Not Self Help:

Spiritual maturation in a Christ-follower is not “self-help.”  It is “Holy Spirit help!” The Holy Spirit is essential to partake of the means of grace God has given us to grow to Christlikeness.  Therefore, without repentance and faith in Jesus Christ that saves, no one can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Without the Holy Spirit, there is no spiritual maturation or spiritual fruit in someone’s life.  All of the means of grace that lead to Christlikeness and good works are gifts from God.  Spiritual growth occurs when a Christ-follower disciplines themself to these means of grace and walks in step with the Holy Spirit.