When you are born again you became child of GOD and you are expected to grow spiritually and in the knowledge of LORD Jesus Christ.

Being born again means GOD has forgiven our sins and brought us in personal relationship with Him.

2 Peter 3:17-18

17Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Why we should grow spiritually

< GOD predetermined that we should grow.

Romans 8:29

29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

< GOD desires to protect us

2 Peter 2:1-3, 14, 17-19

1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

14With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!

17These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

< Our love for LORD Jesus and our knowledge of Him

We need to be in likeness to His Son LORD Jesus Christ. Continuing to likeness of LORD Jesus.

If you are not growing that’s mean you are holding onto something you shouldn’t. You are saved to grow and live in righteousness. It is will of GOD we walk in holy and righteousness from Him.

Why we fail to grow spiritually

< No instruction

< Neglect to read the Bible, pray, and attend church

< Negative influence of others

You need to be an example to others.

< Unsure of what we believe

Read the word of GOD and make it come be part of you.

< Lure of the world

Guard your mind and eyes

< Doubt GOD

< Defeat in an area of temptation

Do you want to die and face the LORD knowing that you did your best?

Evidences that you are growing in the LORD Jesus Christ

< We are increasingly aware of our sinfulness and weakness

More you grow in LORD Jesus Christ He gives you spiritual insight to see and we become more and more sensitive to sin in our lives.

< Our response to sin in our life is quick involving genuine repentance. Deal with the sin immediately.

< Our spiritual battles become more intense and yet we are rejoicing.

< We see trials and temptations as opportunities for growth

< We view service to Him as a high honour not a burden

< We are able to view everything as coming from Him.

LORD allows it for a reason if you see it’s coming from the LORD, you won’t get angry, you won’t get bitter, you won’t get resentful, you won’t get hostile. They won’t even be able to figure it out what’s going on.

No one can do anything to child of GOD unless He allows it.

< We sense our faith growing stronger. You thank the LORD and you find your faith growing stronger.

< We spend more time in worship and praise. You would want to.

< Our desire to obey Him becomes more and more intense and sin becomes less and less attractive

The more we live as LORD Jesus less we put up with sin in our lives.

Sanctified life is a life set apart by GOD through the Holy Spirit to live a Godly life. You will fill your mind with Godly thoughts and truths to build you up strengthen you and empowers you to defend your faith.

< We are more and more eager to share what Christ doing in our life.

< We are experiencing ever increasing awareness of His presence. The more Godly you become, the more Christ like you become, the more aware of His presence. Somethings you don’t tolerate in your life because you are a follower of LORD Jesus Christ.

< We guard our private devotion time. Read word of GOD and pray. What you feed your soul your spirit. Whatever you feed you become part of.

< We love to spend time alone with GOD. It is a choice we make how much time we want to spend with Him.

< We desire to give more.

< We have a growing hunger in your heart for GOD. You will always be satisfied when you spend time with Him because you honour Him.

< We feel GOD’s love

Ask forgiveness for your sins, accept Him as your Saviour and surrender your life to Him and began living for the first time in your life. Living for the Christ is the best way to live.

John 15:18

18“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

Be grateful, remain quite, don’t argue with them, say thank you very much. If there is an opportunity to give your testimony give it.

2 Timothy 3:12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 15:20

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

Matthew 5:10-12

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Be pleased that your life is making a difference and be ready to share Christ.

1 Peter 3:15

15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.