Dimensions of Godly Growth

Once a baby is born it is quite enjoyable to watch it grow over the course of time. Loving parents have a grave concern if a child does not grow. Growth is fully expected. The same holds true for when a spiritual birth occurs. The Word of God terms those who truly repent and believe in Jesus Christ as those who have been born again of the water [baptism; as most scholars agree with this] and [Holy] of the Spirit. (John 3:5; Acts 10:36-48; 19:1-5; Romans 6:1-5; Galatians 3:27; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:20-21). And just like physical life, we also see we should be growing spiritually. We find a number of patterns for spiritual growth throughout much of the Holy Bible, one of which is Romans 5:3-5 where we see four dimensions of godly growth. I. The Depth Of Trials 3a And not only so, but we also glory in tribulations also Trials come in various forms, like, but not limited to, persecution, daily matters, domestic matters, and times of crisis. Sadly, to many without Christ these troubles can be devastating. In Christ, they can be a means to propel us to become better and not bitter. Troubles also vary in amount and frequency. Thilipsis is the Greek word {1} here for tribulation. In the King James Version it is translated as tribulation, affliction, trouble, anguish, persecution, burdened, and to be afflicted. It can mean a pressing, pressing together, or pressure. It is used metaphorically for oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, and straits. When those in Christ respond correctly to trouble it will cause them to glorify God by

getting deeper, better rooted, in God.

II. The Length Of Perseverance 3b knowing that tribulation works [produces] patience [perseverance]; The word for perseverance (patience in the KJV) is hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay) and is defined as follows: 1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance 1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings 1b) patiently, and steadfastly 2) a patient, steadfast waiting for 3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance

Despite troubles, a true Christian will endeavor to keep trusting in God. They will continue to strive against sin and their own sin nature. They will continue to grow spiritually. III. The Breadth Of Character 4a and perseverance, experience [character]; A goal of a disciple going through trouble is that the character of Christ is developed in their lives. We have no need to guess how God wants us to be since the lifestyle and acts of Jesus Christ are adequately recorded for us. And, by all means, do not go by the typical impression that society has of Christ. He never condoned sin. He was not only kind, but

there were times that He was harsh. The word here for character (KJV experience) is dokime (dok-ee-may) and can mean as follows: 1) proving, trial 2) approved, tried character 3) a proof, a specimen of tried worth Dokime is translated in the King James as proof, experience, trial, and experiment. If we become Christlike then we will develop the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It becomes evident to many that we are like Christ. However, that does not mean everyone is going to like us. Not everyone liked Christ, and many today hate Him. IV. The Height Of Hope 4b-5 and experience, hope. 5 Now hope makes us not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit [Ghost] which is given in us. Our present goal to become like Christ is rewarded, provided we remain in Christ, by being with Him for all eternity. This is most certainly a sure hope. Some think we have a fairytale religion and that there is no way any Christ is going to appear on earth to reign. Such fail to consider the prophecies of the Holy Bible and history itself. One thing I continually bring out in these articles is that Israel came back on the map in 1948 after nearly 2,000 years of nonexistence. Just a few days before I wrote this, the United Nations recognized Palestine as a non-member nation. With that, consider well Joel 3:2 (note what I underline and place in bold): I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will plead [enter] into judgment with them there for my people and my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land."

They have also divided up My land. Those that truly know Christ have a real tangible hope. They very well know that Christ communes with them and guides them when needed every day. The end of verse 5 shows we have an empowered hope. To some like myself, while that

portion has a general sense, it alludes to the fact after our baptism into the name of the Lord, we receive the Holy Spirit. It also may be obtained or evidenced by speaking in tongues. While I certainly promote the Pentecostal experience and it is most definitely encouraged in the Word of God, every true Christian senses the Holy Spirit moving in their lives from time to time. Whether you speak in tongues or not, there are times you can feel the powerful love, comfort, and peace of God in the midst of the harshest troubles. Friend, if you are not surrendered to Christ Jesus I invite you to make a commitment to Him, forsaking sin, and following Him no matter what comes your way.