Our Motivation for Wanting to Grow

2 Peter 1:3-4 tells of the extraordinary things the Lord has done for us.

We have been given (1) 'his divine power' and (2) 'his very great and precious promises.'

God has provided all that is necessary for our spiritual growth, therefore we can live a life that is both productive and fruitful.

Question 1: What has the Lord given you for life and godliness? (verse 3)
Question 2: What does it mean to "participate in the divine nature"? (verse 2)

Making Every Effort to Grow

The person who wants to excel in sports, in school, in music has to put forth much effort. Nothing is achieved without effort. The same is true with our spiritual life – we must put forth the effort to grow as we co-operate with God.

Add to Your Faith:

• Goodness – benevolent, kind, caring, fair-minded, being like God
• Knowledge – maturing in our relationship with God
• Self control – this is the opposite of rage, hatred, anger, verbal abuse
• Perseverance – faithful to the end, single minded
• Godliness – godly qualities
• Brotherly kindness – having a love for all people
• Love – this is sacrificial love and is the mark of a true disciple (John 13:34-35)

Question 3: You are to add these seven graces to your faith. How will you do that?
Question 4: "For this reason" – To what reason is Peter referring? (verse 5)

You Cannot Grow and Be Stationary

We are to have these seven characteristics 'in increasing measure.' Spiritual growth requires effort from us. We co-operate with God as he works in our life. (Philippians 2:12-13)

By adding these seven virtues to our faith and doing so in increasing measure brings astonishing results; you will never be 'ineffective or unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'

Question 5: You are to "make every effort" to grow spiritually. How will you do that? How does Phil. 2:12-13 help explain your answer?

When We Forget the Cross

The Christian who does not grow, who does not mature is one who has forgotten the wonder of his salvation. He has forgotten the cross that demonstrates God's love, mercy and grace for him. When we loose sight of the cross we cannot expect to grow spiritually.

Question 6: What are some things you would do each day to help you grow and be the disciple Jesus desires?
Question 7: Why do some Christians fail to grow spiritually? (verse 9)

Memory Verses

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:1-5)

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29)

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. (Hebrews 5:8-9)

End of Lesson 2. Remember to conclude your time of study with prayer, this time asking God to help you to grow to be a productive and effective follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.