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SPIRITUAL GROWTH. “…But grow in the grace, and knowledge of our Lord…” 2nd Peter 3:18. There Should Be Growth. Birth is essential We must be born as a child of God John 3:3-7 Loving care is essential. Desire the Pure Milk of the Word. God’s spiritual milk provides nourishment
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH “…But grow in the grace, and knowledge of our Lord…” 2nd Peter 3:18
There Should Be Growth • Birth is essential • We must be born as a child of God • John 3:3-7 • Loving care is essential
Desire the Pure Milk of the Word • God’s spiritual milk provides nourishment • Knowledge of His Word is vital • Spiritual growth in knowledge will protect us from being led astray by wicked deceivers. • 2nd Peter 3:17, 18.
Growth Continues For Lifetime • There are those who seem truly saved, but never seem to grow spiritually. • Apostle Paul wrote to weak Christians: • “…I fed you with milk, and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it.” 1st Corinthians 3:3a
Weak Christians • Spiritual growth is not always steady. • Many illustrations in Old Testament: • Abraham, the “Father” of Israel, grew in faith with fits, starts, and back-sets.
Important Areas To Grow • Remain true to the Lord. • Learn of Him • Become more like Him • Live according to His truth • Be a source of that truth to others
Three Things Endure Forever • 1st Corinthians 13:13. • Faith • Hope • Love
Faith • Believing that God is true and cannot lie • Trusting Christ alone for salvation • Human weakness trusting God • Claiming victory over temptation, and trials • Reaching out to God for guidance in life
Hope • Inward confidence • that God will do what He has promised. • Believer’s hope • When Jesus returns we will be with Him for eternity.
Love • “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you…” • Unconditional commitment that our thoughts, words and actions are in the best interests of others.
Peter’s List • Virtue – strength of character • Knowledge- clear perception of God’s truth • Temperance – Self control • Patience – cheerful endurance of trials • Godliness – God-likeness • Brotherly kindness –”How they love one another.” • Charity - love
Continual Growing • Seek to enhance our • Talents, • Abilities • Spiritual gifts • That we may be the best witness for Christ • and effectively minister to others.