Essential Elements for Spiritual Growth

So, how do I grow spiritually?

Often, I get asked this question. In response, I will use this inventory from the Self-Confrontation study, by John Broger, as a homework assignment.

Do you want to evaluate your spiritual life?

Consider using this evaluation. It requires us to analyze our spiritual life in light of these biblical imperatives.

Please answer each question below. Also, please look up each of the passages of Scripture.

If there are a number of areas in which you are lacking, do not be discouraged. Be resilient. Great habits do not happen in a day. Commit, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to making these disciplines habitual in your life.

Elements of Spiritual Growth

• Are you diligent in learning to handle accurately the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15)?

• Do you consistently examine yourself in light of God’s Word instead of comparing yourself with the lives or expectations of others (1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 55:8-11; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 10:12; and Hebrews 4:12)?

• Are you a doer of the Word? Being a doer of the Word requires the continual hearing of God’s Word and walking in it to receive the blessing of the Lord (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:22-25). The Word is entirely adequate for every area of life as it teaches, reproves, corrects, trains, equips you so that you may mature in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Do you deny yourself by putting off your natural self-centeredness to follow the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:38-39; Luke 9:23-24)?

• Do you seek to please God in all things (John 8:29; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 6:6-7; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4, 4:1; Hebrews 13:21; 1 John 3:22)?

• Are you a person of prayer? Continual prayer, with thanksgiving, leads to God’s peace guarding your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

• Do you place the welfare of others ahead of your own, thus following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:25-28; Romans 15:1-3; and Philippians 2:3-8)?

• Do you love others in a biblical way (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)? By loving in this manner, you will follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and will become known as His disciple (John 13:34-35; 15:12-13).

• Are you faithfully using your spiritual gift(s) for God’s glory and for the benefit of others (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; and 1 Peter 4:10-11)?

• Do you regularly worship the Lord, remaining in fellowship and in ministry with other believers (Psalm 29:1-2, 122:1; John 4:23-24; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Peter 2:5; and 1 John 1:7)?

Questions to Consider

So, how did you do? Once again, do not be discouraged. A key reason people fail to achieve their goals is that they do not have a clear vision of what they need to change.

So, based on what you learned, what are you going to change, today?