires to His lordship (Luke 9:23). Feeding on the Living Word • Approach Scripture as pure nourishment: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up” (1 Peter 2:2). • Read, study, memorize, and meditate; God’s Word “can build you up” (Acts 20:32). • Let every text shape doctrine and lifestyle: “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Yielding to the Spirit’s Power • Choose continual dependence: “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). • Walk in step: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Ask and receive fresh enablement (Luke 11:13). Thriving in the Body of Christ • Growth is corporate. “From Him the whole body… builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16). • Stay engaged—worship, fellowship, serve. “Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Use spiritual gifts so every part “works properly” (Romans 12:4-8). Walking in Obedience and Faith • Apply the knowledge God gives: “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord… bearing fruit… growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10). • Act on His promises even when unseen (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Obedience keeps the channel clear for more growth (John 14:21). Displaying the Fruit of Love • The test of true progress is love. “May the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). • Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, etc.—marks divine growth (Galatians 5:22-23). • Pray that “your love may abound more and more in knowledge” (Philippians 1:9-11). Guarding Against Counterfeit Growth • Reject rules or mysticism that bypass Christ (Colossians 2:20-23). • Test every teaching: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit” (1 John 4:1). • Hold to apostolic doctrine; steer clear of “every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). Building Up One Another in Faith • “Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20-21). • Speak truth in love, offer correction, share testimonies, and bear burdens (Galatians 6:2). Keeping an Eternal Perspective • Fix eyes on Jesus, “the Author and Perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Remember future transformation: “Our citizenship is in heaven… He will transform our lowly bodies” (Philippians 3:20-21). • Hope fuels perseverance, and perseverance matures character (Romans 5:3-4). By clinging to Christ, consuming His Word, yielding to His Spirit, and living fully in His body, we experience the authentic, God-given increase Paul describes—“growth that is from God.” |
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