The Desire for Spiritual Growth

To achieve spiritual growth Believers will put aside those sins & actions that harm the Body ()

To achieve spiritual growth Believers will put aside those sins & actions that harm the Body ()

Explanation: The therefore in v. 1 refers back to the corporate love the believers have for one another (). Peter is saying that Believers who actually love one another will guard against those actions and attitudes which can impede growth and the internal harmony of the fellowship. Believers are to be selfless in their pursuit of holiness so they will put aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Malice

MALICE Vicious intention; desire to hurt someone. Malice is characteristic of preconversion life in opposition to God (Rom. 1:29; Titus 3:3). Christians are frequently called upon to rid their lives of malice (Eph. 4:31–32; Col. 3:8; 1 Pet. 2:1).

Dictionary of Bible Themes 5920 pretence

The deception of others by individuals, usually for the sake of their own interest, safety or pride. Scripture condemns such pretence and demands honesty from believers at every point.

Hypocrisy: An outward pretence masking an inner reality. Scripture condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Believers should express their commitment to God in their words and their deeds, as well as in their inner motivation. (Dictionary of Bible Themes)

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Envy

Envy. Sin of jealousy over the blessings and achievements of others, especially the spiritual enjoyment and advance of the kingdom of Christ freely and graciously bestowed upon the people of God.

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude (2) Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1–3)

Slander is not limited to spreading false stories about others but also involves disparaging others. Well-timed words that carry insinuations about others are often all that is necessary

Slander: to speak critically of another person with the intent to hurt.

Argument: Each of these actions, if present in a Church, will cause damage and will impede growth. Each believer, not just the Pastors and the Deacons are responsible for doing his or her part to guard the fellowship. This would include refraining from personal involvement, and to loving confront those who are engaged in such pursuits.

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude (2) Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1–3)

Slander is not limited to spreading false stories about others but also involves disparaging others. Well-timed words that carry insinuations about others are often all that is necessary

Argument: Each of these actions, if present in a Church, will cause damage and will impede growth. Each believer, not just the Pastors and the Deacons are responsible for doing his or her part to guard the fellowship. This would include refraining from personal involvement, and to loving confront those who are engaged in such pursuits.

Argument: Each of these actions, if present in a Church, will cause damage and will impede growth. As Schreiner states, “the sins listed tear at the social fabric of the church, ripping away the threads of love that keep them together.” Each believer, not just the Pastors and the Deacons are responsible for doing his or her part to guard the fellowship. This would include refraining from personal involvement, and to loving confront those who are engaged in such pursuits.

The actions listed in v. 1 are sins. Not one of the motivations behind the actions can be positive. There are however, legitimate concerns that may need to be addressed from time to time. The motivation in these situations would be concern for God’s reputation, and for the well-being of another believer.

Application: One of our Connection Goals as a Church is to Connect with One Another. What actions, if any, do you need to repent of? Inventory your attitude to see if you are contributing to spiritual growth or decline.

To achieve Spiritual Growth, Believers will develop a life-long dependence on the Word ()

Explanation: Peter is giving the analogy of how a newborn longs for milk. He is not stating that these believers are new in their faith, nor is he chastising them for their lack of growth (as in ). The point that Peter is making is that a true believer, regardless of their stage of spiritual life will be marked by a desire to be students of the Word.

Illustration: getting sick due to bad milk in the Cappuccino

Argument: For all believers, post-Resurrection, God has ordained His Word as the primary method of Revelation. We aren’t to look for the miraculous or the supernatural; we are not to strive to develop as spiritual mystics. He has given us all we need for faith and life through the Indwelling of His Spirit. And the Spirit’s role is to illuminate and give understanding the Word.

Application: What is your intentional plan to be a student of the Word?

Those who don’t have this Desire are not in Relation to Christ ()

explanation: Peter is actually asking these folks to consider (examine) their relationship with Christ. The word if has the ability to handle several layers of conditional . This is a rhetorical question that expects a positive answer.

The point is this: a true believer, one who has personally experienced the goodness of the Lord, will indeed have a desire to turn from the sins AND a positive desire to embrace the life-giving sustenance of the Word.

Argument: Where these desires are lacking, there is a corresponding lack of relationship with Christ. This is simple Gospel teaching, which, unfortunately, has been marred by many Church leaders in their effort to soften the message and make room for “nominal or carnal Christianity” Regardless of man’s effort to make others comfortable in the Church, it will not translate into entry in the Kingdom!

Regardless of man’s effort to make others comfortable in the Church, it will not translate into entry in the Kingdom!