7 Keys to Spiritual Growth from the Life of Jesus

The Christian life is not static, but one of progressive spiritual growth into the image of Christ. It says in Romans 8:29 that “whom he (God) did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” God has predestined us to be like Jesus our firstborn brother; this is our destiny. The disciples of Christ are called to be like him in all ways. Jesus told his disciples:

“The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord.” Matthew 10:24-25a

God’s ultimate goal for the body of Christ is for us to grow into maturity, which is the fullness of Christ. And we can only do this by imitating his life and lifestyle.

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:13

Spiritual Growth is deliberate, not accidental

Although he was God incarnate, Jesus, while in his earthly form maintained a life of spiritual discipline. It is no wonder that in 3 years of ministry, he was able to accomplish all that he did. If Jesus had to exercise spiritual discipline though he was God in the flesh, what about us who are human? We see in the life of Jesus the diligent and consistent use of spiritual practices. These have been revealed for our example as a template for spiritual growth

Jesus modeled for his 12 disciples and all his future disciples, what we need to do to be spiritually mature, effective, and fruitful. And he did this practically by example. Jesus was not all talk, but his life was a living example of what his disciples should be like. We shall be looking at 7 things Jesus practiced as a way of life, which can help us grow in our spiritual walk.

7 keys to spiritual growth revealed in the life of Jesus:

1. Studying and Meditating on the Word of God

From the beginning of the life of Jesus, the earliest account we have of him at age 12, we find Jesus in the temple listening to the teachers of the law and asking them questions. The Bible says that all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. This proves that Jesus was already at that age learned in the scriptures.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting amid the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Luke 2:46.47

In his teachings we find him quoting the Old Testament constantly from memory, referencing many scriptures and using them to reveal himself as the Messiah. For example, in Luke 4:16, we find Jesus reading from the prophet Isaiah in the temple and telling the hearers that this portion of scripture was fulfilled in him.

It is important for anyone who desires spiritual growth, and to know the mind of God, to study and meditate on God’s word. It is a must; God commands it.

The word of God helps us love and obey Jesus (John 14:15), know the Father’s will (Matthew 7:20-22), have faith because faith comes hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), become prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8), it reveals our faults (James 1:22-24), it washes us clean and makes us holy (Ephesians 5:26-27), makes us wise (Psalm 119:98-100), is a sword to help us fight the devil (Ephesians 6:1) lights our path (Psalm 119:105), etcetera.

The benefits of the word of God listed above help us to grow spiritually into mature Christians who are not easily shaken. When we know and obey God’s word we become like houses built on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus is this rock; he is the word of God manifest and we cannot know him without his word.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

1 Peter 2:2

2. Prayer

Another important spiritual discipline Jesus practiced daily was prayer. Jesus was submitted to the Father. He constantly and consistently went away privately to pray to him for everything. He did not rely on his own strength but sought the father’s will and spent time communing with him.

During times of making important decisions or facing significant events, Jesus prayed. Before starting his ministry, Jesus spent 40 days in prayer and fasting in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2). The night before he chose his 12 disciples Jesus spent all night in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Jesus prayed with great sorrow on the night he was arrested to be crucified. That was the last thing he did (Matthew 26:36-42).

Sometimes he prayed while with his disciples (Luke 9:18) and even taught them how to pray (Luke 11:1-4). But Jesus usually hid himself away from the crowds and often sent them and his disciples away so that he could pray privately.

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Matthew 14:23

Some of the recorded times that Jesus went away alone to pray were: early in the morning before the day began, late into the night, evenings, and all night. He went to solitary places to pray by himself, usually in the wilderness, and in the mountains which seemed to be his favorite place to pray.

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Mark 1:35

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Luke 6:12

Jesus was a man of prayer and intercession and prayed for his disciples. He even prayed for Peter when he knew he would betray him (Luke 22:31). He taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:5-8 because he expected us to pray.

Prayer is our link to God

Prayer is the link of communion with the Father. God has ordained that he will not do anything without us praying. That is because it is how we establish a relationship and communion with him and activate our faith. Our faith-filled prayers avail much.

Prayer keeps us connected to Jesus so that his life may keep flowing in and through us. He left us the Holy Spirit to help us pray (Romans 8:26). Prayer is communication and union with God. Our link to God is broken if we do not pray. As a result, we will find our spiritual growth stunted and start backsliding. Jesus kept his relationship with the Father going through prayer. This was the secret of his great life and ministry. He did not rely on himself but on his father in everything.

We are the branches and Jesus is the vine. Without him, we can do nothing. We must stay close to him in prayer so he can constantly refresh, answer, and empower us.

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 15:5

3. Fasting

Jesus fasted for 40 days before starting his public ministry. The Bible tells us that after this fast he returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee to begin preaching.

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered…And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Luke 4:1-2,14

Fasting is the practice of going without food, water, or both, for some time to spend more time seeking God. It is a humbling of oneself before God. In fasting, we deny ourselves and our bodies what we crave and need so that we can dedicate that time to desire God more. By fasting we declare that we need God more than our very sustenance. It is an act of humility and self-denial which pleases God.

Fasting is powerful because it brings the flesh into subjection and strengthens the Spirit above it. Our faith and spiritual perception are heightened when we are feeding ourselves mainly with God’s word and prayer. As a result, we are more receptive to God and less doubtful which positions us to receive. Fasting does not change God, neither is it a tool to manipulate God. But it works because when we humble ourselves, God exults us.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James 4:10

Jesus taught on fasting

In Jesus’ first public sermon, the sermon on the Mount, he taught about fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). He fully expected his disciples to fast after he was gone (Matthew 9:14-16). Jesus also mentioned that some demons could not be cast out except by fasting and praying. In such cases, fasting is needed to boost our faith. (Matthew 17:20-21).

On another occasion, when the disciples of Jesus found him preaching to the Samaritan woman and urged him to eat, Jesus told them that he had food to eat that they knew not of. This passage implies that Jesus was fasting or had little interest in food, prioritizing the work of preaching the gospel to the lost (John 4:31-33). These words mirrored those he spoke to Satan when he tempted him to turn stones into bread while on his 40-day fast: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4

Fasting helps with our spiritual growth because it strengthens our faith, helps us overcome our flesh, and cultivates temperance and humility (meekness) and the other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is also a restful, detoxifying, and healthy practice for our bodies which are the temples of the Holy Spirit.

4. Giving/ Ministering

Giving is an important key to spiritual growth, and it was an important part of Jesus’ life. He was always giving. To be Christ-like we must be givers who give ourselves to ministering to people around us. Giving is a key aspect of God’s nature. He gave his most precious and beloved Son Jesus to save us from our sins (John 3:16). Our salvation is a sacrificial act of giving from God. Everywhere Jesus went he did good and gave to the people around him.

He gave of his virtue and love by healing the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, preaching daily to large multitudes without complaining, and meeting the physical needs of the people. Jesus twice miraculously fed a crowd of 5,000 and 4,000 people, rather than let them go home hungry. One of Jesus’ disciples was the treasurer who kept the money bag and was in charge of giving to the poor (John 13:29).

Jesus was full of compassion for people (Mark 6:34-36). He gave his time, money, and power to serve others. And most importantly, he gave of himself by dying on the cross. If we desire to be like Jesus, we too must be givers.

Jesus made it clear that we are to give alms to the poor. It was one of his teachings in this first sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:1-4). He also mentioned that whatever we do to the least among us (the sick, hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, prisoners, etc.) by ministering to their needs, we do to him (Matthew 25:35-40).

Freely ye have received, freely give

The more we give of ourselves and all that we have to God, the more Christ-like we become, and the virtues of God begin to manifest in us. We become a blessing to the world like our Father. Christians are called to give freely of all they have and are, because we have been given freely all things by God. “freely ye have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, he told them he was setting an example for them that they should be servants, rather than seek to be served.

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

John 13:13-17

5. Evangelism/ Preaching the Gospel

Another important aspect of spiritual growth is evangelism and preaching the gospel. Jesus’ entire life revolved around preaching the gospel which is the good news of salvation through him. He devoted his 3-year ministry to this noble purpose. This in itself is a spiritual discipline.

Jesus dedicated himself to this single purpose. And he spent time teaching his disciples to do the same thing. Twice we see him send forth his disciples two by two to preach the gospel on their own. He was training them to preach the gospel after he was gone.

 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

When Jesus ascended to heaven he left what is known as the Great Commission to his followers: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16, also Matthew 28:18-20

We are saved to go and share the good news with others, that they too might be saved. Evangelism and preaching the gospel is a charge Jesus gave to all his followers. This is a key to spiritual growth because not only is it the will of God, but it is why Jesus came to earth and died on the cross. When we dedicate ourselves to preaching the gospel we are following in the footsteps of the master. The more we share the gospel, the more we grow in our faith as well. Preaching the gospel is the sole purpose of the citizens of heaven.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preaching the gospel is also one of the key components of the armor of God. This means that preaching the gospel has the power to protect us from evil.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand…And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:13,15

6. Fellowship

Fellowship is an important factor in spiritual growth. No man is an island. We are many members of ONE body; the body of Christ. No one can claim to be a Christian and isolate themselves from their fellow believers. God is a family God. We see this demonstrated in the Godhead as well. God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one (1 John 5:7).

Jesus in his earthly life went to the temple every sabbath to fellowship with others and to attend to public reading of the scriptures. He too participated in the reading of scriptures in the temple. He also spent most of his time in fellowship with his disciples and those he taught.

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Luke 4:16

Jesus prayed for all his disciples in John 17:20-23 that we would be one, just as he and the Father are one. Unity is important for growth. As we come together with fellow believers, we benefit from the collective faith of the brethren and also from one another’s unique gifts and ministries. God also chooses to do certain things for us only in the gathering of the saints. Also, God has given us all differing gifts and ministries so that we may depend on one another in loving submission (Read 1 Corinthians 12).

Apostle Paul encouraged us not to forsake assembling because it is a means of encouraging and building one another up, especially as we wait for the coming of the Lord. There is safety and strength in numbers; if one falls, another can lift him.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

7. Solitude and Rest

Lastly, we also see that as busy as Jesus was, he deliberately made time to withdraw himself from the multitudes and his disciples to rest and be in solitude. This took a lot of deliberate discipline because the crowds constantly followed Jesus around. If he can do it so can we. Jesus used these times of solitude to pray, meditate, and rest. No one has any excuse to claim to be too busy to rest and replenish the mind, soul, body, and Spirit.

Jesus also withdrew himself from the crowd after John the Baptist was beheaded, taking time out to grieve this great prophet (Matthew 14:13).

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Luke 5:16

Jesus encouraged his disciples to rest after they came back from the preaching mission he sent them on. “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.” Mark 6:31

Spiritual and physical rest are important for spiritual growth. They allow us to recharge, reassess, and refocus our efforts. Working without any rest sets us up for failure and spiritual attacks. When we are exhausted, we are weak. God himself rested on the 7th day after 6 days of creation. He then instituted the sabbath rest and made it a command to allow us to reflect and remember all that God has done for us.

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Make Spiritual Growth Your Ambition

Spiritual growth should be a way of life for us as children of God. We are to be growing daily into the likeness of our master Jesus Christ. And as we grow, our fruitfulness for the kingdom of God increases.

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:18

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