2 Peter 3:18
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
As a Christian, you are called to grow in your faith and become more like Christ.
This process of spiritual progress can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you will have in your life.
Hebrews 5:12a: "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again...
It appears like the Hebrew Christians are not growing in their new found faith, Paul says, when they ought to be teachers, that is, they supposed to have grown into maturity. Yet they still need to be fed with milk like unto a baby.
This is the case about many Christians, we're never meant to be stagnant, we're meant to keep on progressing in faith and in the Spirit.
What exactly is Spiritual Progress?
Spiritual progress is about becoming more like Christ, who is the perfect example of what it means to be a godly Christian.
It involves growing in your knowledge and understanding of God's Word, learning to apply biblical principles to your life, and developing godly character traits such as love, patience, kindness, and self-control.
What does it mean to make Spiritual Progress?
Making spiritual progress involves deepening your relationship with God, living according to His will, and developing a Christ-like character.
In this blog post, we will explore some practical steps you can take to make spiritual progress as a Christian.
5 Practical Ways to Spiritual Progress
1. Daily Studying of the Bible
Studying the Bible is an essential part of making spiritual progress as a Christian.
The Bible is God's word, and it is the primary way He communicates with us.
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."
Through the Bible, we learn about God's character, His plan for our lives, and His expectations for how we should live.
To study the Bible effectively, you should:
- Read the Bible regularly: Set aside time each day to read the Bible, even if it's just a few minutes. Choose a time that works best for you, such as in the morning or before bed.
- Choose a Bible reading plan: A reading plan can help you stay focused and committed to reading the Bible regularly. There are many reading plans available online or in Bible study books.
- Take notes: Write down what you learn from your Bible study, including any insights, questions, or applications to your life.
- Pray: Before you begin studying the Bible, ask God to give you wisdom and understanding.
Discover: 15 Substantial reasons why you should start reading the Bible
Getting Spiritual Power requires making some vows, what are these 5 Vows?
2: Pray Continually
Prayer is another essential part of making spiritual progress. Prayer is how we communicate with God, and it is an opportunity to express our love, gratitude, and needs to Him.
Colossians 1:9-10 - "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 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."
Regular prayer can help you grow closer to God and deepen your relationship with Him.
To make prayer a regular part of your life, you should:
- Set aside time for prayer: Choose a time each day to pray, such as in the morning or before bed. You can also pray throughout the day, as needed.
- Be honest: Be honest with God about your feelings, concerns, and needs. He already knows what's on your heart, but He wants to hear from you.
- Pray for others: Pray for your family, friends, and community. Ask God to bless them and meet their needs.
- Pray for guidance: Ask God to guide you and give you wisdom in your decisions.
Discover: A complete different biblical ideas on how to progress spiritually by A.WTozer.
3: Fellowship with other believers
Fellowship with other believers is a crucial part of making spiritual progress.
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." This verse highlights the importance of allowing the message of Christ to dwell richly within us through the reading and study of Scripture.
When we spend time with other Christians who share our faith, we can encourage, support, and learn from one another.
- Attend church: Make attending church a regular part of your life. This is a great opportunity to worship, learn from God's word, and connect with other Christians.
- Join a small group: Join a small group or Bible study to get to know other Christians on a deeper level. This is an excellent opportunity to share your struggles, encourage one another, and grow together in your faith.
- Seek out Christian mentors: Look for Christians who are further along in their faith journey and ask them to mentor you. They can offer guidance, support, and accountability as you make spiritual progress.
4: Practice spiritual disciplines.
James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says
Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us grow in our relationship with God.
They are not meant to be legalistic or burdensome but are rather a way to focus our attention on God and deepen our spiritual lives.
Some spiritual disciplines you can practice include:
- Fasting: Fasting involves abstaining from food for a period of time. This practice can help you focus on God and deepen your prayer life.
- Meditation: Meditation involves quieting your mind and focusing on God's word. This practice can help you to hear from God and gain a deeper understanding of His will for your life.
- Giving: Giving is an act of worship and an opportunity to trust God with your finances. It can also help you develop a generous and compassionate heart.
- Worship: Worship is a way to express your love and gratitude to God. You can worship through singing, prayer, and reading God's word.
- Service: Serving others is a way to demonstrate God's love to those around you. It can also help you develop a servant's heart and deepen your compassion for others.
5: Seek growth opportunities
To make spiritual progress, you must be intentional about seeking growth opportunities. This means being open to new experiences, challenging yourself, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Some spiritual growth opportunities you can seek include:
- Learning: Take courses, attend workshops, or read books on topics related to your faith. This can help you gain new insights and deepen your understanding of God's word.
- Serving: Look for opportunities to serve in your community or church. This can help you develop new skills, meet new people, and grow in your faith.
- Mission trips: Participate in mission trips to other countries or communities. This can help you gain a global perspective and develop a heart for evangelism and outreach.
- Counseling: Seek counseling if you are struggling with emotional or spiritual issues. This can help you gain perspective, identify areas for growth, and overcome challenges.
Conclusion
Making spiritual progress as a Christian is a lifelong journey that requires commitment, dedication, and intentionality.
By studying the Bible, praying, fellowshiping with other believers, practicing spiritual disciplines, and seeking growth opportunities, you can deepen your relationship with God and become more like Christ.
Remember, spiritual progress is not about perfection or performance, but about growing in your love for God and others.
As you take these steps, trust in God's grace and guidance, and allow Him to work in your life.