"Whom the Son Sets Free is Free Indeed"
On computer: Hover over each scripture reference to read.The sovereign power of God is present in the creation and in his actions on the behalf of His people. The Hand of God is especially active in salvation of humanity. The Hand of God is mighty, strong and powerful toward us that believe.
The hands of God create
Ac 7:50
On computer: Hover over each scripture reference to read.When a Christian comes to the Lord with a sincere heart, God changes them into the image of His Son. Jesus Christ is our example to living the redeemed life.
A believer’s goal is to become more like Jesus
1 Co 11:1; Php 2:5
Also see: Jn 13:15; Ro 8:29; Eph 4:11–13; Php 3:8–11; Php 3:20–21; 1 Jn 2:6
A believer becomes more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit
2 Co 3:18
Also see: Ro 8:5–9; Ga 5:22–23; 1 Th 1:6
The aim of discipleship is Christlikeness
Mt 10:25
Also see: Lk 6:40; 1 Jn 2:6
When a believer is totally committed Christlikeness will come
Lk 9:57–62
Also see: Mt 9:9; Mt 19:21; Jn 1:43; Jn 10:27; Jn 12:26; Jn 15:10; 2 Jn 9
How to demonstrate Christlikeness
Through Sacrifice
Mk 8:34–35; 1 Pe 2:21–23
Also see: Mt 10:38; Lk 14:26–27; Jn 12:26; Jn 21:19; Php 3:10; 1 Pe 4:1
Through humble service
Mt 20:26–28
Also see: Mt 11:29; Mk 9:35; Lk 22:24–26; Jn 13:14–15; Php 2:4–5
Showing other believers God’s love
Jn 15:12; 1 Jn 3:16
Also see: Jn 13:34; Jn 15:17; Eph 5:2; Eph 5:25
Being ready to forgive others
Col 3:13
Also see: Mt 6:12
Share the message of Jesus Christ across the world
Mt 4:19
Also see: Jn 20:21
Showing godly examples that imitate Jesus Christ
1 Co 11:1
Also see: Eph 5:1; 1 Th 1:5–6; 1 Th 2:14; Heb 6:12; Heb 13:7–8; 3 Jn 11
God’s plan of re-creation is Christlikeness
Ge 1:26–27; 2 Co 4:4; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10
The process of becoming Christlike:
It is the purpose for which believers are saved
Ro 8:28–29
Also see: Eph 2:10; 2 Pe 1:4
Believer’s will experience Christlikeness
2 Co 3:18
Christlikeness complete when believers share the Jesus’ glory
1 Jn 3:2–3
Also see: Ps 17:15; Jn 17:24; 1 Co 15:49–53; Ga 4:19; Php 3:20–21; Col 3:4; 1 Jn 4:17
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
JESUS SAID THE WISE MAN BUILT HIS HOUSE OF THEIR LIVES UPON A ROCK
Matthew 7: 24-27: Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. ( two houses, two different foundations, and two different results)
• The foundation of the house of our lives is spiritual
• Built on the Rock of Jesus Christ and His Word
• The wise Christian hears and responds what they know in the Word
o Obeying the Word of God gives that solid foundation that weathers the storms of life
• The Word can fall on spiritually deaf ears
o Jesus said they have ears, but they don’t hear
o Eyes but they can’t see in Mark 8:18
o That is part of our prayer life to have spiritual eyes and ears
o Some hearers reject the Word right away – Psalm 50:17
• But the house or life of the person that is built on Jesus Christ
o Will stand firm in the storms of life
o You may get knocked down, but you will get back up
o Because of the WORD AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD
o That abides in the spirit part of us
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH YOU WILL BE ABLE TO STAY TOUGH IN SPIRIT
Proverbs 24:10-12: If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small.11 If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it ? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? And shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?
• Adversity can sometimes show us where we are spiritually
• It shows us how our Christian Character has developed
• Don’t complain about your trials: The adversity you face today
o Is training you to be strong for more complicated situations in future
THE PROPHET JEREMIAH QUESTIONED GOD BECAUSE OF THE ADVERSITIES HE FACED.
The Lord asked Jeremiah: How he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones wearied him.
Jeremiah 12:5: If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
• Adversity helps in our growth process
o Could you help us to grow stronger?
o As we learn to trust the Lord
o How are we going to face big challenges?
o If the little ones weary us
• But it is not our strength
• Be strong in the Lord and the Power of His might Eph 6:13
• In the Power of His Spirit – Zech 4:6
• Not our human mind, emotions, will, or reasoning
DEPEND ON GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY IN YOUR LIFE
FROM ITS BEGINNING TO ITS END, THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS DEPENDENT UPON THE GRACE OF GOD.
GOD’S GRACE OFFSETS HUMAN WEAKNESSES
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
BELIEVERS CAN PRAY FOR GRACE
Psalm 25:16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; For I am desolate and afflicted.
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE CAN BE SUMMED UP IN TERMS OF GRACE
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
BELIEVERS SHOULD DESIRE TO EXPERIENCE MORE OF GOD’S GRACE
Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
BELIEVERS ARE EMPOWERED TO SERVE JESUS CHRIST BY HIS GRACE
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in
EXPERIENCING GOD’S GRACE REQUIRES THE BELIEVER’S CO-OPERATION
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Let’s endeavor to be steadfast and unmoveable in the coming days
• Growing in the revelation of the knowledge of God and His Word
• Growing stronger in the Lord through all our Fiery trials and adversities
• God isn’t going to save you from the Fire; He will bring you through it
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
On computer: Hover over each scripture reference to read.Peace is an inheritance of every believer in all of life’s predicaments. Perfect peace that passes all human understanding is only found in God and is through having a close and personal relationship with him daily.
On computer: Hover over each scripture reference to read.The Love of God is the most earnest expression of God’s character. Even though God loves all people, he is truly dedicated to a sacrificial and loyal relationship with His people.
The nature of God is love
1 Jn 4:8
On computer: Hover over each scripture reference to read.Being guided by the Lord is for believers who truly seek Him early, and desire his presence with all their heart. Get to know the Lord through His Word before listening in the spirit realm for “voice of God”. God’s voice is in His Word. The Bible says: that “angels of light ” can imitate God. Be on guard and in prayer.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15; 1 John 4:1 ;1 Peter 5:8
On computer: Hover over each scripture reference to read.Colossians 1:10: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
We were created by God to fellowship with Him. When God created Adam and Eve, there was a personal relationship between them and God. The Lord, would come down in the cool of the day and walk and talk with Adam and Eve. [Read more…]
WE SEE PETER AS THE AUTHOR OF 1 AND 2ND PETER SPEAKING TO US AND TELLING US TO GROW UP IN THE LORD AND DEVELOP THE CHRISTIAN GRACES
Turn to 2 Peter 1:1-8: This chapter and verses are just before Peter was crucified.
• But Peter wanted to be hung upside down
• He didn’t count himself worthy of being crucified like Jesus
In 2 Peter 1:1-8 Peter is telling us that through the Power of God, we have everything we need
• For spiritual growth
• The goal of spiritual growth is to live a life of godliness
o Spiritual growth will produce change
o Change from what we were before Jesus
o If we don’t grow, we will get cold
o And backslide
SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS A BIG INTERNAL PROBLEM IN THE CHURCH OF THE LORD TODAY
• The church in Peter’s day was experiencing the same thing that we are today
o False prophets, false teachers, and heresies
o For growth, these things must be rejected
o And allow the truth of the Word of God to be our guide
PETER’S GUIDANCE FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS IS FOUND IN:
2 Peter 1:1-8: 1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
• Many want more of God’s kindness (grace)
• But we need to be willing to put in the effort
o To grow in grace and peace
• We need the knowledge of God (which is His Word)
• Without the Word and applying the Word, we won’t grow
God provides the resources for spiritual growth
Php 2:13; 2 Pe 1:3
Also See Jn 1:16; Jn 4:14; Jn 15:2; Jn 15:5; 1 Co 10:13; 2 Co 3:18; 2 Co 9:10; Ga 5:22–23; Php 1:6; Col 2:19; Jas 1:17; Jas 4:6;
God’s people must desire to grow spiritually
Php 2:12; 2 Pe 1:5–9
Also See: Ro 6:19; 2 Co 7:1; Ga 5:16; Ga 5:25; Eph 5:15–16; Eph 6:11–13; 1 Ti 4:7; 1 Ti 6:11–12; 2 Ti 1:6; 2 Pe 3:14; 1 Jn 3:3;
Specific means of spiritual growth
Death to self-focus
Col 3:5
Also See: Mt 16:24; Ro 6:6; Ro 6:12; Ro 8:13; Eph 4:22; Col 3:9; 1 Pe 1:14; 1 Pe 2:11
The Word of God
2 Ti 3:16–17
Also See: Jos 1:8; Ps 19:7–8; Ps 119:9–11; Jn 17:17; Eph 6:17; Col 3:16; 1 Pe 2:2; 1 Jn 2:14
Develop a Prayer Life
Mt 6:13; Col 4:2
Also See: 1 Ch 16:11; Mt 7:11; Mt 26:41; Jn 16:24; Ac 4:29–31; Eph 6:18; 1 Th 5:17; Jas 1:5
Center of our Life is Jesus Christ
Heb 3:1
Also See: Mt 11:29; Jn 13:15; Ro 15:5; Php 2:5; Heb 12:2–3; 1 Pe 2:21; 1 Jn 2:6
The Holy Spirit plays a role in spiritual growth
Eph 3:16–18
Also See: Eph 1:13–14; Eph 1:17; Eph 2:19–22
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL GROWTH?
The process of development and maturing refers to God’s kingdom and the spiritual development of believers. Scripture uses images of growth (such as seeds, plants, and infants) to stress the dynamic nature of personal faith and the kingdom of God.
2 Peter 3:18: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen
SPIRITUAL GROW FROM INFANCY TO MATURITY SHOWN IN :
Eph 4:13–15: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
• Growing can be painful
• We see and go through a lot
• But we should progress from being baby Christians to Mature Christians
• Till Jesus comes
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
• We should measure our growth
• Not by comparing ourselves among ourselves
• But through the Word of God
• The true measuring rod
WE CAN ALSO USE THE LIVES OF A BIBLICAL CHARACTER LIKE MOSES, PAUL OR PETER
• We will look at Peter today
• We can see how our spiritual life has grown as quickly as his
GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR PERFECTION
• He just wants us to grow and make progress
• God doesn’t love Peter more than he loves us
• He is not a respecter of persons
James 2:9: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Romans 2:11: For there is no respect of persons with God.
• God does not show favoritism
• When Jesus died His Blood, sacrifice was for the whole world.
• What God did for Peter He is willing and ready to do for us
PETER WAS CALLED TO LEAVE EVERYTHING AND FOLLOW JESUS
Matt 4:18-20: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.19And he saith unto them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.20And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
• Peter didn’t have the Cross and the Resurrection to look back to
• Like we do
• Peter left his lucrative fishing business
o And became a fisher of men
o With his brother Andrew
o And the Zebedee brothers James and John
o Who also became disciples of Jesus
o PETER LEFT ALL HE KNEW ON THIS EARTH TO FOLLOW JESUS
o THE THINGS OF THIS EARTH GREW STRANGELY DIM
DO YOU REMEMBER THE DAY THAT YOU MET JESUS?
AND YOU WERE WILLING TO LEAVE IT ALL JUST FOR HIM?
• Are you still there, or have you slid back a bit?
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD AND CONTINUE TO GROW IN JESUS CHRIST!
Growth shown as Seeds and plants
Luke 8:14–15 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
The apostles worked and prayed for growth in believers
2 Co 13:9: For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Growth In faith
2 Corinthians 10:15–16 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Please, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.