SF905 - Let The Church Be The Church - 10 of 10 A Biblical Understanding of Discipleship and Growth (2 Peter 3 17-18)

2 Peter 3:17-18

Introduction

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church

A New Testament Church

Has a Biblical Theology; Has a Biblical Understanding of Worship; Will Preach the Word; Has a Biblical Understanding of the Gospel; Has a Biblical Understanding of Conversion; Has a Biblical Understanding of Evangelism; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Membership; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Discipline; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Leadership; Has a  Biblical Understanding of Church Growth

Four questions to consider:

1) Is growth biblical?

2) What kind of church will cultivate growth?

3) Is growth important?

4) What does it mean if we do not grow?

1A.      Is Growth Biblical?

Two kinds of growth are mentioned in the Bible, numerical growth, and spiritual growth.

1B.      Numerical growth is biblical.

From the beginning, numerical growth was commanded by God.

Genesis 1:22 “God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’”

Numerical growth among God's people is a sign of God's blessing.

Psalm 92:12-13 “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God.”

Numerical growth of the kingdom of heaven is expected.

Isaiah 9:7 “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace…”

Numerical growth in the church is normal.

Acts 12:24 “But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.”

Acts 19:20 “So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.”

Numerical growth goes on in the New Testament, but the growth prayed for is not just numerical, for unhealthy assemblies can also have numerical growth.

2B.      Spiritual growth is biblical.

Every Christian is to grow spiritually.

Ephesians 4:15-16 “…we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ…”

Spiritual growth is a result of God’s work in our lives.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.  So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.”

Spiritual growth requires our participation.

2 Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.  Amen”

Ø      We are to grow in the qualities of Christ.  (2 Peter 1:5-8)

Ø      We will grow when we study the Word of God.  (1 Peter 2:1-5)

Ø      We are responsible to promote one another’s growth.  (2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15; Hebrews 10:23-25)

2A.      What Kind of Church will Cultivate Growth?

1B.      A church with a biblical theology.

2B.      A church with a biblical understanding of worship.

Ø      God is both the object and subject of our worship. 

3B.      A church with expository preaching.

4B.      A church with a biblical understanding of the gospel.

5B.      A church with a biblical understanding of conversion.

6B.      A church with a biblical understanding of evangelism.

7B.      A church with a biblical understanding of church membership.

8B.      A church with a biblical understanding of church discipline.

9B.      A church with a biblical understanding of church leadership.

3A.      Is growth important?

1B.      Yes, because growth indicates life.

Spiritual growth is not optional; it is vital because it indicates life.  Things that are alive grow.

2B.      Yes, because growth brings glory to God.

1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.”

4A.      What Does It Mean If We Do Not Grow?  (Hebrews 12:4-11)

1B.      It may mean that you are temporarily living in rebellion to God.

God will discipline His children.

2B.      It may mean that you are not truly saved.  (12:8)

To be a Christian does not mean that you are perfect but that your heart intends to seek the Lord. 

God intends to work on us by His Spirit through each other.

Application

The third commandment (not to take the name of the Lord your God in vain) is for us as a church as well—we should not take for ourselves the name of the Lord without living worthily of it.

We are to display God and His character in a glorious way to His creation, for His own glory.

We must strive to continue to grow in His grace.

As we become more like Him in holiness, He will increase our numbers.