Colossians 1:28; Ephesians 4:12-15; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 3:9; Jeremiah 4:1-4; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:12; Luke 2:40, 45-52; Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 13:11-12; Psalm 15:1-5

1. God’s desire for us is that we may grow up in every area of our lives: It brings him the glory (Isaiah 43:7). 
2. What is goal of the growth process? Maturity – “The state of having been brought by a natural process to completeness of growth and development” (Colossians 1:28); The Bible uses also the word Perfect. Maturity: is being conform to his likeness, becoming more like Christ, growing into the stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-15) 
3. Analogy of growth: farming – We need to do our part (1 Peter 1:23; 1 Corinthians 3:9; Jeremiah 4:1-(3)-4): plow the field of our lives - brokenness as we respond with humility to God - repentance  
4. Why growth is difficult? natural enemies: insects and vertebrate seed predators active above ground, whereas microbes in soil also have large effects on seed survival. Enemies of growth: the flesh, the world and Satan – temptations. (1 Peter 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:12) 
5. Areas of growth: Luke 2:52 – In stature, wisdom, favor with God and man 

In the perfections of his divine nature there could be no increase; but this is spoken of his human nature, consisting of a reasonable soul and human flesh; his body increased in stature and bulk and his soul in wisdom and in all the endowments of a human spirit. 

1. Stature: his body increased in stature and bulk – Application: physical growth, we need to be in good health – Eat right, exercise, sleep well. Beware of excesses: gluttony, drunkenness, etc. 
2. Wisdom: learn – increase in understanding of the Word of God and in other areas of learning (Luke 2:46-47). There are believers who don't have time at all for Bible Study. Knowing the ways of God. (Isaiah 55:8-9). Skillful application of God's Word.  
3. favor with God: grow in our relationship with God - spiritual growth – Luke 2:40 Strong in spirit; God's grace: God's anointing. For us, it means, the more we are submissive to God's Spirit, we are endowed with God's power – Be filled with the Spirit; Reflect Christ, act, talk and think like Christ (1 Corinthians 13:11-12; Psalm 15:1-5); Be strong as Christ is (Ephesians 4:13 – Stature of Christ) 
4. favor with man: growing socially - The boy grew into youth, and the young man into manhood, and the purity and lowliness and unselfish sympathy drew even then the hearts of all men. Even at his trial, people could not find any valid reason to condemn him –  How we relate to our community: marriage, family, friendships, neighbors, etc. (Luke 2:51). 

6. Benefit of growth: We are able to serve and edify others (Ephesians 4:12). Protection from deceit – we develop our sense of discerning <truth from error> – that guards us against manipulation of deceivers – Ephesians 4:14 (Trickery: cubia - trickery of gamblers). We become more fruitful and effective in our Christian life (Ephesians 4:15; Luke 2:49).
   

Conclusion: I would like to challenge you to grow this year in all things into Christ the head. It all begins with a realization that you are not making progress in your life (Either you are growing or either you are regressing) – Many are oblivious of their true spiritual condition; And a decision that you want to grow in all things into Christ, the Head.