In Hebrews 5:11-14, the writer is upset because these Christians were not growing in Christ. He wanted to talk with them about the priesthood of Jesus but couldn’t because they were too spiritually immature to handle it.

What about us? Since being baptized, how much have we grown? One thing the Bible emphasizes over and over again is that God wants Christians to grow! God wants His children to mature spiritually. This is a serious matter to God!

We must desire to grow.

  • We will not grow if we don’t want to!
  • Spiritual growth is one of the big topics promoted in Peter’s epistles (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18).
  • We should never be content with our current level of spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:12).

We must be diligent.

  • See 2 Peter 1:5-7. The word “diligence” Peter uses means commitment and dedication. It implies that one is willing to work hard to grow in the Lord.
  • Spiritual growth doesn’t come to us when we are lazy and apathetic.

We must constantly consume God’s word.

  • Knowledge of God’s word is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth. This is why our daily Bible plan is important (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:5; 3:18).
  • Other resources we have for growth include Family Talk Blog articles, Step By Step and Weekly Bible Class videos, and our Jesus Through the Scriptures reading guide.
  • All of these tools can help us mature and grow in our knowledge (even during this time when we cannot assemble as much we would like).

We must actively apply God’s word.

  • In addition to studying God’s word, spiritual growth requires action (Colossians 2:6-7; James 1:22; 2 Peter 1:5-7).
  • By actively applying the word of God, we can become more like Jesus!

We must learn from our failures.

  • Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight. It is a continual process and a lifelong journey.
  • Peter is an excellent example of someone who used his past failures to help him grow in the Lord (Matthew 26:69-75; 1 Peter 5:1-4).

We must properly respond to our trials.

  • Our trials can refine and make us better for the Lord (1 Peter 1:6-7).
  • Our trials can cause us to trust God more, pray more, gripe less, and keep our eyes fixed on heaven.

What are the blessings of growth?

  • Those who grow in the Lord are equipped to bear fruit and avoid spiritual death (Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 1:8; John 15:8; Matthew 13:22).