Stages of Spiritual Growth

When we come to the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ we become born-again children of God and go through a stage of spiritual infancy. John refers to this stage as "little children" or "babes" in the faith. (1John 2:12) Jesus refers to the young in faith as his lambs. (John 21:15)

New Christians feed on the fundamental truths of God the way children feed on milk and strained foods. "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe." (Heb. 5:13)

We are not to remain in this stage. In Paul's letter to the Hebrews he warned them that they were not growing spiritually but instead were in need of being taught the basics all over again. (Heb. 5:12)

The next stage of spiritual growth is when we have been weaned from the basic elements of scripture and have developed an insatiable hunger for the truth. We have come out of our spiritual infancy and crave the solid meat of the Word.

As we plunge into the word of God, the Holy Spirit reveals more and more truth to us and as we continue to apply it to our lives we grow strong in spirit.

Studying the word of God begins a work in us which only the Holy Spirit can do. As we apply what we have learned to our daily lives, we begin to experience a transformation as Christ is being formed in us. (Gal. 4:19)

The next stage of spiritual growth is when we have become saturated with the word of God. Simply reading it isn't enough. It needs to be put into practice. When we use what God gives us he will give us more. (Matt.25:29)

Having a good knowledge of scripture does not make one spiritually mature. Satan can quote the whole Bible word for word. We must apply what we learn to our daily lives and learn from our experiences; otherwise, as James says, we are hearers and not doers of the word. As we mature in spirit the word penetrates deep within our heart and we come to realize just how awesome our God truly is.

"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Heb.5:14)

As we approach spiritual maturity we will no doubt face challenges which will test our faith. This can be a very sobering stage of spiritual development but a very necessary step in our walk with God.

When these challenges come upon us and we apply the word of God along with what we have already experienced, our faith and spiritual awareness increases to where we are able to see and understand spiritual things that we never could before.

Therefore, there are many stages of spiritual growth that begin the moment we are born again. We are spiritual infants at this stage and will only grow when fed the word of God and apply it to our lives. Maturity comes with devotion to the word of God, trials and experience.