Mark 4:26-29 illustrates the growth of the kingdom of God but also shows two points about growth in general. First, it is mysterious. It just happens, and the farmer does not know how. But second, it is obvious. If no growth is seen, then there is no growth! Are we content to simply remain spiritual children?

Growing Christians will be contagious Christians. Two questions can be asked about spiritual growth.

1. What are the conditions that promote growth?
2. What areas of a Christian’s life will reveal growth?

Conditions for Growth

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, the conditions for spiritual growth

• How did Paul, Silas, and Timothy behave in order to help growth occur?
  • honest motivation, not deceit, v. 3
  • desire to please God, not men, v. 4
  • did not desire to enrich themselves, vv. 5-6
  • endured trouble, vv. 1-2 (compare v. 14; also Acts 16, had just come from Philippi)
• -Their message was the gospel, not themselves, vv. 2, 4, 8, 9
• -Their manner and approach were gentle and yet also direct
  • as a nursing mother, v. 7; as an exhorting father, v. 11
  • real joy when the Thessalonians were indeed growing, vv. 19-20

If we want to grow, respond to spiritual influences of this sort. Don’t isolate ourselves.

If we want to help others grow, keep the right motivation, the right message, and the right manner.

In the parable of the seeds and the soil (Matthew 13, Mark 4), what changes? It’s not the seed but the soil. Various influences choke or hinder the desired results for growth and fruitfulness.

We must always desire the word of God the way a baby desires milk, 1 Pet. 2:1-3. No growth occurs without it. The Thessalonians welcomed it and treated it as the word of God indeed, vv. 13-14

They received it (the ears), welcomed it (the heart), applied it (the will) Two things to pray about every day:

• a love for the word of God
• a love for the people of God

Evidence of Growth

The Thessalonians suffered, v. 14. This proved that growth was real.

James 1:21, receive with meekness the implanted word

• meekness is a characteristic of spiritual growth and maturity

1 Timothy 4:15, profiting appear to all

• we might not know we are growing, but others will
• don’t make growth our personal object; don’t focus on it

Acts 9, Paul’s first act in Damascus was to pray

• prayer is our oxygen; it’s like proof of breathing, as when a baby first cries after being born

There should be changes in desire and priority, as the Thessalonians has displayed (1:10).

Psalm 1, we will not be influenced by scoffers.

2 Peter 1, some traits of growth; these show that we are not unfruitful

• “unfruitful” notes: Mt. 13:22, choked by the cares of the world; Titus 3:14, good works
• 2 Peter 1:8 emphasizes diligence; the Spirit produces fruit (Gal. 5), but we desire it, too

1 Corinthians 3:18, staying focused on Christ produces a change

1 Thessalonians 2:12, the goal was that they would walk worthily of God

• who should enjoy the fruit? Not us; it’s for God. That is our motive.