Guides for Growth

A. We expect growth in the physical realm. Maturity is always the goal. The same is true in the spiritual realm.

B. In the Christian life there is birth, we expect there to be growth, and ultimately maturity.

C. So, how do we get there? What are our guides? Let’s take a look.

1 Peter 2:1–2 NKJV

1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

So first...

We Must Put Away Our Childish Things (v1)

1 Peter 2:1 NKJV

1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

A. There are certain cherished relics of childhood.

1. A little girl may have her favorite doll.

2. A little boy may have his favorite blanket or bear or wooden sword or what have you.

B. But it is natural for these to be put away in maturity.

1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

C. According to Paul…some childish things are envy, strife, divisions.

D. Peter agrees… In this letter, Peter reminded his readers that they had experienced the new birth (1:23). This provided an internal change. But this would lead to the responsibility of the new child of God. Repentance is called for.

1. Peter says we must put away: he goes on to list five sins of attitude and speech, which if harbored would drive wedges between believers.

a. All malice, bitterness: “wicked will” wrong feelings toward another

b. All deceit (guile)… is deliberate dishonesty.

c. Hypocrisy…pretended piety and love

d. Envy…resentful discontent,

e. All evil speaking (slander)…backbiting lies, slandering, gossip

E. None of these things should have any place in those who are born again. Rather, in obedience to the Word, believers are to make decisive breaks with the past.

We Must Feed on the Right Things (v. 2)

1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

A. We need to feed on the right things for proper growth.

B. After we cast out the wrong desires and motives we saw in verse 1, We then need to feed on wholesome spiritual food that produces growth.

C. What are you feeding your mind? Your heart? Your soul?

D. We are affected by what we take in.

E. But God’s Word develops spiritual growth.

1. pure - is deliberately contrasted with deceit from verse 1. God’s Word does not deceive; neither should God’s children.

F. We should approach the Word of God with clean hearts and minds (v. 1) in eager anticipation, with a desire to grow spiritually.

1. Desire…have an eager longing like a hungry baby.

2. Cultivate a hunger for the Bible as a baby hungers for milk.

We Must Follow the Right One

1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

A. Heroes are part of every childhood.

B. The reality is most childhood heroes are not real.

C. And those who are will ultimately let us down in some way. They’re only human.

D. A young christian may idolize the person who led them to Christ, a certain musician, or evangelist.

E. Whom do you follow?

F. We are called to follow Christ. To emulate His character and conduct, because He suffered for us.

E. The word rendered “example” (hypogrammon) lit. “underwriting” appearing only here in the NT, refers to a writing or drawing that a student reproduces. Like kindergarten with a letter written out and the student copies the letter beneath on their own using the teacher’s writing as the example.

F. As we write out the details of our life, let’s use Jesus as the Master, so our copy will be as close to the original as possible. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Conclusion:

A. Are the relics of your spiritual infancy hanging on?

B. How is your devotional life?

C. Let’s get growing!