What are the Secrets to Spiritual Growth?
Imagine you’ve just enjoyed an incredible meal. The flavors, the satisfaction - just unmatched. Chef’s kiss. It’s so good you make a decision: no more meals. That one was enough to last forever. Best meal ever, I’m never eating again. Crazy right? Yet, spiritually, many of us treat our faith exactly like this. We encounter God, we have a meaningful moment, and then assume that we’re good to go. We’re set for life. But real faith is about nourishment, it’s about wanting daily growth, not just a one-time experience.
After salvation, the question of “What next?” often looms over us. Without clear direction, as a new believer, you can feel stuck or stagnant. So today we’re tackling uncertainty, not knowing what to do, we’re tackling that “What next?” question.
In the episode, “What must I do to be saved?” (show card) - we talked all about the starting point of faith. Now, we’re diving into how to nurture and develop that new life in Christ, we’re laying the groundwork for every step forward in your walk with Christ.
See, spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s an intentional, lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, cultivated by developing good, spiritual habits that deepen your relationship with God. The apostle Peter captures this beautifully in 2 Peter 3:18 when he says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This verse calls us to ongoing growth, emphasizing both God's grace and our understanding of Him. See, the Bible presents growth as a process—one that requires effort, dependence on God, and patience. Just like physical growth happens over time with proper nutrition and care, spiritual growth follows similar principles. It's a journey, not an instant transformation.
When a baby is born, we don't expect them to immediately start walking, talking, and fending for themselves. We understand that growth takes time. They need nourishment, care, and guidance to develop properly. The same is true in our spiritual lives. Too often, we approach faith like a microwave dinner—pop it in, wait a few minutes, and voila! Instant spiritual maturity. But that's not how it works. Spiritual growth is more like a crock pot meal. It takes time, preparation, and patience. But the end result is a depth of flavor and richness that can't be rushed. So if you're feeling stuck or stagnant in your faith, then take heart - because growth is a process, and God is with you every step of the way. As we explore spiritual growth today, my prayer is that you'll walk away from this video with some practical tools and biblical passages to keep in your mind to help you move forward in your journey with Christ.
To lay a foundation for our discussion on growth, let's look at a few key scriptures that illustrate what spiritual maturity looks like.
In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul writes to the church in Corinth, saying, "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly." Paul contrasts spiritual "milk" with "solid food," showing that maturity comes with time and effort. New believers start with the basics—the milk of the Word. But as they grow, they should progress to deeper truths and more challenging teachings—the solid food.
This idea is echoed in Hebrews 5:12-14, where the author writes, "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Here, we see a challenge to believers who should be further along in their faith but are stuck in spiritual infancy. They're still relying on basic teachings when they should be ready for more. The author makes it clear that maturity requires moving past the fundamentals and learning to discern right from wrong through consistent application of God's Word. To illustrate this concept, imagine a plant. It begins as a tiny seed, but with proper sunlight, water, and time, it grows into a strong, fruitful tree. If you neglect to water the plant or keep it in darkness, its growth will be stunted. It may survive, but it won't thrive. The same is true for us spiritually. When we neglect the essential elements of growth—things like prayer, Bible study, and community—we limit our potential to mature in faith. We may still be Christians, but we won't be growing and thriving the way God intends. So what does this growth process look like practically? Let's dive into some of the key disciplines that nourish our spiritual lives.
Essential Disciplines for Growth
Just as a healthy diet and regular exercise are vital for physical growth and well-being, certain spiritual disciplines are essential for our spiritual growth. These practices are not meant to be burdensome or legalistic, but rather serve as building blocks in our relationship with God.
1. Bible Study
The first and most foundational discipline is Bible study. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul tells us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." The Bible is our ultimate source of truth, guidance, and nourishment. It's how we learn about who God is, what He desires for us, and how to live in a way that honors Him. Daily reading and meditation on Scripture builds a foundation of truth to guide and transform us. But Bible study is more than just reading words on a page. It's about engaging with the text—asking questions, grappling with difficult passages, and applying what we learn to our lives. It's about allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth and speak to us personally through the Word.
One practical way to make Bible study a consistent habit is to create a reading plan. This could be as simple as committing to read one chapter a day, or following a more structured plan that takes you through the entire Bible in a year. The key is to set a realistic goal and stick to it, even when life gets busy or you don't feel like it.
To help you out in this, I have a few Bible reading plans available on my website:
The 52 Week Bible Reading Plan. With this plan, you’ll read through the Bible in a year with each day of the week dedicated to a different genre: epistles, the law, history, Psalms, poetry, prophecy, and Gospels.
The Bible in a Year: This plan takes you through the entire Bible with two readings each day: one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.
Chronologically through the Bible: Read through the Bible in the order the events occurred chronologically.
Each of these is linked in the description below if you’d like to check them out.
Another helpful tool is a study Bible or commentary. These resources provide additional context, explanations, and insights to help you understand and apply what you're reading. They can be especially useful when tackling difficult or confusing passages.
Ultimately, the goal of Bible study is not just to gain knowledge, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). As we consistently expose ourselves to the truth of God's Word, our thoughts, attitudes, and actions will slowly but surely start to align with His will.
2. Prayer
The second essential discipline for spiritual growth is prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul gives a simple but profound command: "Pray continually."
Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It's how we express our gratitude, confess our sins, make our requests known, and listen for His voice. Prayer is like breathing for our soul—constant, essential communication with our Creator.
But if we're honest, prayer can sometimes feel intimidating or awkward, especially for new believers. We may worry that we're not doing it "right" or that God won't hear us. But the beauty of prayer is that God simply desires our honest, authentic communication with Him. One helpful acronym for prayer is ACTS:
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
This provides a simple framework for our prayers, beginning with worship and praise, moving into confession and repentance, expressing gratitude for God's blessings, and finally making our requests known. Another powerful aspect of prayer is intercession—praying on behalf of others. When we lift up our friends, family, and even strangers to God, we participate in His work in their lives. We may not always see immediate results, but we can trust that our prayers make a difference.
Like Bible study, consistency is key when it comes to prayer. Setting aside dedicated time each day to pray, whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed at night, helps make it a regular habit. And remember, prayer doesn't have to be limited to a specific time or place. We can pray anytime, anywhere, about anything. As we develop a consistent prayer life, we'll find that our relationship with God deepens. We'll start to recognize His voice more clearly, feel His presence more consistently, and see His hand at work in our lives more frequently.
3. Fellowship
The third discipline essential for spiritual growth is fellowship. God never intended for us to walk this faith journey alone. We need the support, encouragement, and accountability of other believers to help us grow and stay the course.
In Hebrews 10:24-25, we're told, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
This passage highlights the importance of regular gathering with other Christians. When we do life together—worshipping, learning, serving, and supporting one another—we sharpen each other and spur each other on in faith. Fellowship takes many forms. It can be as simple as meeting a friend for coffee to pray and talk about what God is teaching you. It can be participating in a small group Bible study or serving together on a ministry team. It can be attending church services and events regularly, even when you don't feel like it. The key is to prioritize community and resist the temptation to isolate yourself, especially when you're struggling. We all go through seasons of doubt, discouragement, or dryness in our faith. But when we lean on the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we find strength to persevere.
Fellowship also provides a context for us to practice the "one anothers" of Scripture—commands like "love one another" (John 13:34), "encourage one another" (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). As we learn to live out these instructions in community, we grow in Christlike character and reflect His love to the world around us.
4. Service
The final discipline we'll explore today is service. Spiritual growth isn't just about what happens inside us; it's also about how we live out our faith in tangible ways. Service is putting our love for God and others into action.
In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes,
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
True spiritual maturity is marked by a desire to serve, not to be served. It's a willingness to put others' needs before our own, to give generously of our time, talents, and resources, and to do it all for the glory of God. Service can take countless forms, from volunteering at a local food bank to mentoring a younger believer to using your professional skills to help a ministry or nonprofit. The specific how isn't as important as the heart behind it—a heart that says, "I want to be used by God to bless others and advance His kingdom." Serving regularly also helps prevent spiritual stagnation. When we focus solely on our own growth and well-being, we can become self-centered and complacent. But when we step out in faith to meet the needs around us, we're reminded of our purpose and reinvigorated in our walk with Christ.
Moreover, service is a powerful witness to a watching world. When we love and serve others selflessly, we reflect the heart of Jesus and point people to Him. We demonstrate that faith isn't just a private, personal thing, but a transformative force that impacts every area of life. As you consider how God might be calling you to serve, pray for discernment and direction. Look for needs in your church, your community, and your sphere of influence. And remember, no act of service is too small when it's done with great love.
Overcoming Growth Obstacles
As essential as these spiritual disciplines are, most of us will face obstacles and challenges in practicing them consistently. Let's look at a few common struggles and how to navigate them.
1. Lack of Time
One of the most frequently cited barriers to spiritual growth is a lack of time. In our fast-paced, over-scheduled culture, carving out space for Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and service can feel daunting.
But the truth is, we make time for what matters most to us. We may say we're too busy for spiritual disciplines, but if we're honest, we often find time for lesser things like social media scrolling, Netflix binges, or mindless activities. The key is to start small and be intentional. Set aside just 10-15 minutes a day for Bible reading and prayer. Wake up a little earlier, use your lunch break, or wind down before bed with God's Word. Over time, you can gradually increase your commitment.
It's also helpful to look for ways to redeem the time you already have. Listen to an audio Bible or podcast while commuting or doing household chores. Pray while you're exercising or waiting in line. Have a spiritual conversation with a friend over coffee instead of just making small talk.
Remember, investing in your spiritual growth is never a waste of time. It's the most important thing you can do with the time you've been given.
2. Inconsistency
Another common struggle is inconsistency. We may start off strong with a new Bible reading plan or prayer routine, but somewhere along the way, we get sidetracked and fall off the wagon. The key here is grace, not guilt. When you miss a day (or a week, or a month), don't beat yourself up or throw in the towel altogether. Simply acknowledge it, ask God for help, and start again. One practical tip is to set reminders or alarms on your phone as prompts to pray or read your Bible. You can also recruit an accountability partner—a friend or family member who checks in on your progress and encourages you along the way.
Above all, remember that spiritual growth is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about faithfulness over the long haul, not perfection in the short term. Even small steps, taken consistently over time, will add up to significant growth.
3. Struggles with Scripture
For some, a major obstacle to growth is difficulty understanding or applying the Bible. Maybe you've tried reading Scripture but find it confusing, boring, or irrelevant to your life. Or perhaps you know what it says but struggle to put it into practice.
If you're wrestling with a particular passage or concept, don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to a pastor, a mature Christian friend, or consult a trusted commentary or study Bible. Sometimes a fresh perspective can unlock new insights and understanding.
It's also important to approach the Bible with the right attitude. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truth and give you wisdom as you read. Come with a teachable heart, ready to hear from God and obey what He shows you. And remember, application is key. James 1:22 tells us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." As you read, constantly ask yourself, "How does this apply to my life? What changes do I need to make in light of this truth?" Then take practical steps to live it out.
The Bible is full of examples of people who faced obstacles to spiritual growth—and overcame them by God's grace. Let's look at a couple of their stories. In Luke 10:38-42, we read about two sisters, Mary and Martha, who hosted Jesus in their home. While Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to His teaching, Martha was distracted with the demands of entertaining and serving.
When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping with the work, He gently rebuked her, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
This story illustrates the tension we often feel between the urgent demands of daily life and the important call to spend time with Jesus. Like Martha, we can get so caught up in our to-do lists and responsibilities that we neglect what matters most—sitting at the Savior's feet. But notice that Jesus didn't rebuke Martha for serving; He affirmed that it was necessary and good. The problem was that her service had become a distraction from her devotion. She was so busy doing things for Jesus that she forgot to simply be with Him. We face this same temptation today. The tyranny of the urgent can easily overshadow the necessity of the important. But as Jesus reminded Martha, only one thing is truly needed—relationship with Him. Everything else flows from that place of abiding. Another biblical example of growth through obstacles is the apostle Peter. Throughout the Gospels, we see Peter's impulsive, reckless side—he's the one who denied Jesus three times, who spoke without thinking, who jumped out of boats and cut off soldiers' ears.
But God didn't give up on Peter because of his failures. In fact, He used those very failures to shape him into the leader of the early church. Through his missteps and stumbles, Peter learned humility, dependence on God, and the power of forgiveness. Peter's story reminds us that growth isn't always a straight line. We will face setbacks, struggles, and even outright failures along the way. But those very challenges can become opportunities for God to refine us and make us more like Jesus, if we let Him.
So how do we start to overcome these common obstacles to spiritual growth? Here’s what I would do:
Start small. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of building spiritual habits, start with baby steps. Commit to just 10-15 minutes of Bible reading and prayer each day. Over time, you can gradually increase your commitment as it becomes more ingrained in your routine.
Use tools. There are countless resources available to help you grow spiritually. Bible apps, devotionals, study guides, YouTube channels (like this one), and podcasts can provide structure and guidance as you seek to develop new habits. Experiment with different tools until you find what works best for you.
Find accountability. We're more likely to follow through on our commitments when we have someone holding us accountable. Share your spiritual growth goals with a trusted friend, mentor, or small group. Ask them to check in on your progress regularly and provide encouragement along the way.
Set realistic goals. It's easy to get overly ambitious with spiritual disciplines, only to get discouraged when we fall short. Set achievable goals for yourself, whether it's reading one chapter of the Bible a day, praying for five minutes each morning, or serving in one ministry a month. Celebrate your progress along the way, and don't beat yourself up when you stumble.
Be flexible. Life happens, and our best-laid plans don't always pan out. If you miss a day of Bible reading or prayer, or even a week or a month, don't let it derail your whole routine. Give yourself grace, and jump back in the next day. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection.
And as you start to do these things, you might find yourself wondering, “Am I actually growing spiritually?” Here are a few things I would look for:
The Fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we abide in Christ and walk by the Spirit, these qualities should increasingly characterize our lives. Do you see evidence of these attributes growing in you over time? That's a sign of spiritual maturity.
Increasing Discernment. Another mark of growth is increasing discernment—the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and deception, wisdom and foolishness. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word and learn to listen to the Holy Spirit's leading, our discernment sharpens. We become better able to make decisions aligned with God's will and navigate complex situations with biblical wisdom.
Deeper Love for God and Others. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). As we grow spiritually, our love for God should deepen and overflow into greater love for others. We should find ourselves more passionate about worshipping and obeying God, and more compassionate toward the people around us, especially the hurting and marginalized.
Greater Christlikeness. Ultimately, the goal of spiritual growth is to become more like Jesus. Romans 8:29 says that God is conforming us to the image of His Son. The more we grow, the more our character, conduct, and conversations should reflect Christ. This doesn't mean we'll achieve perfection in this life, but it does mean we'll see the Holy Spirit gradually transforming us from the inside out.
Let me encourage you to keep a journal, or even just open the notes app in your phone and keep it there. Write down four questions that you can come back to every so often and answer with a new entry:
Am I more patient and gentle today than I was a year ago?
Do I love and serve others more consistently than before?
Is my speech more seasoned with grace and truth than it used to be?
Am I quicker to forgive and slower to anger than in the past?
These four questions aren’t exhaustive, and they may seem kind of insignificant in the day-to-day, but the add up to a life that looks more and more like Jesus over time.
So what does all of this together mean for you, right where you are on your walk with Christ right now? How can you take what we’ve talked about so far and put it into practice today?
Create a daily plan:
Set aside specific time each day for Bible reading, for prayer, and for reflection. It could be the first thing you do when you wake up, you could do it during your lunch break, or before bed at night. And just start with 10-15 minutes, and gradually expand your time as you’re able. Find a place that is free of distractions, and come to meet with God expectantly.
Set some goals:
Identify one or two specific areas that you want to see yourself grow in, such as patience, gentleness, or just forming a habit of taking time to be with God each day.
Write down a concrete goal (again, I would use that same note in your phone as earlier), but this goal could be something like memorizing a Bible verse each week, reading a book of the Bible in a set time frame, or sharing your faith with one new person a month.
Then, break your goal down into manageable steps, and track your progress along the way.
And as your pursue this goal, celebrate your victories and give yourself grace in your struggles.
Find accountability:
Share what you’re doing with a trusted friend, a mentor, pastor, or accountability partner. Ask for them to check in with you regularly about your progress and to pray for you.
Consider joining a small group or discipleship class at your church where you can learn and grow alongside others.
Use resources:
Download a Bible app, or purchase a study Bible to help you in your Bible reading. I have Amazon links in the description of every single video on this channel to Bibles that I’ve used and recommend to others. These links are Amazon associate links, but whether you use my link or not, you can at least see what I think would be helpful in the description of each video on this channel.
Listen to podcasts, sermons, or other YouTube channels that challenge and inspire you in your faith.
Ultimately in all of this, the specifics of how you pursue growth will look different in different seasons of life. For me, where I was a decade ago is drastically different than where I am today. Even just 6 months ago to now is drastically different. And that’s okay. It should be different, if it remained the same my entire life then that would most likely mean that growth isn’t happening the way that it should. The key in all of this is to be intentional, consistent, and open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. As you faithfully engage in these disciplines and step out in obedience to the Lord, trust that He is at work in you, growing you into the person that He created and has called you to be.
So as I wrap up this video, I just want to briefly recap what we’ve learned so far about spiritual growth:
Spiritual growth is a process that requires intentionality. It doesn’t happen automatically or overnight, but through consistent seeking and engagement with God.
The essential disciplines of Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and service are the building blocks of a thriving spiritual life. As you prioritize these things, you’ll see growth and transformation over time.
You will face obstacles along the way. You will face things such as lack of time, inconsistency, struggles with Scripture, and struggles against society and culture. But by building the habits we discussed and learning from Biblical examples, we can overcome these challenges.
We can measure our spiritual progress by looking for the fruit of the Spirit, increasing discernment, deeper love for God and others, and greater Christlikeness in our lives.
Applying these habits could involve creating a daily plan for spiritual disciplines, setting growth goals, finding accountability, and using resources to aid in your growth. It also means looking for opportunities to grow through church involvement, small groups, and service.
And lastly, I want to offer a word of encouragement in all of this. Wherever you find yourself in your walk with Christ, remember that growth takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see dramatic results overnight. The Christian life is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. What matters most isn’t the speed of your progress, but the direction of your growth. Even when you stumble or get sidetracked, know that God’s grace is sufficient to pick you up and set you back on the path. He is with you every step of the way, cheering you on and empowering you by His Spirit. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
So keep pressing on. Keep pursuing Jesus above everything else. Keep showing up day after day to meet with Him, even when you don’t feel like it. Keep serving others, even and especially when it’s hard. Keep leaning into community, even when it’s messy. Keep fixing your eyes on the prize of knowing Christ more deeply and becoming more like Him.
And as you do, I’m 100% confident that you’ll look back in a year, five years, ten years from now and marvel at how far He’s brought you. You’ll see the fruit of your faithfulness in ways you never could have imagined. And you’ll have the joy of knowing that your growth is bringing glory to the God who loves you more than you can fathom.
I’ll leave you with this from Ephesians 3:16-19:
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
My heart is to create content that equips and inspires you to dive deeper into God’s Word and to grow in your relationship with Him. I would be incredibly grateful if you’d consider sharing this article with a friend or family member who might benefit from it. You never know how God might use a simple link or conversation to spark transformation in someone’s life.
And above all else, please know that I’m praying for you. I’m asking God to continue the good work He’s begun in you and to lead you ever closer to His heart. If there’s any way I can support you in that journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out.