by Linda G. Hull

Created on: November 19, 2009   Last Updated: January 20, 2010

Growing in spiritual maturity is a step by step process that is uniquely fitted to the individual. Every one moves at their own pace and in accordance with the measure of their faith. Following are necessary steps believers experience as they journey toward spiritual maturity.

*Salvation

Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is the first step toward spiritual maturity. New believers must believe that Jesus, God's Son, died on a cross, taking the punishment for their sin. On the third day after burial, Jesus was raised from the dead. Upon repentance, believers, by faith, receive the gift of eternal life, forgiveness of sin, and a spiritual new birth as a result of God's grace and mercy.

*Gaining knowledge

Gaining knowledge is vital to fostering a changed life. At this stage the believer is a newborn, able to take in the spiritual milk of the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2, KJV). The Bible provides the standard by which a believer is to live and judge all things. As Bible study commences, the believer begins to recognize areas of sin that need to be confessed and forsaken. The Holy Spirit brings understanding and conviction, while teaching the application for the believer's situation (1 Corinthians 2:9-14).

*Facing Sin

Comparison is inevitable and necessary as the believer measures himself against the laws of God. Facing sin and its consequences is necessary to bring about repentance and a changed heart and mind. Righteous thinking then replaces faulty thinking. Righteous behavior follows, as a demonstration of the believer's understanding and conformity to God.

*Trusting God

There is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof is death (Proverbs 14:12). Believers must depend on the work of the Holy Spirit and trust God for the life changes that are needed. A willingness to obey God signals the surrender of the Believer who turns from his own understanding to follow God's way instead. Understanding God's ways leads to a love and desire to know more about God and to follow His ways.

*Obeying God

God calls every believer to obey Him in all things. Failure to do so, results in correction to bring the wayward one back to righteous behavior and attitude. True obedience comes from the heart. God wants a full surrender; a battle winnable with the help of the Holy Spirit.

*Fostering new habits

The Bible clearly teaches that the believer is to become more Christ-like. As understanding is gained, wisdom develops. When a behavior is first learned, it must be constantly monitored, until it becomes a habit. Righteous habits become more evident as the natural person's lusts are conquered and brought into subjection to God's way (2 Peter 1:3-8).

*Gaining wisdom

Others will begin to see a new attitude and behavior that more clearly reflects the nature of God. What was once a struggle will become the new normal. When sin occurs, the believer will be grieved and will quickly seek to reconcile with God through confession and repentance.

*God's power evidenced

The power of God in the life of the believer is noticeable. Temptations will be overcome as one's personal will comes under submission to God. Believers realize that the inner character is more important than outward gain.

In time, as the will becomes more submissive to God, habitual sin becomes a thing of the past. However, as new arenas for change are revealed, the believer realizes the struggle to surrender to God's ways and to His will is constant. It is not attained until the believer reaches Heaven.

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