What are the steps of spiritual growth?

[Fish14]

The first step is believing in Jesus and being saved. What should happen after that?

 

[faroukfarouk]

The first step is believing in Jesus and being saved. What should happen after that?

Acts 2.41-42

 

[2Timothy2:15]

The first step is believing in Jesus and being saved. What should happen after that?

Full submission to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Acts 2.41-42

Acts 10:47
Can anyone forbid the water so that these would not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we?​

Believing is the reaction to God manifesting Himself in some way to the new believer. That takes Holy Spirit action in the believer, the evidence of new life. It's the evidence of entry into the mystical body of Christ.

Peter is declaring water baptism as an entry into membership of the Christian church.

Where they had only received the baptism of John then baptism in Jesus' name with the laying on of hands followed.

Acts 19:4-6
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.​

 

[faroukfarouk]

Acts 10:47
Can anyone forbid the water so that these would not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we?​

Believing is the reaction to God manifesting Himself in some way to the new believer. That takes Holy Spirit action in the believer, the evidence of new life. It's the evidence of entry into the mystical body of Christ.

Peter is declaring water baptism as an entry into membership of the Christian church.

Where they had only received the baptism of John then baptism in Jesus' name with the laying on of hands followed.

Acts 19:4-6
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.​

Hi; the example in Acts 19 is a special category of believers in Apostolic times; they had submitted to the baptism of John but did not know enough Gospel doctrine yet.

Today people in the church age become part of the church - the body of Christ - by faith, when they are born again; baptism is a visible sign of what has already happened spiritually.

 

[friend of]

eter is declaring water baptism as an entry into membership of the Christian church.

The water Jesus refers to is the Holy Spirit.

John 4:14
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 7:37-38
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

1 Peter 3:21
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Hi; the example in Acts 19 is a special category of believers in Apostolic times; they had submitted to the baptism of John but did not know enough Gospel doctrine yet.

Today people in the church age become part of the church - the body of Christ - by faith, when they are born again; baptism is a visible sign of what has already happened spiritually.

I'm aware that there are only 2 instances of the Holy Spirit direct intercession, once at Pentecost and the other here. However it doesn't take away from the fact that rebirth is from hearing and not from baptism. Not to say that's what your suggesting.
Spiritually they had been given the Holy Spirit and Peter urged the new gentile member of the new church to acknowledge publically the new thing that had been brought about - the 2 becoming one - Jew and Gentile - even as Christ and the church are one.

So to follow the new believer works on becoming one with Christ thru the Holy Spirit within,.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

The water Jesus refers to is the Holy Spirit.

John 4:14
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 7:37-38
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

1 Peter 3:21
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Luke 3:16

Yes true. The Holy Spirit is the fire baptism. That's why those who had John the baptist's baptism had to be rebaptised because they had an incomplete understanding.[not understanding that which the baptist pointed to]

 

[2Timothy2:15]

Peter is declaring water baptism as an entry into membership of the Christian church.

No he isn't. He is not declaring membership. He is saying the exact opposite. He is saying don't put some man made rules on people when the Holy Spirit moves on a person and they want to be baptized then do it. That is not what is taught today. People teach baptism as some form of membership to a church building or specific group. In all actuality this scripture contradicts that notion entirely.


43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

No he isn't. He is not declaring membership. He is saying the exact opposite. He is saying don't put some man made rules on people when the Holy Spirit moves on a person and they want to be baptized then do it. That is not what is taught today. People teach baptism as some form of membership to a church building or specific group. In all actuality this scripture contradicts that notion entirely.


43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What is the church but Jews and gentiles coming together as one to be one in Christ? That the Holy Spirit came on them w/o baptism did cause them to be one in the body. So why in verse 48 did Peter command they be baptised in the name of the Lord?

 

[2Timothy2:15]

What is the church but Jews and gentiles coming together as one to be one in Christ? That the Holy Spirit came on them w/o baptism did cause them to be one in the body. So why in verse 48 did Peter command they be baptised in the name of the Lord?

The "church" is the body of Christ it is a spiritual thing made up of those who belong to him. Peter is not commanding membership. He is saying be baptized in the name of the Lord because they already belong, not because they didn't then would once they were baptized.

Also Jew and Gentile does not apply.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

The "church" is the body of Christ it is a spiritual thing made up of those who belong to him. Peter is not commanding membership. He is saying be baptized in the name of the Lord because they already belong, not because they didn't then would once they were baptized.

Also Jew and Gentile does not apply.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Jew, gentile, male, female, bond or free do not apply. At the time of the verse we were discussing that wasn't known. Hence the mystery revealed. I'm not a firm believer that baptism is needed altho I felt that I needed to be at one time. So the question of the command is a legitimate question but I'm not sure of what your answer said.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

I wrote this as a suggestion on someone's blog but it may apply here as well ...

Have you tried getting a concordence and doing word studies? I found that very helpful to keep to the topics that interested me and it seemed a great way for God to lead me too.

You asked what are the steps to spirituality and that is learning ... steps could be described as the full meaning of what the sacraments stand for, not just what they mean in the physical but what they mean to God. What baptism means to Him, what marriage means to Him, what confession means to Him etc.

The only formula that I am aware of was from G. Campbell Morgan circa 1900's

There's a great experience that follows obedience that's an increase in light and love that is meant to increase further obedience that still furthers growth and development in grace. The results are in perpetual progress. Bringing the natural under the control of the divine. Yielding to God light falls on the pathway and creates love. Love suggests obedience. The will, impulsed by love yields to the light and on it goes. It's not a work at all but only growth. Unbelief and disobedience impedes growth.

 

[~Anastasia~]

There are several good answers that I know.

Three stages of spiritual growth -

The first stage is that of slave. A slave knows that his fate depends on the master to whom he belongs, who has the right to beat, kill, or sell him and his wife and children. Therefore, he will carry out his master’s will. Spiritually speaking, this is the Christian who does the will of God out of fear of hellfire. ...

The second stage is that of hireling. This is a free man who receives pay for his labor. He works to the extent that he gets paid. Spiritually speaking, this is the Christian [who works for the best rewards in Paradise.] ...

The third stage is that of son or daughter. A son carries out his father’s will not because he is afraid that his father will punish him, for he is not a slave; nor because he wants to get paid by his father, for he is not a hireling. He does so willingly, so that his father might be pleased. Spiritually speaking, this is the Christian who carries out God’s will because He loves God, so that God might be pleased.

While the first two are thinking about themselves – one does not want to be punished, while the other wants to get paid – the son or daughter is thinking about God. This is the true Christian. But no one can reach this level until he has passed through the first two. How long one will linger at each stage depends on each person individually.

Taken from Patriarch Pavle on the Stages of Spiritual Growth (edited a bit so as not to over-quote per CF rules.)

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Here's more on Growth in Christ to maturity

The importance is in growth and not in works at all.

But first one must be born of incorruptable seed or else there is no life to grow because of being dead in sin. 1 Peter 1:23, 1 Corinthians 15:53, 1 Peter 1:4 Human life alone isn't qualified to be One in God, that organic union depends upon the divine life mingled with our human life in faith and in baptism into His death which is the beginning, the elemental that needs to grow with the divine life. Not that the divine life in itself needs growth but that we need to grow into it by the gradual (from glory to glory) reckoning of death to all that is revealed of the old self. Colossians 2:22-23 He must increase and we must decrease. As His body we can do this because after all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church Ephesians 5:29

However even this growth needs regulation. Our growth is to grow with God Himself increasing in us. What revelation reveals about the natural flesh and soul needs recognizing as being restricted by bringing the natural under the control of the divine. The Christ in us is King. We're in a priestly kingdom, a citizen of the kingdom. It doesn't take any training to be a hippie or a loose person but royal families train for it their whole lives. So, for that, obedience is needed. There's a great experience that follows obedience that's an increase in light and love that is meant to increase further obedience that still furthers growth and development in grace. The results are in perpetual progress. Bringing the natural under the control of the divine. Yielding to God light falls on the pathway and creates love. Love suggests obedience. The will, impulsed by love yields to the light and on it goes. It's not a work at all but only growth. Unbelief and disobedience impedes growth.

We have so many different character traits that all need regulating in every aspect of life. To be useful to God we have to allow the light to shine upon us to bring us to the Lord's judgement and according to His standards that reveal our true selves and helps us to become true to our new selves.

Without growth, even if you have the divine life, there is no maturity. The life plus the growth gives one maturity. Maturity comes out of growth, which is what the book of Hebrews is all about.

Matthew 25:4 shows the wise virgins as having oil both in in their lamps and in their vessels. The lamp signifies our spirit Proverbs 20:27 and the vessel signifies our soul, our being Romans 9:21,23 Both in our spirit and in our entire being we should be full of the (indwelling) oil, which signifies the Holy Spirit Isa 61:1; Heb 1:9 The more growth the more infilling of the Holy Spirit which is the growth in God.

Matthew 25 also speaks of the slaves talents and their diligence, because functionality depends on diligence. That comes from proper conduct thru co-operation with God. Fellowship and prayer with the Lord co=operates to recieve His enlightenment, and to be dealt with by Him. Slothful people will never contact the Lord regularly, seemingly because they are content in their own dirty diapers that they have deemed (luke)warm to stay in. In order to grow and reach maturity one needs to be diligent.

Growth to maturity demands being filled with the Spirit and to be diligent with yourself to use the ability in maturity to serve the Lord. These two can be seen as the infilling of the Spirit and the outpouring of the Spirit for service.

To live a life in the Spirit is to reach maturity in Christ by the submission of the whole being to allow the HS into every part so as to function as a mature person that Jesus can use.

What that would look like

Maturity, the good ground:
- obedient behavior (flesh under control and submissive to the Holy Spirit)
- sorting gospel from tradition ( mind under the Holy Spirit)
- seeking above all else to please Him and serve others ( human spirit submissive

Personal fellowship, holiness of character:
-intellegence- able to understand things of God
( soul needs to overcome greed)
- emotion- love God and all He loves
(flesh needs to overcome lust)
- will- choosing things in harmony with His will
( human spirit needs to overcome pride)

Righteous conduct, co-operative activity:
-intellegence- moving in harmony with God
(again soul needs to overcome greed)
-emotions- in action
(again flesh needs to overcome lust)
-will- choosing things of God
(again the human spirit needs to overcome pride)

 

[tturt]

Part of spiritual growth is "Of the doctrine of baptisms ,..." (Heb 6:2) Baptism means union and identification.

3 baptisms; specifically:

- By The Holy Spirit into Jesus (blood baptism)
- By believer (water baptism - can be the 2nd or 3rd baptism)
- By Jesus with or into The Holy Spirit (The Spirit baptism - can be the 2nd or 3rd baptism)

"And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." I John 5:7-8

Blood baptism (Rev 1:5; Matt 26:28; Mark 1:4, 16:16; Luk 3:3; 1 Cor 12:13: Acts 2:38: Gal 3:27, ++)
Water baptism (Matt 3:11; 28:19; Acts 8:36-39++)
Spirit baptism (Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16; Acts 11:16++)