15 Bible Verses about Spiritual Growth

may the Lord make you increase and abound in mutual love, in love towards all men, as we do towards you:

this indeed you practise towards all our brethren in Macedonia; and we only exhort you to advance more and more therein:

On this head we have many things to say, not easily to be comprehended, because of your prejudices. for though by this time you ought to be capable of teaching others, you want to be instructed anew in the first principles of the divine oracles; and are in such a state as to stand in need of milk, rather than of solid nourishment. now he that is disciplined like a child, is not prepared for the doctrine of justification: read more.
such solid nourishment is only fit for such as are arriv'd at their full growth and strength, whose senses have been exercis'd in distinguishing what is good, and what is prejudicial.

Therefore omitting for the present the principles of the christian doctrine, we shall proceed to something more sublime, without mentioning those fundamental articles of repentance from destructive vices, and of divine faith: the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment: of which we shall treat another time, if God permit. read more.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned, and have received the heavenly gifts, communicated by the holy spirit, and have known by experience the truth of the divine promises, and the miracles of the age that was to come; it is impossible, if they shall fall away, to re-instate themselves by repentance: seeing, as far in them lies, they crucify the son of God afresh, and expose him to open shame. for the earth which drinks up the frequent show'rs that fall upon it, and produces plants fit for the use of him that cultivates it, is stiled heavenly land: but that which bears thorns and briars, is look'd upon as lying under a curse; whose end will be to be burnt. But though we speak in this manner, my dear brethren, we expect better things of you, and such as are more suitable to your salvation. for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give. but we desire that every one of you may shew the same concern, continuing to discharge the condition upon which your hopes are founded: that ye be not unactive, but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them. For when God gave his promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying, "surely I will heap blessings upon thee, and will give thee a numerous posterity." and after he had patiently waited, he obtained what was promised. for when men swear by a superior, the ratifying what they say with an oath, puts an end to all further debate.

but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head:

that your conduct may be worthy of the Lord, in every respect agreeable to him, being friutful in every kind of virtue, and increasing in divine knowledge:

and the child grew in stature and in all the improvements of the mind; he was stor'd with wisdom, and was the object of divine favour.

in the mean time Jesus increas'd in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

We are oblig'd, my brethren, to render thanks to God continually upon your account, as it is but just; since your faith still improves, and your mutual love is always increasing.

now he that furnishes seed to the sower, and bread for food, shall furnish and multiply what you sow, and increase the fruits of your liberality.

Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge: to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety:

on the contrary, may you increase in the favour, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! to him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN.

which is without any mixture, and will make you thrive. Since you have tasted how good the Lord is,

Therefore omitting for the present the principles of the christian doctrine, we shall proceed to something more sublime, without mentioning those fundamental articles of repentance from destructive vices, and of divine faith:

Now the child continued to grow, and greatly improv'd in sense; and was in the desarts till the time, when he was to be manifested to Israel.

however Saul still gain'd ground, and confounded the Jews of Damascus, proving that Jesus was the Messias.