Spiritual Growth

The Bible and Growth Hebrews 5:12-6:1 2 Peter 3:18 1 Peter 2:1-3 Ephesians 4:15 2 Thessalonians 1:3 2 Peter 1:5-11

Achieving Growth Put away that which hinders (cf. Colossians 3:5-9) 1 Peter 2:1, lay aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking Such things hinder growth - Matthew 6:24, Rom. 8:5-10, 12-13; Gal. 6:16-18, 6:8 Serious commitment - Luke 8:7, 14, etc.

Achieving Growth Desire 1 Peter 2:2, desire the sincere milk of the word We must make up our minds!

Achieving Growth Diligence Eagerness, real and genuine effort. Doing your very best Some render lip-service, but their actions show otherwise John 6:27 2 Peter 1:5, giving all diligence

Achieving Growth Diligence Romans 12:8, 11 2 Corinthians 7:11, repentance Hebrews 6:11 2 Timothy 2:15, be diligent (study)

Achieving Growth Nourishment We need to feed our bodies, with good food. Also true spiritually (cf. Col. 3:10-14) 1 Peter 2:2, desire the milk so that we can grow thereby Matthew 4:4 2 Peter 1:5-11

Achieving Growth Knowledge – Hosea 4:6 Self-control - Gal. 5:22-23 Nourishment 2 Peter 1:5-11 Faith – Heb. 11:1, 6 Virtue – integrity (Phil. 4:8) Knowledge – Hosea 4:6 Self-control - Gal. 5:22-23 Perseverance – steadfast endurance, Luke 21:19, Rom. 2:7, Heb. 10:26, Phil. 3:12-14

Achieving Growth Nourishment 2 Peter 1:5-11 Godliness, a lifestyle based upon respect for God – 1 Tim. 4:7-8 Brotherly kindness – genuine concern, especially for our brethren Rom. 12:10, 1 Pet. 1:22 Love – agape, Matt. 22:37-39

Results of Growth 2 Peter 1:8-11 NOT barren or unfruitful – growing and productive (8) Awareness of our forgiveness (9) We will “never stumble” (10) (cf. James 2:10, 3:2) WHEN we perfect these things, we will be secure Entrance into heaven (11) Rom. 2:7

Is your spiritual growth evident?