“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”
– 1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV)
Human cultures are governed by distinct codes of conduct that regulate the behaviour of their members. In the same vein, the believer’s life is governed by the Word of God. It is our code of conduct, our mirror, and our final authority. Through the Word, we see the wisdom of God and discover our true identity in Christ. Spiritual growth, therefore, is impossible without a steady diet of God’s Word.
Our anchor scripture paints a clear picture: just as babies depend on milk to grow, believers rely on the undiluted Word of God to mature. Jesus Himself taught that all Scripture points to Him (Luke 24:27, 44–46; John 5:39–40). To grow in the Word is to grow in the revelation of Christ, to know Him deeply and make Him known to others.
Growth in the word does not happen in a vacuum. The local church, an intelligent idea from God, is crucial for helping the believer grow in the word. In Acts 8:30-31, Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch and asked if he understood the text of Isaiah he was reading. He responded that he needed someone to guide him. This is true even today; you need a teacher to explain the Scriptures to you. Jeremiah 3:15 says that God gives pastors to feed His flock with knowledge and understanding. Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:11-12, explaining that God gave ministry gifts to build and equip His Church. This means being planted in a local church is not just beneficial, but essential for your spiritual growth.
As you advance in the Word, the results become evident. One clear sign is growth in love. Paul prayed in Philippians 1:9 that believers would abound in love as they increase in knowledge. Another sign is increased commitment to the work of ministry. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Word equips the man of God for every good work. The more you feed on the Word, the stronger and more effective you become in fulfilling God’s call on your life.
Dear believer, let your hunger for God’s Word never fade. The Word builds, strengthens, and transforms you until Christ is fully formed in you.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 56–58; Colossians 3:18–4:18