Found in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, First Corinthians, Second Corinthians,
Ephesians, Colossians, First and Second Peter, the Greek verb “auxano” meant “grow” or “increase.” Jesus said we should observe how lilies of the field “grow” (Mt. 6:28). The Lord also used this word in the parable of the sower (Mk. 4:8) and the parable of the mustard seed (Mt. 13:32; Lk. 13:19). John the Baptist (Lk. 1:80) and Jesus (Lk. 2:40) “grew.” John the Baptist said Jesus must “increase” while he had to decrease (Jn. 3:30). Luke (Acts 6:7) said God’s word “increased” and thus associated this term with missionary activity (church growth). Men can sow the gospel and encourage people to obey, but only God gives the “increase” (1 Cor. 3:7). Christians are to “grow up” in the faith (Eph. 4:15). Peter used this word in both 1 Pet. 2:2 and 2 Pet. 3:18.