Living the Faith: Season 5
Growing in Christ
Spiritual growth begins with faith in Jesus Christ and continues through worship, prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and service. As believers grow deeper roots in Christ, they become stronger disciples.
Learning Together
The early Church devoted itself to teaching and learning. Christians continue to grow through Bible study, discussion, and the shared pursuit of God’s truth.
God’s Word provides wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and truth for everyday life. Growing disciples spend time learning and applying Scripture.
5.1- Lesson 5.1 Growing in Christ
Colossians 2:6–7; Ephesians 4:11–16
Season 5: Living the Faith
Introduction
Becoming a Christian is the beginning of a journey, not the end.
The early Church celebrated when people came to faith in Jesus Christ, but the apostles understood that new believers also needed to grow.
Just as a healthy tree develops deep roots and strong branches, followers of Christ are called to mature in faith over time.
Spiritual growth does not happen overnight.
It develops through worship, prayer, Scripture, fellowship, service, and daily obedience to God.
The New Testament letters repeatedly encourage believers to continue growing, learning, and becoming more like Christ.
This lesson explores what spiritual growth looks like and how believers can continue maturing as disciples.
Scripture References
Colossians 2:6–7 (NASB)
“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith…”
Ephesians 4:15 (NASB)
“But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Historical Background
The early churches included people from many backgrounds.
Some were new believers.
Others had followed Christ for years.
The apostles taught that faith was never intended to remain stagnant.
Believers were called to grow in knowledge, wisdom, character, and obedience.
Paul frequently compared spiritual growth to building a strong foundation, developing healthy roots, and maturing into adulthood.
These images remind us that discipleship is a lifelong process.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Rooted in Christ
(Colossians 2:6–7)
Paul compares the Christian life to a tree with deep roots.
Roots provide stability, nourishment, and strength.
Believers grow strong when their lives are rooted in Jesus Christ.
This happens through:
Reading Scripture
Prayer
Worship
Christian fellowship
Obedience to God’s Word
The deeper our roots, the stronger we become during difficult seasons.
Built Up in Faith
(Colossians 2:7)
Paul also uses the image of a building.
A strong structure requires a solid foundation.
Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christian faith.
As believers learn and grow, God continues building their lives.
Spiritual growth is not about perfection.
It is about becoming more like Christ.
Growing Together
(Ephesians 4:11–16)
God gives teachers, pastors, and spiritual leaders to help believers grow.
The Church is designed to help people mature in faith.
No Christian is meant to grow alone.
Believers encourage one another, learn together, pray together, and serve together.
Spiritual growth flourishes within Christian community.
peaking the Truth in Love
(Ephesians 4:15)
Growth involves both truth and love.
Truth without love can become harsh.
Love without truth can become shallow.
Healthy disciples learn to embrace both.
As believers mature, they become more like Jesus in both character and conduct.
Reasons We Believe
Growth Is Part of Discipleship
Jesus calls believers to continue learning and growing throughout their lives.
Faith is a journey.
God’s Word Strengthens Believers
Scripture provides wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and truth.
A growing disciple spends time in God’s Word.
Christian Community Matters
God uses other believers to teach, encourage, and strengthen us.
Growth happens best when we walk together.
Spiritual Maturity Reflects Christ
The goal of discipleship is not simply knowledge.
The goal is becoming more like Jesus.
Obedience in Action
Growing in Christ challenges believers to ask:
Am I spending time in God’s Word?
How consistent is my prayer life?
Am I actively involved in worship and Christian community?
What areas of my life need spiritual growth?
How can I encourage someone else in their faith journey?
Growth requires intentional choices and faithful habits.
Walk It Out
Consider these questions:
What does it mean to be rooted in Christ?
Why is spiritual growth important?
Who has helped you grow in your faith?
What spiritual habits strengthen your relationship with God?
Where do you sense God inviting you to grow?
Possible Responses
You may recognize the importance of regular Bible study and prayer.
You may identify people who have encouraged your faith journey.
You may discover new opportunities to grow through worship, service, and discipleship.
Living the Message
Spiritual growth is not measured by how much we know.
It is measured by how faithfully we follow Christ.
Growing disciples learn to:
Trust God more deeply.
Love others more fully.
Serve more willingly.
Pray more consistently.
Study God’s Word more faithfully.
The Christian life is a continual process of being transformed by God’s grace.
Growing Deep Roots
Storms will come.
Challenges will arise.
Questions will surface.
Believers who are rooted in Christ can remain steady because their foundation is secure.
The deeper our roots grow, the stronger our faith becomes.
That is why worship, Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and service remain essential parts of discipleship.
God desires not only that we come to faith, but that we continue growing in faith.
Related Pages
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Next Lesson
Lesson 5.2: Living as the Church
Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12
Discover how God uses spiritual gifts, unity, and service to help believers grow together as the body of Christ.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Come and See. Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Visit PGUM.org to continue the journey.
