Spiritual Growth

  • God-Given Growth

    Colossians 2:19

    There is a sinful tendency in all of us to cut ourselves off from Christ, the Head of the body of Christ and only source of life-sustaining nourishment. It may not display itself overtly in false worship as it did ...Read More

  • The Goal of Reconciliation

    Colossians 1:21-22

    Being declared righteous in Christ, we are accepted into the kingdom of God by faith alone without any consideration of our works. Still, those who are declared righteous begin to act righteous, and we grow in love for our Savior ...Read More

  • Proper Christian Growth

    Colossians 1:9-10

    It is all too easy for us to think that once we know the basics of the gospel we must then move beyond them for true spiritual growth. Yet it is not extrabiblical revelations and methods that mature us, nor ...Read More

  • God’s Living and Active Word

    Hebrews 4:12–13

    Unlike the teachings of men and women that often fall on deaf ears, the Word of God always accomplishes the purposes for which it has been sent. That does not mean, however, that our Christian growth happens passively as we ...Read More

  • Conforming to the Image of Christ

    Reflect on the final statement of this reading: “We are becoming holy. If we are not becoming holy, then Christ is not in us and our profession of faith is empty.”Read More

  • Avoiding Stagnated Growth

    Where are you spiritually? Have you leveled off at a plateau of stagnated spiritual growth?Read More

  • Acknowledging Our Citizenship

    Thank God for your citizenship in heaven.Read More

  • The World

    Romans 12:2

    God calls believers not to escape the world but to live according to His will within the world (John 17) as a witness to fallen cultures and societies, manifesting that He is Lord of all. Consider this day some of ...Read More

  • A Helpful Reminder

    2 Peter 1:12

    Scripture emphasizes both the importance of remembering basic Christian doctrines (1 Peter 2:2–3) as well as the need to build upon them (Heb. 6:1–2). We must continually seek to grow in our knowledge of the Savior ...Read More

  • Encourage One Another

    Hebrews 10:24–25

    Ask yourself this question: “Do I really believe that I need encouragement to maintain my faith?” The answer should be yes. True believers share their struggles with other believers and pray for each other so that they will persevere. Allow ...Read More

  • Refusing to Learn

    Isaiah 28:1–15

    The prophet mocks the Jews by saying they had to learn like children, precept upon precept and little by little. This was not a compliment. While you are to have the humble heart of a child, you are not always ...Read More

  • The Sin of Sloth

    Proverbs 21:25–26; 26:13–16

    Make specific changes in your life to fight laziness. This can include your vocation, physical exercise, and spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, attendance at worship, and service. If you have children, establish guidelines for housework, school work, and spiritual ...Read More

  • Persevering Diligence

    Proverbs 10:4, 26; 21:5

    During the day today, consciously fill every moment with productive activity (including eating and necessary rest). Refrain from wasting time. If you find your day filled already, are you doing too much? Are you often rushed? If so, think about ...Read More

  • Sacrifice from the Heart

    Psalm 50

    Read Matthew 12:1–13. What was the major concern of the Pharisees? What was Jesus’ concern? What does Jesus mean by “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (see Hosea 6:6)? Examine your life and your practice of worship ...Read More

  • Death Comes to All

    Psalm 49

    Read 1 Timothy 6:17–19. What does Paul say is great gain? What does he say about people who want to get rich? Does this mean being rich is wrong? What does Paul say we should pursue? In what ...Read More