GROWING UP IN GOD’S WORD: The Processes and Stages

The Process of Growing Spiritually Through Scripture

Growing in God’s Word is one of the most life-transforming journeys a believer can take. Yet, it’s important to understand that spiritual growth is a process, not a destination. Without this understanding, a believer may assume they’ve “arrived” too soon, becoming proud or stagnant in their faith.

After being born again and beginning your walk with Christ, you’ll likely experience a progression in how you understand and apply the Scriptures. These stages include:

1. Knowledge of the Letter

2. Revelation/interpretation of the Letter

3. Revelation/interpretation by experience

1. Knowledge of the Letter

This is where every believer starts: the surface-level, literal understanding of Scripture. At this stage, you’re reading the Bible to gather facts and learn basic truths from the stories, commandments, parables, and prophecies.

It’s like learning the alphabet before forming sentences. Your understanding is mostly intellectual and factual. There is little to no spiritual insight at this point, but this foundation is important. As the Apostle Paul says, “…the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). That life begins to flow at the next stage.

2. Revelation of the Letter

Here, the Holy Spirit steps in to bring depth to your reading. You begin to see beyond the words on the page. Scriptures that once seemed simple or confusing suddenly come alive with meaning.

This stage in growing in God’s Word is full of spiritual excitement and insight. Like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), you encounter the living Word. When Jesus unveiled the truth about her life, she became so inspired that she left her water jar and ran to tell others. That’s what happens when the Word becomes personal—it becomes impossible to keep quiet.

At this stage, the believer is filled with joy, enthusiasm, and eagerness to share what they’ve discovered. But even here, God is only beginning to unfold His treasures.

Jesus said, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” (John 16:12-13). This points us to the next and deeper stage of spiritual growth.

3. Revelation by Experience

This is where your understanding of Scripture moves from insight to living reality. You begin to experience firsthand the truths you’ve read and believed. Your faith is tested and stretched. God’s promises become more than verses—they become lifelines in real situations.

You will go through trials, temptations, and spiritual battles. But through them, you’ll also encounter God’s faithfulness, power, and mercy in deeper ways. This is where the Word becomes your daily bread—not just a lesson, but a lifeline.

At this stage, the Holy Spirit isn’t just explaining the acts of God; He is revealing the ways of God. This is the difference highlighted in Psalm 103:7: “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.”

Many Christians are familiar with God’s acts—His miracles, blessings, and provisions—but few grow into knowing His ways—His heart, His timing, His discipline, and His deep love.

A Note on the Journey

These three stages of growing in God’s Word can be grouped into two main dimensions:

• Knowledge of the Letter and Revelation of the Letter: Here, you’re learning God’s acts—what He has done, what He can do.

• Revelation by experience: Here, you’re learning God’s ways—how He works, how He shapes character, and how He leads.

Understanding this distinction is key to spiritual maturity. You don’t just want to know what God can do; you want to understand how and why He does what He does.

Further Reading and Reflection:

To deepen your understanding of these spiritual stages, read:

1. “I Write to You, Young Men” – A look at the strength and passion of spiritual youth.

2. “The Power of Experience in Unlocking Biblical Truth”— How personal trials and testimonies lead to deeper revelations of God’s Word.

Spiritual growth is not instant—it’s a journey of discovering truth, being transformed by it, and walking it out in real life. Don’t rush through the stages. Each one has its purpose, and each one prepares you for a richer, deeper relationship with God. Be patient, stay hungry, and let the Word of God take root in every part of your life.