GROWING BY THE WORD
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow
thereby (1 Peter 2:2).
Growth isn’t a miracle and shouldn’t take a miracle; it’s the result of the application of revealed principles and means. Growth is intrinsic to life; it’s a natural course of life. Everything that has life grows; it’s one of the characteristics that differentiate living things from non-living things.
As a Christian, your spiritual growth is very important, and you can only grow by the Word. God’s Word is food for the human spirit. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby.” The Word of God builds you and transforms your life from glory
to glory.
James 1:21 says, “…receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” It’s like natural seeds that can only grow properly when planted in the right environment. If you want to grow spiritually, you must expose your spirit to the Word; you must feed on the Word.
It’s one of the reasons you must be an active member of a local church, where you learn the Word of God that imparts faith and builds your spirit strong. Do your personal study of the Word; this is so important. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Then, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it says, “All scripture is given
by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
unto all good works.” Notice the underlined portion.
How exciting it is to watch yourself grow up to spiritual maturity! You notice your choices and values change. Your passion and affection are set only on the things of the Spirit. This isn’t something anyone can do for you; it’s your responsibility. God already fulfilled His role by making His Word available to you. He said in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….”
With the Word in you, you’re able to tame the crises of life. You’re able to take charge of your health. You know how to keep Satan and his cohorts in check. You enforce the will and dominion of Christ in your city, nation, and in the nations of the world. That’s part of Christian growth. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for your Word and its power in my life; I’m growing unto maturity, in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. My spirit is built up strong, and educated as I study and meditate on God’s Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Acts 20:32
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 & Jeremiah 11-12
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Hebrews 11:1-16 & Ezekiel 21
