Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Studying God's Word
Scripture presents spiritual growth as both a divine work and a human responsibility. Luke describes the child Jesus as "growing, and becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him" [2], establishing a pattern where growth encompasses intellectual, spiritual, and relational dimensions. The word of God itself is depicted as an organic force: "the word of God grew and multiplied" [1], suggesting that engagement with Scripture participates in something inherently expansive.
The Nature of Spiritual Growth
John Gill, commenting on 2 Peter 3:18's command to "grow in grace," distinguishes between growth in the gifts of grace and growth in internal grace itself [3]. Gifts increase through use—"gifts neglected decrease, but stirred up and used, are improved and increase"—while internal grace develops gradually, "like a grain of mustard seed, or like seed cast" [3]. Adam Clarke reinforces this organic metaphor: "every grace and Divine influence which ye have received is a seed, a heavenly seed, which, if it be watered with the dew of heaven from above, will endlessly increase and multiply itself" [6]. Growth is not static achievement but continuous transformation, as Clarke notes: "The life of a Christian is a growth; he is at first born of God, and is a little child; becomes a young man, and a father in Christ" [6].
Knowledge and Practice Intertwined
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown observe that "true knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it" [4]. The commentators identify two manifestations of walking worthy of the Lord: bearing fruit and "growing BY the full knowledge of God" [4], indicating that knowledge itself becomes the medium of growth rather than merely its object. This challenges any separation between intellectual study and lived obedience.
Disciplines of Absorption
Paul's instruction to Timothy emphasizes total immersion: "be wholly absorbed in them" [7]. The commentary explains that spiritual food requires "prayerful meditation" to be assimilated, just as physical food needs digestion [7]. The author of Hebrews urges readers to "move beyond basic teachings" [8], suggesting that maturity involves progression from foundational elements to deeper understanding of Christ's person. Tyndale House notes this may be "an ongoing process" that "God initiates" [8], while believers actively participate. The standard remains Christ himself, as "the Spirit's transforming work is to make people fully like Christ" [5].
Sources
- Acts “But the word of God grew and multiplied. -- Acts 12:24”
- Luke “The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. -- Luke 2:40”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace,.... In the gifts of grace, which, under a divine blessing, may be increased by using them: gifts neglected decrease, but stirred up and used, are improved and increase. And though men are to be thankful for their gifts, and be contented with them, yet they may lawfully desire more, and in the use of means seek an increase of them, which may be a means of preserving themselves, and others, from the error of the wicked. Moreover, by "grace" may be meant internal grace. The work of grace is gradual; it is like a grain of mustard seed, or like seed cas”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:10: Greek, "So as to walk"; so that ye may walk. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it. worthy of the Lord-- (Eph 4:1). unto--so as in every way to be well-pleasing to God. pleasing--literally, "desire of pleasing." being fruitful--Greek, "bearing fruit." This is the first manifestation of their "walking worthy of the Lord." The second is, "increasing (growing) in the knowledge of God (or as the oldest manuscripts read, 'growing BY the full knowledge of God')"; thus, as the Gospel word (Col 1:6) was said to ”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:13: 4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).”
- 2 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace - Increase in the image and favor of God; every grace and Divine influence which ye have received is a seed, a heavenly seed, which, if it be watered with the dew of heaven from above, will endlessly increase and multiply itself. He who continues to believe, love, and obey, will grow in grace, and continually increase in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, as his sacrifice, sanctifier, counsellor, preserver, and final Savior. The life of a Christian is a growth; he is at first born of God, and is a little child; becomes a young man, and a father in Chr”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:15: Meditate--Greek, "Meditate CAREFULLY upon" (Psa 1:2; Psa 119:15; compare "Isaac," Gen 24:63). these things-- (Ti1 4:12-14). As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation. give thyself wholly to--literally, "BE in these things"; let them engross thee wholly; be wholly absorbed in them. Entire self-dedication, as in other pursuits, so especially in religion, is the secret of proficiency. There are chan”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 6:1: 6:1-3 In light of the hearers’ immaturity (5:11-14), the author urges them to move beyond basic teachings. The six basic teachings here were all foundational elements of Jewish instruction. The author might be challenging them to move beyond these basic teachings to further understanding about the person of Christ, which he elaborates in 7:1–10:25. 6:1 Let us go on: Or Let us be carried on, suggesting that God initiates growth to maturity (Phil 2:12-13) and that it is an ongoing process. • Repenting and faith are the basic commitments that initiate a person to the”