Progressing Through the Stages of Spiritual Growth

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." - Philippians 3:10 (KJV)

In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves longing for instant spiritual maturity. We desire to be fully formed in Christ, to have unwavering faith, and to live in constant communion with God. However, the reality of spiritual growth is much like physical growth – it happens in stages, each with its own challenges and blessings.

Wade Taylor, in his teaching on the Song of Solomon, presents a profound understanding of these stages of spiritual growth. He draws our attention to three key phases, each represented by a confession from the bride in the Song of Solomon. These stages not only mark our progress in faith but also reveal the deepening of our relationship with God.

The concept of spiritual stages is not new. The Apostle Paul himself speaks of it in Philippians 3:10, outlining a progression from knowing Christ, to experiencing the power of His resurrection, to entering the fellowship of His sufferings. This progression is not just a nice theory; it's a roadmap for our spiritual journey.

Why is it important to understand these stages? Because recognizing where we are in our spiritual journey helps us to be patient with ourselves, to understand what God is doing in our lives, and to know how to move forward. It prevents us from becoming stagnant or complacent in our faith.

Let's explore these stages as presented by Wade Taylor:

1. Stage One: Knowing Christ (Self-Centered Stage)
   "My beloved is mine" - Song of Solomon 2:16

This first stage is characterized by a focus on what we can gain from our relationship with God. It's often where our faith journey begins. We come to God with our needs, our desires, our problems. We're excited about what God can do for us. This stage is important – it's where we begin to know Christ personally.

However, this stage also has its limitations. If we remain here, our faith can become self-centered and transactional. We may love God, but primarily for what He can do for us, not for who He is.

2. Stage Two: The Power of His Resurrection (Mixed Stage)
   "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" - Song of Solomon 6:3

In this stage, we begin to experience the power of God in our lives. We start to understand that we belong to God, but we still hold onto the idea that He belongs to us. It's a mixed state, where sometimes God is Lord, and sometimes we still want to control our lives.

This stage is characterized by a growing desire to serve God and a willingness to step out in faith. We begin to experience the resurrection power of Christ, seeing Him work through us in ways we never imagined possible. Yet, we still struggle with fully surrendering every area of our lives to Him.

3. Stage Three: Fellowship of His Sufferings (God-Centered Stage)
   "I am my beloved's and his desire is towards me" - Song of Solomon 7:10

This final stage represents a fully God-centered life. Here, we're no longer focused on what we can get from God, but on how we can align ourselves with His desires and purposes. We enter into the "fellowship of His sufferings," which means we begin to see the world and its needs from God's perspective.

In this stage, our primary concern is no longer our own comfort or blessings, but the advancement of God's kingdom. We find our greatest joy not in what God can do for us, but in simply being His. Our identity is fully rooted in Christ, and we live in a state of surrender and obedience to His will.

Progressing through these stages is not always linear. We may find ourselves moving back and forth, especially between stages two and three. The key is to recognize the need for continual growth and to actively pursue a deeper relationship with God.

How can we progress through these stages? Here are some practical steps:

1. Self-reflection: Regularly assess where you are in your spiritual journey. Are you primarily focused on what God can do for you, or are you seeking to align yourself with His purposes?
2. Study and meditation: Spend time in God's Word, allowing it to challenge and transform your thinking.
3. Prayer: Ask God to increase your hunger for Him and to help you move beyond a self-centered faith.
4. Service: Look for opportunities to serve others, shifting your focus from your own needs to the needs of those around you.
5. Surrender: Practice daily surrender, consciously giving God control over every area of your life.
6. Community: Engage with other believers who can encourage you and challenge you to grow.

Remember, the goal is not to reach "stage three" and then coast. Rather, it's to continually deepen our relationship with God, always pressing on to know Him more intimately and to align ourselves more fully with His purposes.

Dear reader, where do you find yourself in these stages of spiritual growth? Are you content with where you are, or do you sense a holy discontent, a longing for more of God? Embrace that longing – it's the Holy Spirit drawing you into a deeper relationship with your Beloved.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the journey of faith You've set before us. We're grateful that You don't leave us where we are, but continually call us to deeper relationship with You.

Lord, help us to honestly assess our current stage of spiritual growth. If we find ourselves primarily focused on what we can get from You, shift our perspective. Teach us to delight in You for who You are, not just for what You can do for us.

For those of us in the mixed stage, wrestling between surrender and control, grant us the courage to let go. Help us to trust You fully, to experience the power of Christ's resurrection in every area of our lives.

And Father, for those moving into that deepest stage of fellowship with You, continue to align our hearts with Yours. Let us see the world through Your eyes, feel Your heartbeat for humanity, and live in complete surrender to Your will.

Give us the desire and the strength to progress through these stages. May we not be content with staying where we are, but always hunger for a deeper relationship with You. Guide us as we seek to know You more intimately, experience Your power more fully, and enter into the fellowship of Your sufferings.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, who modeled perfect surrender and intimacy with You. Amen.

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)