SEARCH 197 – “GROWING GOD’S WAY. . .”

Key Verse

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
— 1 Peter 2:1-2

Growth

2 Peter 1:1-11; 3:17-18
  1. In our text the Apostle Peter writes concerning “growing in grace.” From what starting point does spiritual growth begin?
  2. What two things mentioned in verse 2 of our text are evident in the heart of one who is born again? How do you think these contribute to our spiritual growth? See Romans 5:1.
  3. To grow spiritually, where must we keep our faith focused? What are some ways this can be done? See Hebrews 12:1-2.
  4. According to our text, what assistance does God give to help us grow spiritually?
  5. List the seven increments of Christian graces that we are to add to our faith, and give a spiritual defini­tion of each.
  6. What will be the results of adding these to our lives?
  7. If a Christian does not add these graces to his life, what will be the spiritual result?
  8. Write a goal that you have for your spiritual growth. One reference that could be used is Ephesians 4:13-15

THEME THOUGHTS

Christian maturity comes as a result of taking a realistic, practical, and God-directed approach to both the opportunities and the problems of life. That is why the admonitions found in the Bible are of proven value. They apply to the everyday experiences we face. How to gain Christian maturity is the thrust of the lessons to be studied during this quarter. The basic point to remember in considering the precepts of this unit is that submitting to Christ as our Lord and Savior comes first. With this thought in mind, we begin the unit by focusing on the reality of Jesus’ presence with us and in us. The second lesson deals with the subject of Christian growth, establishing that God’s Word outlines certain ways and means of spiritual development, and that spiritual growth is necessary. With these two lessons as the foundation for the quarter, we move into a consideration of specific areas such as decision-making, resisting the devil, avoiding physical and spiritual pollution, self-discipline, and how to deal with personal problems. Our quarter concludes with a lesson on looking at the outcome, in which we will be encouraged to see the importance of measuring our daily actions by whether these actions will draw us closer to God or move us farther away. Our goal this quarter is to reach the point where we can say with Paul, “. . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Resources