stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 3:10)

I have a birthdate – you do, too. That’s the day we started life in this world. It was the first day, but not the only day. Since that day, I have been maturing in many ways.  I’ve had many birthdays since. I no longer crawl or drink from a bottle. I grew taller. I began to hold conversations. Step by step and day by day, I have been growing physically, mentally, and socially. My parents took me to the doctor to see if I was growing at a healthy rate. They would be concerned if proper growth didn’t happen and look for a cause and solution. They expected me to thrive from the day I was born.

In the same way, I have been growing spiritually since the day I was born again (John 3). I love growing daily in Christ. Since I was saved at age seven, I have been maturing spiritually in the Lord.  This happens alone and with others. One of the ways I grow in the Lord is daily studying the Bible. Another way I grow spiritually is by setting aside an hour each day to pray. I have both scheduled daily on my calendar. Spiritual growth also occurs when I do these with believers during Sunday church services, Bible studies, small groups, serving opportunities, and informally meeting with other believers. You and I must grow in Christ personally, and we cannot do it without others! 

Growing in Christ is called sanctification.  It is the process of being set apart and increasing holiness to do God’s will. It includes obeying God’s Word, repenting of sin, being set apart for His glory, and being sent for His purposes.

In Philippians 3:10, Paul said he wanted to “know Christ.” This wasn’t a justification kind of knowing as he was already born again. This was sanctification – a “growing knowing,” if you will. Paul desired that Christ continue to shape his life beyond justification through the “power of His resurrection.”  Because Christ had risen from the dead and conquered sin, Paul could overcome sin and be raised with Christ eternally. Paul could experience resurrection power daily to do the will for which Christ had called him. Paul also wanted to “share in His sufferings.” Growing through his imprisonment and persecution would also help sanctify him.  Paul wanted to be “like Him in His death.” Paul’s past justification by Christ (salvation) was the platform by which he grew spiritually in the present – sanctification. For Paul, spiritual growth (sanctification) happened from the day of being born again (justification) to the day he would be taken to Heaven (glorification).

Questions for the Head (Think)

• How does the resurrection power of the Lord affect your daily growth in Christ?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Take time to praise the Lord for spiritual growth. Ask Him to help you grow.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• In which areas of life do you need to grow? In which areas do you continually struggle?  Ask the Lord for help. Reach out to another believer for accountability and growth.