Growth is part of God’s plan for our lives, both spiritually and personally. Today, we’ll uncover what the Bible says about growing in faith, character, and obedience to God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Helping Each Other
What Does The Bible Say About Growing
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and development. Just as a newborn baby craves milk for physical growth, believers should have a strong desire for spiritual nourishment in order to grow in their relationship with God and deepen their understanding of salvation.
Growing in salvation involves continuous learning, seeking knowledge of God’s Word, and applying it to one’s life. It is a process that requires diligence and a hunger for God’s truth.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
This verse encourages believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Growing in grace means receiving and experiencing God’s unmerited favor, and growing in knowledge involves deepening our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
As we grow in grace and knowledge, we reflect the character of Christ more fully and bring glory to Him. It is a lifelong journey that should be pursued with eagerness and gratitude.
Colossians 1:10
“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
This verse encourages believers to live a life that honors and pleases the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in every good work, which is a result of growing in the knowledge of God.
Growing in the knowledge of God involves an intimate relationship with Him, studying His Word, and allowing His truth to transform our lives. It is through this growth that we are empowered to live a life that reflects the love and character of Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
This verse highlights the importance of speaking the truth in love as a means of growing and maturing in Christ. By speaking truth in love, believers contribute to the growth and maturity of the Church, which is the body of Christ.
Growing to become the mature body of Christ involves unity, spiritual development, and living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. It is through this growth that the Church is able to fulfill its purpose and reflect the character of Christ to the world.
Proverbs 4:18
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”
This verse compares the path of the righteous to the rising of the morning sun, which shines brighter and brighter until it reaches its full brightness.
Those who choose to walk in righteousness and follow God’s ways will experience growth and progress in their spiritual journey. They will continue to grow in wisdom, understanding, and character, shining brighter and bringing light to the world around them.
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
This verse reassures believers that God, who initiated a good work in them, will continue to work in their lives until the day of Christ’s return.
God’s work of transformation and growth in believers is ongoing. He is faithful to complete what He has started, equipping and empowering believers to overcome challenges and become more like Jesus, ultimately culminating in their full transformation when Christ returns.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
This metaphorical passage describes the blessings and growth of individuals who place their trust and confidence in the Lord.
Just as a tree planted by a water source remains nourished and steadfast, believers who trust in the Lord are sustained and filled with vitality. Their faith remains unshaken even in challenging times, and they continue to bear fruit and thrive spiritually.
Psalm 1:2-3
“But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
This passage emphasizes the significance of delighting in and meditating on God’s Word day and night.
Just as a tree planted by streams of water flourishes and bears fruit, believers who find joy and take time to dwell on God’s Word will experience growth and prosperity in all areas of their lives. Their spirits will remain unwavering, and they will find success through their alignment with God’s truth.
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
This verse describes the growth of Jesus, emphasizing that He grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with both God and man.
Just as Jesus grew in various aspects of His life, believers are called to seek growth and development in their relationship with God, their understanding, their character, and their relationship with others. This verse encourages believers to strive for holistic growth, following the example of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
This verse speaks of the transformative process believers go through as they fix their eyes on God’s glory.
As believers meditate on and behold the glory of the Lord, they are gradually transformed into His image, reflecting His character and radiating His glory to the world. This ongoing transformation is made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
1 Thessalonians 4:1
“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
This verse acknowledges the Thessalonian believers’ progress in living to please God while also urging them to continue growing in this aspect.
Believers are called to continually pursue a lifestyle that pleases God, growing in their obedience and devotion to Him. It is a journey of constant improvement and deepening their commitment to living according to God’s will.
Hebrews 5:12-14
“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
This passage addresses the need for believers to progress in their spiritual growth, moving from being spiritual infants to mature disciples capable of discerning truth and righteousness.
As believers mature, they should be able to teach others and have a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Just as infants advance to solid food, believers should move beyond elementary truths and develop spiritual discernment through consistent practice and application of God’s teachings.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
This verse affirms the divine inspiration and the practical relevance of Scripture for the growth and training of believers.
Through the study and application of God’s Word, believers are equipped for every good work, receiving instruction, correction, and guidance for living a righteous life. The Bible serves as a foundational tool for growth and transformation in the lives of believers.
James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
This passage highlights the role of trials in the growth and development of believers.
Instead of being discouraged by various trials and challenges, believers are encouraged to find joy, knowing that these tests of faith produce endurance. Through perseverance, believers become mature, complete, and lacking nothing, strengthened by their experiences to face whatever comes their way.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse emphasizes the need for believers to be transformed by renewing their minds, rather than conforming to the world.
As believers renew their minds through the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they are able to discern and align themselves with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. This transformation allows believers to grow and mature in their faith, reflecting the character and desires of God.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages believers to not grow weary in doing good, promising a harvest of blessings if they persevere.
Growth requires consistent effort and dedication. Believers are urged to continue in their pursuit of righteousness, trusting that their labor will yield fruit in due time. It is a reminder to press on, even when faced with challenges or discouragement.
Psalm 92:12-14
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
This poetic passage describes the flourishing and continual growth of the righteous.
Just as palm trees and cedars grow tall and strong, believers who are firmly rooted in the presence of God will flourish and remain fruitful throughout their lives. Their faith will remain vibrant and alive, bearing witness to God’s faithfulness and sustaining power.
Psalm 92:12-14
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This verse speaks of the blessings that come to those who avoid the path of the wicked and instead find delight in God’s law.
By meditating on God’s Word day and night, believers cultivate a deep love and understanding of His truth, which directs their steps, guards them from sin, and leads to spiritual growth and prosperity.
John 15:1-2
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
This metaphorical passage illustrates the necessity of pruning in the growth of believers.
Just as a gardener prunes a vine to remove dead or unfruitful branches, God prunes believers to remove anything that hinders their growth and fruitfulness. This process, though at times uncomfortable, ensures that believers grow, develop, and bear increasing fruit in their lives.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse brings a message of hope and renewal for those who place their trust in the Lord.
Believers who place their hope in the Lord are promised renewed strength, enabling them to rise above challenges, overcome weariness, and continue on their spiritual journey with endurance and perseverance.
Psalm 23:1-3
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
This well-known psalm describes the role of God as a shepherd, providing for and guiding His people.
Believers who trust in God’s shepherding and guidance experience spiritual growth and refreshment. Following the Lord’s leading, they find rest, nourishment, and peace in the midst of life’s journey.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of God’s Word in providing guidance and direction in the lives of believers.
Just as a lamp illuminates a path, God’s Word gives clarity, wisdom, and understanding for daily living. By studying and applying God’s Word, believers grow in their knowledge of Him and are guided in making choices that align with His will.
Psalm 92:12-14
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
This verse acknowledges that it is God who ultimately brings growth and fruitfulness in the lives of believers.
While believers play a role in planting seeds and nurturing growth, it is only through God’s power and grace that true spiritual growth can occur. It is a reminder to rely on God’s transformative work in our lives and to give Him all the glory for the growth we experience.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse expresses the Psalmist’s awe and gratitude for God’s creation, acknowledging that believers are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Recognizing and embracing one’s unique identity and purpose as a creation of God is an essential aspect of personal growth. This verse reminds believers to appreciate and celebrate God’s marvelous workmanship in their lives.