Christian Growth Lesson 16 Solid Steps of Christian Growth
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Solid Steps
Solid Steps
of Christian Growth
of Christian Growth
A Study of 2 Peter 1:1-11
A Study of 2 Peter 1:1-11
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23,24
Psalm 37:23,24
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
Hymn - Higher Ground
Hymn - Higher Ground
Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1898 (1856-1922)
Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1898 (1856-1922)
I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining every day; Still praying as I'm onward bound, "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining every day; Still praying as I'm onward bound, "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
Chorus
Chorus
Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith on heaven's table-land,
Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith on heaven's table-land,
A higher plane than I have found: Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
A higher plane than I have found: Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Though some may dwell where these abound, My prayer, my aim is higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise and fears dismay; Though some may dwell where these abound, My prayer, my aim is higher ground.
I want to live above the world, Though Satan's darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground.
I want to live above the world, Though Satan's darts at me are hurled; For faith has caught the joyful sound, The song of saints on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height And catch a gleam of glory bright;
I want to scale the utmost height And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I'll pray, 'til heaven I've found "Lord, lead me on to higher ground."
But still I'll pray, 'til heaven I've found "Lord, lead me on to higher ground."
Main Scripture to Study 2 Peter 1:1-11
Main Scripture to Study 2 Peter 1:1-11
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Scripture
Key Words Defined
Scripture
Key Words Defined
¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
“his divine power” is the power a Christian relies on to first save them, and then to change them.
“his divine power” is the power a Christian relies on to first save them, and then to change them.
“promises” are what God makes to us – not what we make to God! “partakers” are those who take received the person of Jesus Christ into their lives
“promises” are what God makes to us – not what we make to God! “partakers” are those who take received the person of Jesus Christ into their lives
“the divine nature” refers to Jesus Christ, and His perfect, God- nature that now indwells every believer.
“the divine nature” refers to Jesus Christ, and His perfect, God- nature that now indwells every believer.
“corruption” is the effect of sin on a life – it ruins a person’s life “giving all diligence” means to work very hard at adding these things to your life
“corruption” is the effect of sin on a life – it ruins a person’s life “giving all diligence” means to work very hard at adding these things to your life
“faith” is believing God as He promised in His word “virtue” is the inner strength to do right
“faith” is believing God as He promised in His word “virtue” is the inner strength to do right
“knowledge” is personally knowing something to be true, not just accepting it as true
“knowledge” is personally knowing something to be true, not just accepting it as true
“temperance” is submitting your self to God’s will and God’s Holy Spirit
“temperance” is submitting your self to God’s will and God’s Holy Spirit
“patience” is the ability to put up with trials and troubles without complaining
“patience” is the ability to put up with trials and troubles without complaining
“godliness” is living and thinking like Jesus did “brotherly kindness” is loving believers like family “charity” is living completely unselfishly
“godliness” is living and thinking like Jesus did “brotherly kindness” is loving believers like family “charity” is living completely unselfishly
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
“barren”, “unfruitful” is when a Christian is useless to God
“barren”, “unfruitful” is when a Christian is useless to God
“calling and election” is God’s perfect will and plan for your life – make it sure and steadfast so you don’t fall out!
“calling and election” is God’s perfect will and plan for your life – make it sure and steadfast so you don’t fall out!
Introduction to Our Study
2Peter 1:1-11
Introduction to Our Study
2Peter 1:1-11
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Audience Peter is Talking To (2Peter 1)
The Audience Peter is Talking To (2Peter 1)
Two Letters (Epistles) written by the Apostle Peter
Two Letters (Epistles) written by the Apostle Peter
First Peter is all about encouragement, in the trials (1Pet 1:6-8)
First Peter is all about encouragement, in the trials (1Pet 1:6-8)
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Second Peter is about staying on track in spite of so many pressures and temptations
Second Peter is about staying on track in spite of so many pressures and temptations
People needed to know how to go on and grow without Peter being around – he was leaving (2Pet 1:14,15) – our growth is not to be dependent upon people, or upon miracles, or upon good days and sunshine – but rather on truth, and the presence of the Lord Jesus in your life!
People needed to know how to go on and grow without Peter being around – he was leaving (2Pet 1:14,15) – our growth is not to be dependent upon people, or upon miracles, or upon good days and sunshine – but rather on truth, and the presence of the Lord Jesus in your life!
14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
God orders our steps (lays them out ahead of us in the Scriptures), and expects us to take those steps. Not an option!
God orders our steps (lays them out ahead of us in the Scriptures), and expects us to take those steps. Not an option!
God gave us three things to make sure we continue growing: His Word, His Holy Spirit, and His local Church – we need each other!
God gave us three things to make sure we continue growing: His Word, His Holy Spirit, and His local Church – we need each other!
The audience is believers
The audience is believers
“Obtained like precious faith” – same faith as Peter and John had
“Obtained like precious faith” – same faith as Peter and John had
People who had the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ!
People who had the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ!
Peter was concerned that Christians would know some things (2)
Peter was concerned that Christians would know some things (2)
That God has given to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” just because we know somebody – Jesus!
That God has given to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” just because we know somebody – Jesus!
That God has promised us PRECIOUS (rare) promises
That God has promised us PRECIOUS (rare) promises
That we would be like Jesus – “partaker of the divine (God) nature”
That we would be like Jesus – “partaker of the divine (God) nature”
Now that you have been made free (escaped) the ruin in this world
Now that you have been made free (escaped) the ruin in this world
The Task (2 Peter 1:5) – what God is commanding us to do
Look at the Christian’s responsibility!
The Task (2 Peter 1:5) – what God is commanding us to do
Look at the Christian’s responsibility!
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
“Giving all diligence” means for you, and you, and YOU to work very hard at adding these things to your life. Not easy! But necessary!
“Giving all diligence” means for you, and you, and YOU to work very hard at adding these things to your life. Not easy! But necessary!
Christian growth is more about ADDING things to our life than just doing more things.
Christian growth is more about ADDING things to our life than just doing more things.
The world wants to block-out God, and subtract things from our lives, but God has made available some things that if we would just add them to our way of thinking, and our way of living, we would be successful (bear fruit, and prosper) as Christians!
The world wants to block-out God, and subtract things from our lives, but God has made available some things that if we would just add them to our way of thinking, and our way of living, we would be successful (bear fruit, and prosper) as Christians!
Constantly adding is going to be the key – like adding healthy foods to your diet in order to grow.
Constantly adding is going to be the key – like adding healthy foods to your diet in order to grow.
Can’t just eat an apple once, and expect to be healthy for the next six weeks – you have to add lots of fruit to your diet, and add lots of vegetables, and add lots of exercise, and add lots of laughter, and so on, to be healthy! Amen!?
Can’t just eat an apple once, and expect to be healthy for the next six weeks – you have to add lots of fruit to your diet, and add lots of vegetables, and add lots of exercise, and add lots of laughter, and so on, to be healthy! Amen!?
The Staring Point – Level Ground – where do we begin?
The Staring Point – Level Ground – where do we begin?
We all start as sinners, lost, separated from God, doomed, law-breakers, enslaved by Satan, destined for hell
We all start as sinners, lost, separated from God, doomed, law-breakers, enslaved by Satan, destined for hell
Then one day, we found out about forgiveness, and the righteousness of God that was available to us because of Jesus Christ
Then one day, we found out about forgiveness, and the righteousness of God that was available to us because of Jesus Christ
That’s the day a sinner like me, like you, by simple, child-like faith accepted what Jesus did on the cross as enough to save your soul, forgive you of your sins, and make you a child of almighty God!
That’s the day a sinner like me, like you, by simple, child-like faith accepted what Jesus did on the cross as enough to save your soul, forgive you of your sins, and make you a child of almighty God!
THAT is where every believer begins – not at baptism, or in confirmation, or with good works, or according to what country you were born in, or what religion your parents were!
THAT is where every believer begins – not at baptism, or in confirmation, or with good works, or according to what country you were born in, or what religion your parents were!
The Steps to Take – addition, integration of Biblical things into your life (Psalm 37:23,24)
The Steps to Take – addition, integration of Biblical things into your life (Psalm 37:23,24)
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
Here is a great truth:
Here is a great truth:
Salvation is a free gift received by faith
Salvation is a free gift received by faith
Spiritual Growth is a process, experienced by diligent and hard work
Spiritual Growth is a process, experienced by diligent and hard work
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
There are Eight steps for every Christian to take – not all at once
There are Eight steps for every Christian to take – not all at once
Faith is believing God as He promised in His word – increase it!
Faith is believing God as He promised in His word – increase it!
Virtue is the inner strength to do right
Virtue is the inner strength to do right
Knowledge is personally knowing something to be true, not just accepting it as true
Knowledge is personally knowing something to be true, not just accepting it as true
Temperance is submitting your self to God’s will and God’s Holy Spirit (allowing someone else to control your life)
Temperance is submitting your self to God’s will and God’s Holy Spirit (allowing someone else to control your life)
Patience is the ability to go through troubles without complaining
Patience is the ability to go through troubles without complaining
Godliness is living and thinking like Jesus did
Godliness is living and thinking like Jesus did
Brotherly Kindness is loving believers like family
Brotherly Kindness is loving believers like family
Charity is living completely unselfishly
Charity is living completely unselfishly
Each one of the above items affect different things in our lives – they each have a different affect on different areas of our life
Each one of the above items affect different things in our lives – they each have a different affect on different areas of our life
Faith is directed towards God and pleases God
Faith is directed towards God and pleases God
Virtue is directed towards sin, and resists temptation
Virtue is directed towards sin, and resists temptation
Knowledge is directed towards our problems and the uncertainty in handling those problems
Knowledge is directed towards our problems and the uncertainty in handling those problems
Temperance is directed towards self
Temperance is directed towards self
Patience is directed towards the promises of God
Patience is directed towards the promises of God
Godliness is directed towards the world
Godliness is directed towards the world
Brotherly Kindness is directed towards believers
Brotherly Kindness is directed towards believers
Charity is directed towards everyone!
Charity is directed towards everyone!
The Goal (2Pet 1:8-11)
The Goal (2Pet 1:8-11)
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To be fruitful (John 15:8), successful in your Christian life!
To be fruitful (John 15:8), successful in your Christian life!
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
2Peter 1:1-11 is the formula for being a success as a Christian:
2Peter 1:1-11 is the formula for being a success as a Christian:
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Bearing fruit, being useful to God, honouring God by your life, laying up treasures in heaven, being steadfast, having inner stability, being confident and unashamed, and ultimately, receiving praise in heaven one day (2Pet 1:11)
To stand instead of constantly falling (Ephesians 6:11,13)
Bearing fruit, being useful to God, honouring God by your life, laying up treasures in heaven, being steadfast, having inner stability, being confident and unashamed, and ultimately, receiving praise in heaven one day (2Pet 1:11)
To stand instead of constantly falling (Ephesians 6:11,13)
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ DIED and rose again to make godly MEN out of you men
Jesus Christ DIED and rose again to make godly MEN out of you men
Jesus Christ DIED and rose again to make godly WOMEN out of you ladies
Jesus Christ DIED and rose again to make godly WOMEN out of you ladies
Ask yourself, “Am I more like Jesus today, or more like the world around me?”
Ask yourself, “Am I more like Jesus today, or more like the world around me?”
If you are backsliding, and weakening, then THIS is the programme for you
If you are backsliding, and weakening, then THIS is the programme for you
As a matter of fact, the only way NOT to backslide, is to go forward and constantly, consistently grow!
As a matter of fact, the only way NOT to backslide, is to go forward and constantly, consistently grow!
Your “calling and election”(2Pet 2:10) is knowing God’s perfect will and plan for your life – YOU have the responsibility to make it sure and steadfast so you don’t fall; so you don’t mess-up; so you don’t wimp-out in the battles of life! Like a cliff-climber: make each bracket firm and sure!!!
Your “calling and election”(2Pet 2:10) is knowing God’s perfect will and plan for your life – YOU have the responsibility to make it sure and steadfast so you don’t fall; so you don’t mess-up; so you don’t wimp-out in the battles of life! Like a cliff-climber: make each bracket firm and sure!!!
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
To hear “Well done!” at your entrance into heaven (Matthew 25:21)
To hear “Well done!” at your entrance into heaven (Matthew 25:21)
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The Dangers of Stagnation – staying in one place too long
The Dangers of Stagnation – staying in one place too long
Success is Conditional
Success is Conditional
Give all diligence (2Pet 1:5)
Give all diligence (2Pet 1:5)
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
“IF… these abound…”
“IF… these abound…”
It is impossible to stay in one place – you will either …
It is impossible to stay in one place – you will either …
Backslide
Backslide
Or, Press forward
Or, Press forward
No growth means… (2 Peter 1:8-11)
No growth means… (2 Peter 1:8-11)
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
You lose sight – spiritual awareness
You lose sight – spiritual awareness
You lose memory – forgetting spiritual victories
You lose memory – forgetting spiritual victories
You lose progress – constantly fall back
You lose progress – constantly fall back
You lose heavenly rewards
You lose heavenly rewards
God calls it becoming “barren”, “unfruitful” when we are not what we could be – that’s when a Christian is useless to God and ends up with nothing spiritual accumulated in his/her life
God calls it becoming “barren”, “unfruitful” when we are not what we could be – that’s when a Christian is useless to God and ends up with nothing spiritual accumulated in his/her life
The apostle Paul feared very few things, but one of them was becoming useless to God (1Cor 9:27)
The apostle Paul feared very few things, but one of them was becoming useless to God (1Cor 9:27)
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Christians are called to “follow Christ” - not retire, or go on holiday, or drag your feet – that is when the devil starts his attack (like when a lion stalks a herd, he focuses on the ones that are not with the herd, or are weak, or are independent, etc)!
Christians are called to “follow Christ” - not retire, or go on holiday, or drag your feet – that is when the devil starts his attack (like when a lion stalks a herd, he focuses on the ones that are not with the herd, or are weak, or are independent, etc)!
This is a day when the Christian life then must be lived with diligence.
This is a day when the Christian life then must be lived with diligence.
Young people may not know what the word 'diligence' means. It means to NOT “go with the flow!”
Young people may not know what the word 'diligence' means. It means to NOT “go with the flow!”
Many people simply float along with the stream.
Many people simply float along with the stream.
It is so easy to do because, if that is the way the current is going, then all they need to do is bob along with everything else that is floating down the stream. No hassles, right?
It is so easy to do because, if that is the way the current is going, then all they need to do is bob along with everything else that is floating down the stream. No hassles, right?
Some churches and some Christians, for a long time have been going that way: bobbing along with the “river of life.” The tide or the stream is taking them out, and they are headed for disaster.
Some churches and some Christians, for a long time have been going that way: bobbing along with the “river of life.” The tide or the stream is taking them out, and they are headed for disaster.
In order to go against the stream and against the tide, Christians will have to work very hard to keep their souls and minds in a right frame and attitude, if they are going to hold their ground and even make progress against the stream and against the tide of this modern world.
In order to go against the stream and against the tide, Christians will have to work very hard to keep their souls and minds in a right frame and attitude, if they are going to hold their ground and even make progress against the stream and against the tide of this modern world.
These are the people who will gain the true blessing of God in the end.
These are the people who will gain the true blessing of God in the end.
Peter saw this scenario in his day. You and I, unless we are blind, must also see it today.
Peter saw this scenario in his day. You and I, unless we are blind, must also see it today.
The choice therefore is between drifting with the stream, and with the current, and with the tide on the one hand or going against it, in order to maintain high Biblical values, and in order to hear a hearty “well done” from our Lord in the end!
The choice therefore is between drifting with the stream, and with the current, and with the tide on the one hand or going against it, in order to maintain high Biblical values, and in order to hear a hearty “well done” from our Lord in the end!
The fruit of the Christian includes:
The winning of a soul to Christ
The fruit of the Christian includes:
The winning of a soul to Christ
The defeat of a sin and of Satan’s plans
The defeat of a sin and of Satan’s plans
Wouldn’t someone here today like to have that fruit be a result of their walk with Christ? I would!
Wouldn’t someone here today like to have that fruit be a result of their walk with Christ? I would!
Oh the blessing and joy of being not just a Christian, but a fruitful Christian!
Oh the blessing and joy of being not just a Christian, but a fruitful Christian!
Remember - God Calls us to be patient Builders – fruit is not something that happens overnight!
Remember - God Calls us to be patient Builders – fruit is not something that happens overnight!
Our “calling and election” is God’s perfect will and plan for your life – make it sure and steadfast so you don’t fall out!
Our “calling and election” is God’s perfect will and plan for your life – make it sure and steadfast so you don’t fall out!
What is God’s calling for Christians? What is His calling for YOU?
What is God’s calling for Christians? What is His calling for YOU?