True Christianity isn't a one-time event; it's a journey of spiritual growth, transformation, and becoming more like Jesus every day. When we first put our faith in Christ, we are justified. This is the salvation of our spirit, the moment we are forgiven of our sins and made right with God. But justification is only the beginning.
The Apostle Paul spoke of the ongoing journey in Philippians 2:12, writing, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This verse isn't about working your way to heaven. It’s about working out what God has already placed inside of you, an ongoing process of transformation. This journey to maturity is how we find the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10, when He said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
The Stages of Salvation
Sanctification is God’s ongoing process of making us holy. It is distinct from justification (being saved) and glorification (our final state in heaven). It’s important to see sanctification as both God’s work and our willing participation. It requires us to be obedient and submit to the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Growth Requires Personal Responsibility
Growth is not automatic; simply attending church or gaining knowledge is not enough. Living the abundant life means having a humble attitude and a willingness to grow. You can’t grow spiritually without being willing to change, be corrected, and step out in faith. True spiritual growth is marked by obedience to Christ rather than just knowledge.
As our Savior, Jesus rescued us from sin’s penalty. Now, as our Lord, He calls us to follow Him in daily life. Our journey involves a series of unique next steps, guided by the Holy Spirit and tailored to each person. This is how we put our faith in motion.
The Role of Obedience in Sanctification
A common misconception is that spiritual growth is solely about gaining more knowledge. In some religious circles, there is an assumption that teaching people deep theological concepts will automatically lead to spiritual growth. However, many individuals gain knowledge without cultivating a humble heart, which can result in pride. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “knowledge puffs up.” Without a humble heart, increased knowledge can make you judgmental and proud, like a modern-day Pharisee.
Discipleship isn't simply about knowledge; it’s about obedience and being willing to follow Jesus, no matter the cost. Think about a time you changed your behavior because you thought a spiritual leader was watching. Maybe you were doing something you knew you shouldn't and tried to hide it. Moments like this reveal that people sometimes behave differently in front of others compared to when they are alone.
Paul said this in Philippians 2:12, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (emphasis added). He was commending the Philippians for their genuine obedience. It's easy to look like a good Christian when others are watching, but true character is revealed when no one is around. As believers, we know that Jesus’s presence is always with us. Living with this knowledge helps us live authentically and purposefully, pursuing Jesus no matter who is watching.
Just as a child learns early in life to say “mine,” an immature Christian can be selfish, always wanting their own way. A mature Christian is marked by humility and unity. When we choose obedience and humility over our own desires, we show a watching world that we are different. This happens as we adopt the mind of Christ, a mindset focused on continuous growth and humble submission.
Taking Next Steps for Spiritual Growth
Your next step will be unique to you, but the principle is always the same: you must put your faith into action. For some, this could be a first step, like publicly declaring your faith through baptism. For others, it’s about getting off the sidelines and into the game by joining a serve team. And for those overcoming past struggles, recovery or transformation ministries are a key next step, such as our Re:generation ministry. A vital step for everyone, however, is entering into discipleship relationships, letting someone else invest in and mentor you. This mentorship relationship gives you accountability and guidance to grow spiritually.
Spiritual growth through sanctification is an ongoing journey, not a final destination. It requires you to take personal responsibility for your next step of obedience. For many, your personal journey of spiritual growth begins with a small step, like finding a community of believers that provides personal mentoring and discipleship. This often leads to a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a clearer vision for His purpose in our lives. The journey continues as we say “yes” to new opportunities, whether it involves serving in a ministry or dedicating time to formal biblical study. Each “yes” is unique and puts your faith into action, bringing you closer to the destination God has for you.
Holding Fast to the Word of Life
In order to grow spiritually, we must stay connected to God’s Word. The Bible isn't just a book of rules; it is the Word of Life. It convicts us, guides us, and equips us for every step of our journey. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
When we abandon God’s Word or only hold onto the parts we like, we lose the very thing that gives us life. Paul warned of this in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, calling it “the great falling away” or apostasy. When we pick and choose specific parts of the Bible to believe, we are no longer holding fast to the Word of Life. You cannot follow the Son of God if you are not submitted to the Word of God. Jesus is the living Word, and the Bible is the written Word. The two cannot be separated. Sanctification requires submission to Jesus, the living Word of God.
Avoiding Spiritual Pitfalls
Before taking your next step, be aware of spiritual pitfalls like grumbling, division, and a self-centered attitude. Noticing these things in your heart can indicate that you have stopped growing spiritually. You will never reach a point of complete obedience on this side of heaven. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, no matter how far you have come or how far you feel you’ve fallen from God, there is always room for growth on your spiritual journey.
The path to an abundant life in Christ is a journey of continuous obedience and humility. The mark of mature discipleship is full surrender, offering yourself completely to Jesus as a living sacrifice.
Becoming a Living Sacrifice
Ultimately, the goal of spiritual growth is total surrender of our lives to God. Paul used a powerful image in Philippians 2:17-18 when he talked about being “poured out as a drink offering.” In the Old Testament, a drink offering was completely poured out on the altar as a gift to God. Nothing was held back.
Paul saw his life as an offering to Jesus, giving every last drop to Him. Our lives should be an offering, too. This is more than just a commitment; it is an act of total surrender. Jesus never asked for a commitment; He asked for a cross. He was saying, “If you want to follow me, it's going to cost you everything, and you must surrender everything to me.”
This is what it means to be a worshiper, giving all of ourselves for all of Him. As Paul says in Romans 12:1, we are called to make our bodies a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” You cannot be full of the Holy Spirit if you are still full of yourself. Emptying yourself of your pride and sin leaves room to be filled with His Spirit.
Putting Your Faith in Motion
Putting your faith in motion requires full surrender to Jesus. As you consider your next step, pray for God to provide not only the desire to grow but the power to obey. Remember, spiritual growth and obedience are both responses to God’s grace, and they come from submission and obedience to His Spirit.
Sanctification is a call to greater Christlikeness, lived out in community, through obedience, humility, and total surrender.
- Sanctification is a process for every believer, involving both God’s work and our active pursuit of Christlikeness.
- Spiritual growth requires obedience, not just knowledge; discipleship is about action, not merely information.
- Living the abundant life means embracing a growth mindset, humility, and continually taking next steps in faith.
- Holding fast to the Word ensures that spiritual transformation remains authentic and life-giving.
- Full surrender, offering oneself as a living sacrifice, is the mark of mature discipleship and the path to the abundant life in Christ.
Take your next step of spiritual growth by committing to discipleship! Learn about our discipleship ministries and join one that will help you on your journey.