GROWING UP INTO CHRIST

GROWING UP INTO CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

Key Verse: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Colossians 1:28; Colossians 2:6-7; 2 Peter 3:18; Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:19; Philippians 3:12-14; Hebrews 5:12–14; 1 John 2:6.

Description: This message teaches believers how to grow into spiritual maturity by becoming increasingly like Jesus Christ in character, conduct, understanding, love, and obedience.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is a journey of growth. When a person receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, that person becomes a child of God and begins a new life in Christ. However, God does not intend for His children to remain spiritual infants throughout their Christian journey. He desires them to grow in faith, knowledge, character, wisdom, and spiritual understanding until their lives increasingly reflect the image of Jesus Christ.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, Apostle Paul explains that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry and build up the body of Christ. The purpose is to bring believers into unity, spiritual maturity, and the fullness of Christ. Paul warns against remaining spiritually immature, being carried about by every wind of doctrine, and living without stability. Instead, believers are to speak the truth in love and grow up into Christ, who is the Head of the Church.

Growing up into Christ means allowing Jesus to shape every part of our lives. It means that our thoughts, words, attitudes, relationships, decisions, service, and conduct increasingly agree with His character and teachings. It is not enough to grow older in the church, occupy leadership positions, or accumulate biblical knowledge; we must become more like Christ. The evidence of spiritual growth is a life that increasingly demonstrates His love, holiness, humility, faithfulness, and obedience.

1. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS GOD'S EXPECTATION FOR EVERY BELIEVER

God expects every believer to progress beyond the beginning stages of the Christian life. Just as a healthy child is expected to grow physically, believers are expected to grow spiritually. Salvation brings us into a new relationship with God, but spiritual growth develops our understanding of that relationship and teaches us how to live in a manner that pleases Him.

Spiritual maturity does not happen automatically through the passage of time. It requires fellowship with God, obedience to His Word, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to learn from correction. We must deliberately pursue growth rather than become satisfied with our present spiritual condition.

a) God desires us to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18)

The Bible says, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” This command shows that spiritual growth is not optional for the believer. We are to continue developing in our understanding of Christ and in our experience of His grace.

Growing in grace means learning to depend more fully on God's help and allowing His grace to transform our behaviour. Growing in knowledge means understanding His Word more deeply and applying it faithfully. A believer who is growing should become more discerning, more prayerful, more loving, and more committed to God's will.

b) God wants Christ to be formed in us (Galatians 4:19)

Paul expressed his desire for Christ to be formed in the believers. This reveals that the goal of Christian ministry is not merely to produce church attendees but to develop people whose lives reflect Jesus Christ.

Christ is formed in us as the Holy Spirit changes our desires, attitudes, values, and conduct. We gradually learn to reject what displeases God and embrace what honours Him. Our lives should increasingly reveal the character of Jesus rather than the selfishness and sinful patterns of our former lives.

c) We are called to become like Christ (Romans 8:29)

God's purpose is that believers should be conformed to the image of His Son. This means that our Christian journey has a clear destination: becoming increasingly like Jesus in character and conduct.

We cannot fulfil this purpose by human strength alone. The Holy Spirit works within us as we surrender to Him, obey Scripture, and follow Christ's example. Our ambition should therefore be greater than material success, public recognition, or ministerial achievement. We must desire to reflect the nature of Jesus in everything we do.

d) We must move beyond the beginning of our faith (Hebrews 6:1)

The writer of Hebrews urges believers to move beyond the elementary principles of Christ and press towards maturity. Foundational teachings are essential, but believers must build upon them rather than remain permanently at the beginning.

A growing Christian develops a deeper understanding of salvation, prayer, holiness, faith, service, and the purposes of God. Instead of repeatedly struggling with lessons that should have been learnt, the believer becomes better equipped to obey God, serve others, and help younger Christians grow.

Biblical Example: The Thessalonian Church (1 Thessalonians 1:2-8; 4:1, 9-10)

The Thessalonian believers demonstrated faith, love, and commitment despite opposition. Paul commended their progress and encouraged them to abound even more. Their example teaches us that genuine spiritual growth is visible, but there is always room to grow further.

2. GROWING UP INTO CHRIST REQUIRES A TRANSFORMED CHARACTER

Spiritual maturity is not measured merely by how much Scripture we can quote, how loudly we pray, or how long we have been in church. It is also measured by the character we demonstrate in our daily lives. The more we grow into Christ, the more His nature becomes evident in our relationships, conversations, decisions, and responses to difficult situations.

God is interested in who we are becoming, not merely in what we appear to be before people. A believer may possess spiritual gifts and still need growth in patience, humility, honesty, forgiveness, and self-control. Therefore, we must continually submit our character to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

a) We must grow in love (John 13:34-35)

Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. He identified love as a distinguishing mark of His disciples. As we grow into Christ, we must become more willing to forgive, show compassion, bear with others, and seek the welfare of people around us.

Mature love does not mean approving every action or compromising biblical truth. It means treating people with dignity while remaining faithful to God's Word. We should not claim spiritual maturity while harbouring hatred, nursing bitterness, or deliberately causing division among believers.

b) We must grow in humility (Philippians 2:5-8)

Paul calls believers to possess the mind that was in Christ Jesus. Although Christ had the highest position, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death. His example teaches us that greatness in God's kingdom is demonstrated through humility and service.

Growing into Christ means refusing pride, arrogance, and the desire to dominate others. It means being willing to learn, accept correction, honour others, and serve without always demanding recognition. The spiritually mature person understands that every gift, opportunity, and achievement should bring glory to God.

c) We must grow in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)

God commands His people to be holy because He is holy. Holiness involves being set apart for God and living according to His standards. As we grow into Christ, our conduct should increasingly reflect purity, integrity, and reverence for God.

We must examine our private lives as well as our public conduct. Our words, entertainment, business dealings, relationships, and personal decisions should come under the authority of Scripture. Spiritual maturity is demonstrated when we choose what pleases God even when nobody is watching.

d) We must grow in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These qualities reveal the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.

As we grow into Christ, these qualities should become increasingly evident. We should become less controlled by anger, impatience, envy, and selfish ambition. We must continually yield to the Holy Spirit so that His character is expressed through us in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities.

Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60)

Stephen was full of faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. Even when he faced violent opposition, he demonstrated remarkable courage and prayed for the forgiveness of those who were stoning him. His response reflected the gracious spirit of Christ, who prayed for His persecutors. Stephen's example teaches us that spiritual maturity is revealed most clearly when we face pressure and opposition.

3. GROWING INTO CHRIST REQUIRES CONTINUAL RENEWAL OF THE MIND

Our thinking influences our decisions, habits, attitudes, and actions. If our minds remain governed by worldly values, sinful desires, fear, bitterness, and selfishness, our conduct will struggle to reflect Christ. Therefore, spiritual growth requires a renewed mind that learns to think according to God's truth.

We cannot grow into Christ while deliberately feeding our minds with influences that oppose His teachings. We must allow the Word of God to challenge our assumptions, correct our errors, and reshape our priorities. The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to expose wrong thinking and guide us into a life that honours God.

a) We must renew our minds through God's Word (Romans 12:2)

Paul commands believers not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation occurs as our thinking is brought into agreement with God's revealed truth.

When we continually study, meditate upon, and obey Scripture, our understanding begins to change. We learn to evaluate success, relationships, money, suffering, forgiveness, and service from God's perspective. A renewed mind enables us to recognise what is good, acceptable, and perfect in God's will.

b) We must reject the old patterns of thinking (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Paul instructs believers to put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of their minds, and put on the new man. This teaches that Christian growth involves rejecting former patterns of life and embracing the new identity God has given us in Christ.

We must refuse to return to destructive habits, dishonest practices, uncontrolled anger, impure thoughts, and attitudes rooted in our former lives. Instead, we must intentionally cultivate thoughts and actions that agree with our new life in Christ. Spiritual maturity requires daily decisions that reflect our identity as God's people.

c) We must set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2)

Paul encourages believers to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This does not mean neglecting earthly responsibilities; it means allowing heavenly values to govern our earthly decisions.

When our minds are set on Christ, we begin to prioritise righteousness, eternal life, faithful service, and the purposes of God. We become less controlled by temporary pleasures, material possessions, human applause, and worldly competition. Our priorities begin to reflect the values of the kingdom of God.

d) We must bring our thoughts under the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Paul teaches that spiritual weapons are powerful through God for pulling down strongholds and bringing thoughts into the obedience of Christ. Some battles begin in the mind through fear, unbelief, resentment, temptation, and false beliefs.

We must learn to challenge thoughts that contradict God's Word rather than accept every thought as truth. When fear says we are abandoned, Scripture reminds us of God's presence. When temptation presents sin as harmless, God's Word reveals its consequences. As we submit our thoughts to Christ, our minds become increasingly aligned with His truth.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8, 17-20)

Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king's food. Although he lived in a foreign environment with pressure to conform, he maintained his convictions and pursued wisdom from God. Daniel's life shows that spiritual maturity involves a disciplined mind, clear convictions, and the courage to remain faithful when the surrounding culture encourages compromise.

4. GROWING INTO CHRIST REQUIRES OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD

Spiritual maturity is not simply knowing what God has said; it is doing what He has commanded. Knowledge without obedience can produce pride, while obedience allows God's truth to shape our daily lives. We grow into Christ as we put His teachings into practice, even when obedience demands sacrifice.

A believer who continually hears the Word but refuses to obey it will remain spiritually unsteady. However, the person who receives God's Word with faith and acts upon it develops stability and discernment. Obedience is not a way to earn salvation; it is the response of a life that has received God's grace and desires to please Him.

a) We must be doers of the Word (James 1:22-25)

James warns believers not to be hearers only, deceiving themselves. He compares the person who hears but does not obey to someone who looks at a mirror and immediately forgets what he looks like.

God's Word reveals areas that need correction. When Scripture instructs us to forgive, we must forgive; when it commands honesty, we must reject deception; and when it calls us to serve, we must become willing servants. Spiritual growth becomes evident when the truth we hear produces changes in the way we live.

b) We must follow the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:21)

Peter reminds believers that Christ suffered for them, leaving an example for them to follow. Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience to the Father, even when obedience led Him through suffering and sacrifice.

Growing into Christ means learning to follow His example in our choices and conduct. We must not obey God only when His instructions are convenient. Like Jesus, we should seek the Father's will above personal comfort, popularity, or immediate advantage.

c) We must obey God even when it is difficult (John 14:15)

Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Obedience is a practical expression of our love for Him. It demonstrates that Christ's authority is greater than our personal preferences.

There will be times when obeying God requires us to forgive someone who hurt us, refuse an ungodly opportunity, speak the truth when lying seems easier, or remain faithful when others compromise. Every act of sincere obedience strengthens our walk with God and develops Christlike character in us.

d) We must remain steadfast in doing God's will (Galatians 6:9)

Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in well-doing, promising that they will reap in due season if they do not faint. Spiritual maturity includes perseverance when the results of obedience are not immediately visible.

We must remain faithful in prayer, ministry, family responsibilities, work, and Christian service. We should not abandon God's instructions because of discouragement or the apparent success of those who compromise. A mature believer trusts God's wisdom and continues to do what is right.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:13-22; 7:5)

Noah obeyed God's instructions to build the ark, even though the task was extraordinary and the coming judgement had not yet been seen. Genesis 6:22 records that Noah did according to all that God commanded him. His obedience teaches us that spiritual maturity is demonstrated by trusting God's Word and acting upon it, even when the instruction is difficult to understand.

5. GROWING INTO CHRIST REQUIRES SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE AND CONTINUAL FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Growth does not happen by accident. Athletes train to develop physical strength, students study to gain knowledge, and farmers cultivate their fields to obtain a harvest. In the same way, believers must cultivate habits that strengthen their relationship with God. Spiritual disciplines do not purchase God's favour; they help us remain attentive to Him and responsive to His Word.

Prayer, Bible study, worship, fasting, fellowship, and faithful service create opportunities for spiritual development. These practices must not become empty religious routines. Their purpose is to deepen our fellowship with God, strengthen our faith, and help us become more like Jesus.

a) We must maintain a consistent prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Paul commands believers to pray without ceasing. Prayer is an expression of our dependence upon God and a means of maintaining fellowship with Him. Through prayer, we worship, confess our sins, make requests, intercede for others, and seek divine wisdom.

A growing believer does not treat prayer only as an emergency response. Prayer becomes a regular part of life, guiding decisions and strengthening the heart during difficult seasons. As we spend time in God's presence, we learn to depend on His grace rather than our own strength.

b) We must meditate on and study Scripture (Joshua 1:8)

God instructed Joshua to meditate upon the Book of the Law day and night and to be careful to do according to all that was written in it. The instruction joined meditation with obedience, showing that biblical reflection should influence practical conduct.

We should read Scripture consistently, consider its meaning, remember its promises, and apply its commands. We must also study carefully rather than take verses out of context to support personal opinions. A Word-filled believer is better prepared to resist deception and make decisions that honour God.

c) We must remain connected to the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25)

God has designed believers to grow within the fellowship of His people. Through worship, teaching, encouragement, correction, and service, we learn to exercise our gifts and strengthen one another.

Isolation can weaken spiritual growth by removing opportunities for encouragement and accountability. We should therefore participate faithfully in a healthy local church, receive sound biblical teaching, and contribute to the spiritual welfare of others. Fellowship does not replace personal devotion; it complements it.

d) We must depend on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)

Paul instructs believers to walk in the Spirit so that they will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Spiritual maturity cannot be achieved through human determination alone. We need the Holy Spirit to empower us to resist sin, understand God's truth, and develop Christlike character.

Walking in the Spirit involves daily surrender to His leading and willingness to obey the Word He inspired. We must ask Him to expose wrong attitudes, strengthen us in temptation, and produce His fruit in our lives. As we yield to Him, our conduct increasingly reflects the life of Christ.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47)

The early believers continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Their shared life was marked by worship, generosity, unity, and devotion to God. Their example shows that spiritual growth is strengthened by consistent teaching, prayer, fellowship, and practical expressions of love.

6. GROWING INTO CHRIST MEANS BECOMING STABLE AND FRUITFUL

One mark of spiritual immaturity is instability. Paul warns in Ephesians 4:14 that believers should no longer be like children tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine. A spiritually mature Christian develops discernment, becomes firmly grounded in Scripture, and learns to stand faithfully through changing circumstances.

Maturity does not mean that a believer will never face questions, temptation, or discouragement. Rather, it means learning to respond to these challenges with faith, biblical wisdom, prayer, and perseverance. As we grow into Christ, we become more useful in God's kingdom and better equipped to strengthen other people.

a) We must be grounded in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Paul instructed Timothy to continue in the things he had learnt, recognising the authority and usefulness of Scripture. The Word of God teaches, corrects, reproves, and trains believers in righteousness.

We must not accept every teaching simply because it sounds powerful or attracts a large audience. Every doctrine must be examined in the light of Scripture. A mature believer values sound teaching and develops the ability to distinguish biblical truth from error.

b) We must develop discernment (Hebrews 5:13-14)

The writer of Hebrews explains that mature believers have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Discernment develops as we learn God's Word and practise applying it to real-life situations.

We must ask whether our decisions agree with Scripture, honour Christ, and produce righteous fruit. Discernment protects us from deception, manipulation, and spiritual confusion. It also helps us make wise choices concerning relationships, ministry, finances, and personal conduct.

c) We must remain steadfast during trials (James 1:2-4)

James teaches that the trying of our faith produces patience and that patience must have its perfect work so that believers may become mature and complete. Trials can reveal weaknesses in our faith, but they can also become occasions for spiritual development when we respond rightly.

Instead of abandoning God during hardship, we should seek His wisdom and remain faithful to His Word. We may not understand every difficulty, but we can trust God's character and continue walking with Him. Spiritual maturity is often demonstrated by steadfast faith in seasons when circumstances are painful or uncertain.

d) We must bear fruit that glorifies God (John 15:4-8)

Jesus teaches that branches must abide in the vine to bear fruit. He is the source of spiritual life, and believers depend upon Him for lasting fruitfulness.

Fruitfulness includes Christlike character, faithful service, good works, love for others, and helping people come to know Christ. We cannot produce lasting spiritual fruit by relying solely on human ability or public activity. As we remain in Christ through faith, obedience, and fellowship with Him, our lives can increasingly glorify the Father.

Biblical Example: Barnabas (Acts 11:22-26)

Barnabas was described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. When he saw the grace of God at work in Antioch, he encouraged the believers to remain faithful to the Lord. He also helped bring Saul into the work of teaching the church. Barnabas demonstrated spiritual maturity through godly character, discernment, encouragement, and a willingness to help others grow.

CONCLUSION

Growing up into Christ is God's desire for every believer. He has called us beyond spiritual infancy into maturity, stability, holiness, love, obedience, and fruitfulness. We must continually allow the Word of God to renew our minds, the Holy Spirit to transform our character, and the teachings of Jesus to govern our conduct. Spiritual maturity is not measured merely by years in church, titles, gifts, or public achievements, but by the increasing likeness of Christ in our daily lives.

Today, make a fresh commitment to grow in Christ. Examine your spiritual life honestly and identify areas where you need to mature. Become more consistent in prayer, more diligent in studying Scripture, more obedient to God's commands, more loving towards people, and more faithful in Christian service. Do not be satisfied with remaining where you are spiritually. Keep your eyes on Jesus, depend on the Holy Spirit, and continue growing until your life increasingly reflects the character and fullness of Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a deep hunger for spiritual growth and deliver me from every form of spiritual stagnation, in Jesus name.

2. Lord Jesus, help me to grow in grace, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of Your Word, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, transform my character and make me increasingly reflect the humility, love, holiness, and faithfulness of Christ, in Jesus name.

4. Father, renew my mind and remove every thought, attitude, and habit that hinders my spiritual maturity, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, empower me to obey Your Word faithfully, even when obedience requires sacrifice or personal discomfort, in Jesus name.

6. Father, strengthen my prayer life and establish me in consistent fellowship with You, in Jesus name.

7. Lord Jesus, protect me from false doctrines, spiritual deception, and every influence that would draw me away from Your truth, in Jesus name.

8. Holy Spirit, develop spiritual discernment in me and help me remain steadfast during trials and temptations, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make my life fruitful in holiness, good works, faithful service, and the advancement of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

10. Lord Jesus, bring every area of my life into greater conformity with Your will, until I increasingly reflect Your image in all things, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall grow in grace, wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual understanding; you shall not remain a spiritual infant, but you shall advance towards maturity in Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. Your mind shall be renewed by the Word of God, and your thoughts shall increasingly agree with the truth, promises, and purposes of the Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. You shall manifest the character of Christ in your home, ministry, workplace, relationships, and every area of your daily life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You shall overcome spiritual stagnation, destructive habits, and every pattern of disobedience that has hindered your progress, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You shall become firmly grounded in sound biblical doctrine, and you shall not be carried away by deception, confusion, or false teaching, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. You shall receive strength from the Holy Spirit to stand firm in trials, resist temptation, and remain faithful to God in every season, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. Your prayer life shall become stronger, your understanding of Scripture shall deepen, and your fellowship with God shall become more fruitful, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. You shall grow in love, humility, patience, holiness, and self-control, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit shall become increasingly evident in your life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. Your gifts and abilities shall be developed for the glory of God, and you shall become a source of encouragement, strength, and spiritual growth to others, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You shall continue growing into Christ in all things; your life shall increasingly reflect His character, fulfil His purpose, and bring glory to the Father, in the mighty name of Jesus.