Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:5-9

Successful Spiritual Growth

Intro.

1. Every Christian should desire spiritual growth in their lives.

2. We are to make definite progress in the Christian life (steady moral and spiritual advancement).

3. Christ has given us the tools to do so, Eph. 4:11-16.

4. God expects us to grow, 2 Pet. 3:18; Col. 2:6-7.

5. Desiring the word of God in our lives is vital to our spiritual development, 1 Pet. 2:2.

6. 2 Peter 1:5-7 gives us practical teaching on growing to be more like Christ.

a. The interlinking nature of these attributes.

b. They do and cannot stand alone; they form a chain of spiritual strength and a stairway to heaven.

I. GIVE ALL DILIGENCE TO GROW, 2 Pet. 1:5, 10.

A. Earnest Zeal, Exertion, to Endeavor.

1. Christians are not called and elected to a lifestyle of lethargy (Eph. 4:1; Rom. 12:11)

2. Growth requires work -- Time and patient constancy, cf. Rev. 3:2.

3. Without diligence we will not grow, 2 Pet. 1:5.

4. With diligence we secure our salvation, 2 Pet. 1:10.

B. We must Choose to Make Our Calling Sure (firm), 1:10; Phil. 2:12.

II. SPIRITUAL GROWTH MEANS INCREASING IN SPIRITUAL QUALITIES, 2 Pet. 1:5-7.

A. Faith is the Foundation of all other Spiritual Qualities, Heb. 11:6.

1. Firm persuasion, absolute trust, Heb. 11:1.

2. Without faith the other qualities of spiritual maturity are unattainable (2 Cor. 5:7).

3. Faith is anchored in word of God (Rom. 10:17).

B. Add (Supply) to Your Faith:

1. Virtue: "Moral goodness," excellence. Courage (manliness) of faith, 1 Cor. 16:13.

a. The moral courage to live your faith, to do what is right.

b. Positive area of growth that fights against the temptations of sin, Jno. 12:42-43

2. Knowledge: Understanding of the truth.

a. Lack of knowledge destroys, Hos. 4:6 (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18).

b. Knowledge is required to understand when and how to exert moral courage, Eph. 5:15-17.

3. Self-control: Temperance, self-government or regulation.

a. "the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites." (Thayer)

b. Needed to do what we know is right and to avoid what we know is wrong (1 Cor. 9:25; Jas. 1:13-15).

4. Perseverance: Constancy, endurance, steadfastness (patience, Jas. 1:3-4; 5:7-8; Heb. 12:1, 3; cf. Mk. 4:16-17).

-To continue self-control, knowledge and virtue.

5. Godliness: Piety, reverence, devotion; reverent respect for God.

a. Implementing a lifestyle of respect for God's will, 1 Tim. 4:7-8.

b. Through previous "steps," we increase in our reverence for God, seeking to please God in everything (Eph. 5:10).

6. Brotherly kindness: Brotherly affection, warmth (philadelphia).

a. Brotherly respect, concern, kindness, Rom. 12:10 (1 Pet. 2:17; 3:8).

b. As we grow inwardly (1:5-6) we must grow in outward expressions, too.

7. Love: Active devotion, goodwill, charity (see growth, 1 Pet. 1:22).

a. "Unconquerable benevolence, undefeatable goodwill" (Barclay).

b. Deliberate decision (with corresponding action) for the greatest good of others (Matt. 5:43-48), cf. 1 Jno. 4:7-11; 3:17-18.

c. Love must motivate our actions, define our character and permanently abide in our lives (1 Cor. 13).

d. Capstone of all other spiritual qualities - love is found in them all, Matt. 22:37-38.

III. THE BENEFITS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH, 2 Pet. 1:8-11.

A. Being a Christian will be the Enthusiasm of our Lives, 1:8 (Rom. 7:4). Active and fruitful

B. Greater Awareness of Our Spiritual Blessings, 1:9.

C. Protection from Falling (security), 1:10.

D. Abundant Entrance into Heaven, 1:11.

Conclusion

If we supply (fully add, 2 Pet. 1:5) these attributes to our lives, God will supply heaven to us (2 Pet. 1:11).