How To Grow In Christ?

You will grow in Christ by exercising the same faith as you received Him at first.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him. Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith. Colossians 2:6, 7. 

New converts to Christ are as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2.

Nevertheless, they are to grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, unto a perfect person, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13, 15.

It is only through the life from God that spiritual life is begotten in the hearts of humans. 

Moreover, unless an individual is born from above, John 3:3, he or she cannot become a partaker of this life which Christ came to give. 

He is the bread of God...which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. John 6:33.

In order to live a holy life, you are just as dependent upon Christ as is the branch upon the parent stock for growth and fruitfulness. Apart from Him you have no life.

Therefore, you have no power to resist temptation or to grow in grace and holiness.

Abide in me, and I in you

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:4, 5.

Thus you may flourish and will not wither nor be fruitless. 

It is Christ that has begun the good work in you and it is Christ that must finish it. 

You must trust wholly in the merit of Him who will never err. If not, then all increasing knowledge and privileges will result in self-trust and self-righteousness.

Today, the spirit of self-exaltation destroys the soul as in Christ's time. It motivates our service to God and communion with one another. Only the power of God can banish selfishness.

Spiritual growth

As the plant takes root in the soil - so we are to take root in Christ. Furthermore, as the plant receives the sunshine, dew, and rain that God provides - so we are to receive the Holy Spirit. 

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. Hosea 6:3.

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2.

Thus we shall grow as the lily and revive as the corn, and grow as the vine. Hosea 14:5, 7.  

God requires us to improve every opportunity for usefulness that is offered us. Thus our spiritual strength and growth in grace will be proportionate to the labor of love and good works which we do cheerfully for your Savior.

Conclusion

By faith you became Christ's and by faith you are to grow up in Him.

Your hope is not in yourself, but in Christ. Thus your weakness is united to His strength and:

• ignorance to His wisdom
• infirmity to His enduring might.

Thus by loving, contemplating and depending wholly upon Him, you may grow up into Him in all things. 

In other words, you will be transformed in the likeness of His character.

References:

1. Steps To Christ  - The Ellen G. White Estate
2. King James Bible Version (KJV)