Seasons of Spiritual Growth | Grow in Grace and in the Knowlege of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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 has provided various means by which believers may grow spiritually.
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
Give your heart to Jesus today by saying this prayer:
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.