Growing in Christ
Notes
Transcript
Subject: Growth
Theme: Spiritual Maturity
Key Text: 2 Peter 1:3–11
I know a number of you have gardens or enjoy planting things.
How would you feel if you took the time to plant your garden and nothing changed?
A garden is never meant to stay the same.
If you plant seeds in the spring and return in the fall to find the soil untouched, the plants stunted, and no produce, you know something has gone terribly wrong.
Growth is the natural sign of life.
Without it, there is only disappointment and decay.
That is why Peter writes with such urgency in 2 Peter 1:3–11, and it is why I feel such a burden as your pastor.
My heart is not only that you would come to church on Sundays or carry the name “Christian,” but that you would grow—
really grow—in your walk with the Lord.
That your faith would be more alive this year than it was last year.
That godliness would be taking deeper root in your heart, shaping your thoughts, your choices, your relationships.
God has already given you everything you need for life and godliness.
If you have trusted in Jesus and His work on the cross for you then the seed of faith is in the ground.
But Peter—and I along with him—longs to see that seed grow into something fruitful, vibrant, and full of assurance.
And so this morning, the call before us is simple but vital: do not settle for standing still in the Christian life.
Press on.
Grow in Christ.
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1. God Has Given Us Everything We Need (vv. 3–4)
1. God Has Given Us Everything We Need (vv. 3–4)
Peter begins and wastes no time reminding his readers of the sufficiency of God’s grace.
After his introduction he picks up saying
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
Where is the emphasis in this verse placed?
Right at the beginning - His divine power.
Not our determination.
Not our wisdom.
Not our moral strength.
All things happen by God’s divine power.
The Greek word for power here again is where our English word dynamite comes from.
It speaks of God’s supernatural ability, His effective energy, His unstoppable strength.
Christian growth is not powered by human grit but by divine grace.
And Peter says this divine power has granted us something.
It tense of the Greek word tells us that what God has given us has been given in the past and has continuing effects in the present.
What God has given us, Peter says is all things that pertain to life and godliness.
God has already given His people everything necessary for both.
In Christ, we are not waiting for some secret ingredient to be revealed.
We are not lacking resources.
We are not half-supplied.
God’s gift is complete, sufficient, and permanent.
Peter is careful in defining what God grants to us.
“all things that pertain to life and godliness.”
That is not a promise of health, wealth, and prosperity.
Life refers to the eternal life that begins the moment a person is united with Christ.
Godliness refers to the transformed way of living that flows out of that new life.
Put together, Peter is telling us that salvation and sanctification both come from God’s power.
How does this gift come to us?
Peter says it is “through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
The word for knowledge, in Greek, is more than intellectual awareness.
It refers to a deep, relational knowledge — knowing Christ personally, intimately, savingly.
This knowledge is not cold information; it is a living relationship with the One who has called us by His own glory and virtue.
And then in verse 4, Peter presses the truth further:
4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
Think about that. God has given us “precious and very great promises.”
That word “precious” points to value — costly, treasured, priceless.
What are these promises?
They include forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit,
the hope of resurrection, the assurance of Christ’s return, and the certainty of eternal life.
These promises are not abstract — they are anchored in Jesus Christ Himself.
Through these promises, Peter says, we become “partakers of the divine nature.”
This does not mean we become gods.
Rather, it means we share in God’s life through union with Christ.
We are indwelt by His Spirit, conformed to His character, and remade into His likeness.
At the same time, we are freed from the corruption of the world — no longer enslaved to sinful desires, but liberated to live in godliness.
All things we have talked about thus far in this series.
Peter’s opening point reminds us of the doctrine of sufficiency: Christ is enough.
In Him, we have everything necessary for salvation and for sanctification.
There is no second blessing we must wait for, no hidden knowledge we must unlock,
no special experience that makes us more complete.
God has already supplied what is needed through His power, His promises, and His presence.
Here is what this means for us: if you are in Christ, you are not missing anything you need to grow.
You may feel weak.
You may feel stuck.
You may even wonder if growth is possible.
But Peter reminds you: God has already given you everything you need for life and godliness.
If you are a Christian, a follower of Christ, then the Spirit of God lives within you.
The promises of God are written over you.
The power of God is working in you.
Ask yourself this question this morning.
Am I living like I have everything I need in Christ?
Or am I living as if I am still searching for something more?
Many Christians spend their lives chasing after the next book, the next experience, the next secret formula for spiritual growth.
Peter says you already have it — Christ Himself.
The Christian life doesn’t begin with what we do for God, but with what God has given to us in Christ.”
If God has already supplied everything we need for life and godliness, then the natural question is: what do we do with what He has given?
Peter answers in verse 5: “For this very reason, make every effort…”
In other words, divine provision does not cancel human responsibility — it empowers it.
2. Our Responsibility: Make Every Effort (vv. 5–7)
2. Our Responsibility: Make Every Effort (vv. 5–7)
After grounding us in God’s divine provision, Peter turns to our response.
Verse 5 begins: “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge…”
Do not miss the logic: because God has already given you everything you need, therefore you must act.
Divine provision is the foundation, but human responsibility is the response.
Grace does not make effort unnecessary; grace makes effort possible.
The command Peter uses here is strong: “make every effort”.
It carries the sense of urgency, diligence, intentional zeal.
Growth in Christ will not happen by accident.
You cannot drift into maturity.
We do not automatically become more virtuous as if God infused virtue into us intravenously;
we need to make plans and expend effort
You must pursue it deliberately.
Peter’s point is clear: Spiritual growth is not a matter that Christians can treat lightly;
it is a goal to which we need to give ourselves body and soul, every day of our lives.
Which is why rather than summarizing this goal in a single word, Peter chooses to describe it as a series of ascending steps.
Some commentators refer to this list as the “virtue chain” or the “ladder of faith.”
We must remember though that this is not a checklist to climb one rung at a time.
It appears that Peter is presenting this list like the steps in a staircase, eight Christian virtues that must be added, one to the other, as we move upward in our pursuit of spiritual maturity.
The usual English rendering, “add to your faith virtue” (AV) is not what the Greek says.
Depending upon your translation, the English makes it look like these things happen one at a time.
Some say add, some say supply, I appreciate how the ESV uses supplement.
The Greek word means to to provide (at one’s own expense)
In the Greek text there is more of the idea that these qualities work together, more like an escalator than a staircase.
Each step serves a purpose but they are all moving together towards the same goal, a single life in Christ.
Let us walk through them:
First we find faith, that is where we started our series, that is where Peter starts this list.
It is significant that Peter begins where he does (with “faith”) and ends where he does (with “love”).
Faith is the foundational Christian virtue (or, better, gift; see v. 1); with it we respond to God’s call and come to know him and his Son, the Lord Jesus (v. 3).
Trust in Christ is the starting point of Christian life.
Peter builds on that with virtue in this translation, others list it as moral excellence or goodness.
This word carries the meaning of living a life of noble character that reflects God’s glory.
In other Greek literature the word is used primarily of military valor or exploits,
but also of distinction for other personal qualities and associated performance that enhance the common interest.
It is a little vague on purpose to encompass the scope of living a morally excellent life.
The same word was used in v. 3 of Christ Himself - his own glory and excellence.
It is about cultivating qualities like honesty, integrity, and honor in your daily life.
This means striving to do what is right, rather than simply going your own way.
To virtue, Peter adds make effort to supplement knowledge.
Knowledge (gnōsis) – discernment, wisdom in applying God’s truth.
Not just information but spiritual understanding.
We are to supplement our faith with
Self-control (enkrateia) – mastery over desires and impulses.
In a world ruled by passions, Christians are called to Spirit-empowered restraint.
We must supplement our faith with
Steadfastness (hypomonē) – endurance, the ability to persevere under trial without giving up.
We must also supplement our faith with
Godliness (eusebeia) – reverence, a life centered on God in worship and obedience.
Supplement our faith with
Brotherly affection (philadelphia) – love expressed in kindness and care toward fellow believers.
The final cap Peter lists is to supplement our faith with
Love (agapē) – the crown of the list, Christlike, self-giving love that reflects the heart of God.
Notice the progression: faith begins the list, but love crowns it.
Christian growth starts with trusting Christ and finds its fullest expression in loving like Christ.
This list reflects the reality that Christian growth is holistic.
It is not enough to be knowledgeable without love, or disciplined without godliness, or enduring without compassion.
True growth is balanced, Christ-shaped, and Spirit-empowered.
It also reminds us that growth is active.
Some Christians assume sanctification is passive — that if we simply “let go and let God,” holiness will happen on its own.
But Peter insists: make every effort.
The Spirit supplies the power, but we must exercise diligence.
To put it bluntly, Peter is telling us that growth will not happen if you are spiritually lazy.
If you rarely open your Bible,
if you neglect prayer,
if you avoid fellowship,
if you ignore sin in your life,
do not be surprised if you remain spiritually immature.
Growth goes hand in hand with effort.
But here is the encouragement: your effort is not wasted, done in vane, or in your own strength.
Every step you take in obedience, every choice to say no to sin, every moment you lean on God’s promises —
the Spirit is working through those efforts to shape you more into the likeness of Christ.
So ask yourself: which of these qualities needs the most attention in my life right now?
Is it self-control in the face of temptation?
Is it steadfastness in a season of trial?
Is it brotherly affection toward someone in the church?
God is calling you to diligence in growth.
“Grace does not replace effort; it empowers it.”
Peter has shown us the foundation of growth — God’s provision.
He has shown us the path of growth — diligent effort in cultivating Christlike character.
But what difference does this growth make?
Why does it matter?
In verses 8 through 11, Peter shows us the results of growth: fruitfulness, assurance, and a rich entrance into God’s kingdom.
3. The Result of Growth: Fruitfulness and Assurance (vv. 8–11)
3. The Result of Growth: Fruitfulness and Assurance (vv. 8–11)
He begins with a conditional statement:
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Christian life is not static; it is meant to be fruitful.
True knowledge of Christ (not merely head knowledge, but relational knowing) produces effectiveness and fruit.
Peter is clear—growth in godliness is the antidote to a barren, useless faith.
And in verse 9, Peter contrasts this with spiritual shortsightedness:
9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
Without growth, a Christian lives as if Christ’s cleansing work never happened.
Spiritual stagnation leads to spiritual amnesia.
Then Peter gives his climactic exhortation in verse 10:
10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
This is not about earning salvation but about demonstrating it.
Diligent growth brings assurance—it validates God’s saving work in your life.
Verse 11 provides the glorious promise:
11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Growth leads to fruitfulness now and assurance for eternity.
The path of discipleship is not empty toil; it leads to the rich welcome of God’s kingdom.
Peter weaves together sanctification and assurance.
True faith is never fruitless; it produces a transformed life.
Growth in godliness is not an optional add-on but the necessary evidence of salvation.
This passage also clarifies the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.
God calls and elects; we confirm that calling by living lives consistent with His grace.
Our fruit does not earn the kingdom, but it testifies to our belonging in it.
Verse 11 reminds us that the end of the Christian life is not exhaustion or uncertainty but a “richly provided” entrance.
The same God who supplies everything we need for growth (v. 3) will also supply our entrance into His eternal kingdom.
Salvation begins and ends with God’s grace.
Ask yourself, “Is my knowledge of Christ bearing fruit in my life?”
If you are truly growing in these qualities, others will taste the fruit.
Your family, coworkers, neighbors—they should see patience, kindness, steadfastness, and love in increasing measure.
There’s a fun song by the Group Rain For Roots - a Christian band that writes songs for kids.
It’s called good fruit
Apples don’t grow on pear trees
Apples don’t grow on pear trees
Apples don’t grow on pear trees
No apples there! it only grows pears
Bananas don’t grow on plum trees
Bananas don’t grow on plum trees
Bananas don’t grow on plum trees
No 'nanas come! They only grow plums.
Your heart is where the words of your mouth grow
Your mouth is where the thoughts of your heart go
Jesus, change our hearts to bear,
To bear good fruit
S’pose I glue an apple on a pear tree?
No, no, no, no no no no, no
S’pose I tape an orange on an oak tree
No, no, no, no no no no, no
S’posin I staple some cherries on a maple?
No, no, no, no no no no, no
No no, no no, no no
Are you trying to glue an apple on a pear tree?
Do you ever doubt your salvation?
Peter points you here: grow in godliness.
The fruit in your life is God’s confirmation that His Spirit is at work in you.
Christian growth is not about self-improvement for this life alone.
It is preparation for the next.
Every step of growth here is a step toward the eternal kingdom that is already promised to you in Christ.
When we stop growing, we start forgetting.
The Christian life does not end in uncertainty but in a rich welcome into the kingdom.
Diligence today produces assurance tomorrow.
Conclusion
Conclusion
You and I do not step into this journey empty-handed.
Grace has equipped us, promises have been given to us, and the Spirit of God lives within us.
Peter calls us to our pursuit.
Because God has provided, we must respond.
Growth in the Christian life does not happen by accident.
It requires diligence, effort, and intentionality.
We are to add to our faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, and onward, until love crowns the list.
This is not self-help—it is Spirit-empowered effort flowing out of God’s provision.
Peter shows us the result of growth: fruitfulness and assurance.
A life growing in godliness will not be barren or empty but fruitful, effective, and marked by increasing confidence in God’s call.
Growth in Christ today gives assurance for eternity tomorrow—a rich entrance into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
So where does this leave us?
It leaves us confident, because God has supplied everything we need.
It leaves us responsible, because He calls us to make every effort.
It leaves us hopeful, because growth leads to fruitfulness now and assurance for eternity.
This is not a lifeless command but a life-giving invitation.
Peter wants you to flourish.
God wants your faith to grow strong, your life to bear fruit, and your heart to be assured of the hope that is yours in Christ.
So the question is simple: Will you grow?
Will you take hold of what God has provided, press on in the pursuit, and walk in the fruit and assurance He promises?
Christian growth is not about perfection in the moment but direction over a lifetime.
