TEXT: 2Peter 3:18; Col 1:10; Eph 4:15; Ps 92:12.
The word spiritual refers to anything that pertains to the Holy Spirit, the divine nature of God, and the believer’s life in Christ. It is the realm beyond the physical, where a believer is connected to God through faith, prayer, and obedience (John 4:24).
Definition of “Increase”
Increase means to grow, enlarge, or multiply. In the context of this sermon, increase refers to the progressive development, strengthening, and deepening of a believer’s relationship with God (Isaiah 54:2-3).
Definition of “Spiritual Increase”
Spiritual increase is the continuous growth and maturity of a believer in faith, knowledge, and obedience to God’s word, leading to a deeper relationship with Christ and a greater manifestation of the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. It involves a life of transformation, holiness, and effectiveness in God’s kingdom (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Five Things to Note
1. The Christian life is a journey of growth.
Just as a baby must grow into adulthood, believers must grow spiritually to become mature in Christ (Hebrews 5:12-14)
2. God desires increase in every area of our lives.
Just as a tree grows and bears fruit, a believer is expected to increase in faith, love, and spiritual strength (Psalm 92:12).
3. Spiritual stagnation leads to backsliding.
If a believer does not increase spiritually, they risk falling into sin, doubt, and weakness (Revelation 3:15-16).
4. Jesus emphasized spiritual growth.
In the parable of the talents, the servant who increased was rewarded, but the one who remained stagnant was cast out (Matthew 25:14-30).
5. The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual increase.
It is not by human effort alone but by yielding to the Spirit that believers can grow in grace (Zechariah 4:6).
Three Importance of Spiritual Increase in the Life of a Christian
1. It Strengthens Our Relationship with God
Spiritual increase helps believers grow closer to God, making their faith stronger and unshakable.
James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…”
2. It Equips Us for Effective Ministry
A spiritually mature believer can teach, lead, and serve effectively in the kingdom of God.
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
3. It Produces Spiritual Fruits and Gifts
Spiritual growth manifests as love, joy, patience, and divine wisdom, which attract others to Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Nine Ways a Believer Can Increase Spiritually
1. By Studying and Meditating on God’s Word
Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night…”
2. By Maintaining a Consistent Prayer Life
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
3. By Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18 – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
4. By Engaging in Fasting and Spiritual Discipline
Matthew 17:21 – “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
5. By Fellowship with Other Believers
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another…”
6. By Practicing Holiness and Obedience
1 Peter 1:16 – “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
7. By Evangelizing and Winning Souls
Proverbs 11:30 – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”
8. By Worshiping and Praising God Continually
Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
9. By Seeking Divine Wisdom and Revelation
Colossians 1:9 – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
Conclusion
Spiritual increase is not an option but a necessity for every believer. Just as a plant must be watered and nurtured to grow, we must intentionally seek to grow in our relationship with God. Without spiritual increase, a Christian can remain weak, ineffective, and vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.
Practical Examples
1. Example of Apostle Paul
Paul was once a persecutor of the church, but as he grew spiritually, he became one of the greatest apostles. His growth came through studying the Word, prayer, and constant fellowship with God (Philippians 3:10).
2. Example of a New Believer Growing into Maturity
A person who just got saved may struggle with sin and lack of understanding, but through prayer, Bible study, and godly mentorship, they grow into a strong and mature believer (2 Peter 1:5-8)