A guide to growth (2 Peter 1:3-11) Part three Verses 6b-7

Verse 3-4 We have all things needed for life and godliness through God’s power, knowledge of Him and the call of His glory and goodness We have amazing promises which let us participate in the divine nature and escape corruption

V5-6a Make every effort to increase 1)Faith – start by trusting in God 2)Goodness – try to live a good life 3)Knowledge – learn more 4)Self control – do what you know is right It might feel like hard work that’s taking a long time

5) And to self control perseverance Patience / endurance Does our society produce people with perseverance?

True suggestions for mountain trails Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands. Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill. Too many bugs and leeches, spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the areas of these pests.

Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them. A small deer came into my camp and stole my jar of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? True suggestions for mountain trails

Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights. The places where trails do not exist are not well marked. Too many rocks in the mountains. True suggestions for mountain trails

Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands. Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill. Too many bugs and leeches, spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the areas of these pests.

Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them. A small deer came into my camp and stole my jar of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? True suggestions for mountain trails

Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights. The places where trails do not exist are not well marked. Too many rocks in the mountains. True suggestions for mountain trails

5) Perseverance Patience / endurance Is the ability to sit back and wait for an expected outcome without experiencing anxiety, tension, or frustration.

5) Perseverance Patience / endurance Is the ability let go of your need for immediate gratification and be willing to wait.

5) Perseverance Patience / endurance is tolerance, compassion, understanding, and acceptance toward those who are slower than you in developing maturity and coping abilities.

5) Perseverance Patience / endurance is the ability to remain calm in the midst of turmoil because you know God is in control.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4 NKJV)

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4 Message)

5) Perseverance Helps us in daily life Develops our dependence on God so we lack nothing Increases as we go through trials Is a matter of attitude… … so don’t despair – look to God

Make every effort to increase… 1)Faith – start by trusting in God 2)Goodness – try to live a good life 3)Knowledge – learn more 4)Self control – do what you know is right 5)Perseverance – to endure But you might be getting caught up in all the ‘rules’

6) And to perseverance godliness The inward reality of relationship with God Not an outward show If the Christian life is reduced to a list of rules it becomes an empty, life draining, shell

6) Increasing godliness Mostly about being aware of the presence of God The more you keep God in mind, the more you are motivated by His love The Bible is more like a love letter than an instruction manual

Make every effort to increase… 1)Faith – start by trusting in God 2)Goodness – try to live a good life 3)Knowledge – learn more 4)Self control – do what you know is right 5)Perseverance – to endure 6)Godliness – strong relationship with God but its difficult to be alone.

7) And to godliness brotherly kindness We need to receive Help Support Encouragement Advice Friendship Prayer

7) And to godliness brotherly kindness We need to provide Help Support Encouragement Advice Friendship Prayer

7) Brotherly kindness How do you support one another? Consider joining a life group

Make every effort to increase… 1)Faith – start by trusting in God 2)Goodness – try to live a good life 3)Knowledge – learn more 4)Self control – do what you know is right 5)Perseverance – to endure 6)Godliness – strong relationship with God 7)Brotherly kindness – support each other

8) And to brotherly kindness love 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.‘ (Matt 22:37-39)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Increasing love This kind of love is not about feelings It is about what you choose to do It is about becoming more like God and acting as He would

Increasing love The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now

1)Faith – start by trusting in God 2)Goodness – try to live a good life 3)Knowledge – learn more 4)Self control – do what you know is right 5)Perseverance – to endure 6)Godliness – strong relationship with God 7)Brotherly kindness – support each other 8)Love – how can you show it?