Grow in Grace

by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Becoming a Christian is only the beginning of a process of spiritual growth that involves increasing in knowledge of God, obedience to his word and understanding of his will. Yet, some Christians' lives seem to grind slowly to a halt while others are disappointed because their spiritual progress has not been as straightforward or as rapid as they had hoped. The growth of others is stunted by a lack of proper spiritual nourishment. Yet others feel they do not understand how to become mature Christians. Grow in Grace explains how God helps us to develop as members of his family. Taking Jesus himself as the model for our growth, it explains some of the biblical principles of spiritual development, and gives a number of 'case histories' to illustrate how God works in our lives to mature us as Christians. The biblical teaching in Grow in Grace will appeal to Christians at all stages, while its straightforward explanation of the patterns of God's work in his people makes it ideal for those who are just beginning.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Spirituality

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Sinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.

Reviews

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, practical little book. Should be on every church book table.

[Alexander Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5/5) Overall, super shallow and surface level thoughts on Spiritual growth. Wouldn’t recommend. Comes in as my least favorite book I’ve read this year.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two boys bought me this wee book as a Father's Day gift in 1997, and I read if shortly after receiving it. Recently, I have been going through a tough time and wanted to be encouraged, so I turned back to some 'old' books and this was the first one I turned to, and WOW!

This book is pure instruction, pure encouragement and pure blessing! Sinclair Ferguson writes with a true pastoral heart and spirit, but never shies away from calling a spade a spade. He starts with Jesus, where else would one start?, deals with what it means to be saved, examines the role of fellowship in the local church and then concludes with 3 character studies (the one on Timothy was most appropriate to me!) and then concludes with the challenge - 'Over to You'.

I wholeheartedly recommend this wee book without reservation to all. You will find in helpful and encouraging no matter what stage you are at in your life of faith!

A 5-star read!

[Joshua Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great content- but just hard to follow. I did enjoy the examples given on the final section of the book. The last three chapters pushed this book up from a 1star to a 3star

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a tool for discipleship with one of the guys in my church who suggested we go over this together. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the book turned out to be. An individual’s spiritual growth is the subject of this book and it is biblical, devotional and readable. I appreciated that Sinclair Ferguson (a great preacher by the way!) approached this subject in a manner that is Christ centered and Grace driven. Since it is Christ driven, it is appropriate that the first section on the book is on Jesus as the pioneer of our spiritual growth and also of how Jesus in His humanity actually grew in grace. I think we must not forget that Christ was fully man (of course while also fully God), and because of His humanity that identifies with us in every way, we can see His life as a model for our holiness and spiritual growth. It was delightful and with a worshipful heart that I read the first section. Section two of the book focuses on the basic principles of Christian growth and I imagine it would make for some great discussions if one were to use it for one on one discipleship or small group. I also appreciated Ferguson putting in section three of the book that remind believers that growing in grace require us to grow in the context of others, which is an excellent reminder in our day and age with our individualism and low church commitment. I was cautious at first with the fourth section that went over case examples in Scripture because of my fear of how some people enagage in hero worship of Bible characters rather than seeing God is the hero in redemptive history. Ferguson did a good job with the exemplar for us with Daniel but he also balances that with a chapter on Peter. The biggest thing I got from this book was how Ferguson pointed out with Peter’s life that he had many failure even after he became an apostle after Jesus’ resurrection—and yet he was genuinely growing in grace. This is a good lesson for us too that even in our sin, even in our failure it is possible to still continue to grow in the grace of God.

[Ian Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serves as a great reminder for older Christians. Serves as a great introduction for newer Christians. I plan on buying a few copies to hand out.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some great chapters and great sentences/thoughts throughout this book and generally it is very gospel-focused. The chapter on "dare to be a Daniel" could have been left out. I think in it Ferguson stretched some of the verses to mean things the original author did not intend. The book he wrote recently on sanctification is MUCH better. You can see that he has grown in Grace and Biblical maturity over the 30 years between when he wrote his two books on sanctification.

[Greg Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible short read full of truth and encouragement for the believer to walk in. I wish that many friends of mine would also read this brief text and see: the kindness of God which leads us to initial repentance, is also that which will grow us holy throughout all the days of our lives. Grateful to have come across this short read in God’s providence. Many earmarks, and much to return to.

[Lisa]

Suffice to say, what I would recommend as essential reading for all Christians.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too complicated but very good.

[markala · Rating 4 out of 5]

romans 5:2-4

[Alex Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fundamentals to walking the Christian life, a great shorter read.

[Allen Haynie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his book, Grow in Grace by Sinclair B. Ferguson, the book explores the process of spiritual growth for Christians. It emphasizes that becoming a Christian is just the beginning of a journey involving increasing knowledge of God, obedience to His Word, and understanding His will. The book outlines biblical principles and provides case studies to illustrate how God works to mature believers. The book addresses challenges like stalled progress or lack of spiritual nourishment, making it a great read.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Timeless truth. I'll be passing this along to a friend overseas who has a heart for eternity and is surrounded by those who don't. It's the kind of book that reminds you of what's true and lasting when Christianity starts to feel irrelevant.

Oh, and I gave it 3/5, because if you've spend your time in the Word, then Ferguson's commentary is rather moot.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest book I've read to date. I have carried this book along with my bible for the last 6months. A must read!

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful little booklet to introduce the new believer into some important 'first things'.

Liked it.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish the author seeks to illuminate the path of spiritual froth for the Christian believer. Excellent for younger or older Christians alike!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I read this book earlier on in my walk with God. Wonderfully helpful.