At the sound of the alarm each morning, we push back the covers and step into the familiar rhythms of our day. Morning after morning we repeat the same patterns, often expecting different results while continuing the same habits. Human beings are creatures of habit, capable of forming patterns that shape us for good or for harm.

When we come to Jesus Christ, we come as sinners. We come as fallen, imperfect people carrying the weight of past choices, lingering struggles, and deeply ingrained behaviors. The Christian life does not begin with perfection but with grace. Yet the grace that saves us also calls us to transformation. As believers, we gradually learn to confront the patterns of sin that remain and to pursue a life shaped by Christ.

So what should a Christian do when an area of life reveals a need for growth and change?

Scripture gives us a prayer that invites God’s searching light into our hearts.

Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Try me and know my thoughts.
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

These words express a posture of humble dependence. Real change begins when we invite God to examine us honestly and lead us faithfully. Spiritual growth is not self-improvement driven by willpower alone. It is the ongoing work of God’s grace shaping our hearts, renewing our minds, and directing our lives according to His truth.

With this in mind, the following six-part series will explore the theme of Biblical Growth and Change. The study offers a brief introduction to the biblical counseling perspective on transformation. It considers what Scripture teaches about genuine change through means that honor Christ, His Word, and His church. God has not left His people without help. He has given us Himself, the gospel, the Scriptures, and the fellowship of the church. Through these gifts He promises to equip us for everything pertaining to life and godliness.

Our responsibility as believers is to grow in our understanding of these resources and learn to apply them faithfully to the struggles of everyday life.

As you read each post, take time to reflect on the accompanying Scripture passages, consider the questions provided, and work through the practical steps suggested. These elements are designed to help readers see how the truth of the gospel shapes real life. Through Christ we learn to satisfy the deepest needs of our souls and renew our minds according to God’s Word.

It is important to note that this study is intended to be helpful, but it is not exhaustive. The richest growth in the Christian life occurs within the context of the local church. Many believers also benefit from spending time with a trained biblical counselor who can walk alongside them through particular struggles and provide careful guidance from Scripture.

Sources for this Series

Jay Adams, Godliness Through Discipline
Gregg R. Allison, 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith
Joel Beeke, Developing Healthy Spiritual Growth
Sinclair Ferguson, Maturity
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
John MacArthur Jr., Our Sufficiency in Christ
John Owen, The Mortification of Sin
J. I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness
John Piper, When the Darkness Will Not Lift
David Powlison, Power Encounters
Stuart Scott, Killing Sin Habits
Stuart Scott, From Pride to Humility
R. C. Sproul, 5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow
Charles Swindoll, Understanding Christian Theology
Paul Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
Ed Welch, Side by Side
Rankin Wilbourne, Union with Christ
Class notes from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Note: As a trained biblical counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors’ Certified Discipleship Training program, the counsel I provide seeks to reflect careful interpretation and faithful application of the Holy Scriptures. At the time of this writing, my training continues through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. No claim is made or implied to licensure by the state of Arkansas or any other state.