Growing as a Christian

Text: 2 Peter 1:3-11

3 As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [c]corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither [e]barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Looking at the text, we can pull out some very important things:

1. God’s divine power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness.

2. We receive these things through the knowledge of God – that is, by knowing who God is.

3. The great and precious promises in Christ makes us partakers of His divine nature.

4. As believers, we have escaped the corruption of the world.

But in addition to the above, we have responsibilities:

We need to give ALL diligence to Christian growth. In addition to our faith, we must add virtue (good works), knowledge (more knowledge of God), temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. When we add these things, we are not barren or unfruitful (opposite of growth) in the knowledge of Christ. Anyone who lacks them is blind and cannot see afar off and has forgotten that he was saved from his own sins. In verse 10, we see that growing in Christ is making your calling into grace - your election as a believer - sure.

SO HOW DO YOU GROW?

1. Have an understanding of who you are as a believer - Ephesians 1:3-13, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17. When you understand who you are as a Christian, you are able to align yourself to proper and steady Christian growth.

2. Study your Bible - The knowledge of Christ that you have is found in God’s word. You cannot know who God is [or even who you are as a believer] if you don't read the Bible. The Bible is God’s personal message to you. Always look at it/read it as if God is talking directly to you, because He is. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Psalms 119:1-5, Psalms 119:11. You cannot know what is rightfully yours as a believer or what God's expectations are from you without the Bible. There is so much value in studying your Bible. 

3. Pray often -  There is a children song that says, "Read your Bible pray everyday If you want to grow." Prayer is fellowship with God. It’s an amazing requirement for growth in Christ because it gets you into a personal space with God. You speak to Him daily. He speaks with you. Prayer develops your spirit man so that you can become more sensitive to the things of the spirit.

• God says we should pray - Ephesians 6:18, Hebrews 4:16

• God answers any prayer according to His will 1 John 5:14-15

Prayer makes you less focused on earthly things. Prayer helps you mortify the flesh so we do not sin against God. Romans 6:12-13. Praying in the spirit helps to build your faith (Jude 20); and God reveals more of Himself to you in the place of prayer. 

4. Walk in the Spirit - Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:9. The Holy Spirit is the power source behind our Christian faith. He is the engine we use to run. 

John 14:16-17 - And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

The word used for helper in the above passage is Parakletos, which means Comforter, Helper, Intercessor, Counsel (such as a legal counsel), Advocate, Succourer, Teacher.

Why do we need the Holy Spirit in our Christian growth?

• His presence in us builds Christian character. Galatians 5:22-23

• The Holy Spirit guides us into the truth of the Father.

• He helps us pray - Romans 8:26-27

• He helps us understand God’s word - 1 Corinthians 2:11:12.

• He helps us to love - Romans 5:5

• He gives us assurance everytime that we are children of God - Romans 8:16.

• The Holy Spirit empowers us to do greater things for God - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

5. Share your faith - Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8, Matthew 5:16. Sharing your faith helps to reinforce it in you. People look up to you as a role model and this helps you to have a sense of responsibility towards the gospel. When in the position to mentor a pre-believer or a younger believer, you're motivated to learn more about God and seek answers to difficult questions you may be asked. Sharing your testimony regularly spurs you to practice what you preach and hence, produce good fruits. 

6. Fellowship with other believers - Acts 2:44-47, Ephesians 5:18-19, Colossians 3:16. It's true that there is strength in number. Being around other believers helps us to grow and build our faith. You receive encouragement in your Christian journey from other believers. God's gifts for the church are perfected in unity with other belivers (Ephesians 4:11-13). You are better protected from heresies when you are in the midst of other believers (Ephesians 4:14).

Nourish Your Spirit