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Slow Spiritual Growth Is Still Real Growth
By Dave JenkinsWhy does spiritual growth often feel slow?In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a quiet discouragement many Christians face. When progress feels gradual and struggles linger, it is easy to question whether real growth is happening at all.Scripture provides a clearer and more hopeful perspective. Spiritual growth is often quiet, gradual, and unseen—but it is real because God Himself is producing it.Listen to the Audio
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Big Idea
Spiritual growth is usually gradual and quiet, but it is real because God Himself is the one producing it. Speed is not the measure. Transformation is.1. Scripture Describes Growth as Gradual
Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a seed growing quietly in Mark 4:26–29. Growth in nature is rarely instant. It is steady, organic, and often invisible day to day.Spiritual growth follows the same pattern. Expecting instant maturity leads to discouragement, but God’s design favors steady formation over sudden completion.2. Transformation Happens in Degrees
Second Corinthians 3:18 teaches that believers are transformed “from one degree of glory to another.” This language emphasizes progression, not perfection.The Holy Spirit works patiently—shaping character, renewing the mind, and redirecting desires over time. Incremental change is still divine change.3. God Is More Committed to Your Growth Than You Are
Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God begins and completes the work of growth in believers.Our confidence rests not in our consistency, but in His. God does not abandon unfinished work.4. Slow Growth Produces Deep Roots
Rapid growth can be shallow. Slow growth produces depth.Trials, repetition, repentance, and steady obedience form durable faith. What grows slowly often lasts longer.Key Scriptures
- Mark 4:26–29
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
- Philippians 1:6
Conclusion
Why is slow growth still real growth?- Because God is at work
- Because transformation is progressive
- Because depth takes time
- Because fruit develops gradually
Continue Growing in Biblical Discernment
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
