The Qualities of Christian Growth 2 Peter 1:1-10
Intro:
A. Simon Peter was deeply concerned about the spiritual stability of believers.
1. He didn’t want them to become victims of false teaching.
2. His desire was that we become bold, successful, and stable believers.
B. If anyone has ever been acquainted with stumbling, falling it was Peter.
1. Yet, with all his mishaps of failure, he eventually became a spiritual giant.
2. Just how did he overcome his past and grow as a Christian?
3. That is a good study to embark upon.
C. Basically every Christian falls into one of three categories.
1. Some are Babes In Christ
a. There are to ways to be a babe in Christ.
– One way is to have been recently born into the family of God.
– Others are babes in Christ because they are stunted in their growth.
2. Some Christians are Backsliders From Christ.
a. A saved person living like they are unsaved.
b. No one stands still in life.
c. You either go forward or backward.
3. Some believers are Builders For Christ
a. They are diligently going about the business of adding to their faith.
b. I want to encourage you to be a builder.
D. Peter reveals the Motivation in verses 1-4
1. He speaks to us about our Precious faith.
2. And Gods precious promises.
3. That is a motivation for growth.
E. Peter then begins to reveal the qualities of Christian growth ion verses 5-7
1. Peter list seven items that will help build our faith.
2. The number seven is the number of completion.
3. These items will help complete us as Christians.
4. Let us look at the list of Resources.
I. Virtue: 1:5
A. Definition of virtue:
1. High moral standards.
2. Setting an accepted example of Christ likeness.
3. In defining virtue let me emphasize two things.
B. Virtue is first n inner quality that we must have.
1. It is like an attitude that we develop.
2. Out attitude will determine our actions.
3. The term virtue in this text refers to a pursuit of moral excellence.
4. The outward expression of virtue begins with an inner attitude.
5. Peter basically is saying we need to add to our faith :
– a desire to do what is right.
C. Let me show you a biblical illustration of this attitude. Luke 19:1-10.
1. We see a description of Zacchaeus in verse 1-3
– He lived in Jericho.
– He worked as Chief publican.
– Was probably a wealthy man.
2. Verse three tells us that he had a desire to see Jesus.
– But he had a problem the crowd was in the way.
3. His determination must be admired. v 4
– Note he exerted himself to see Jesus.
– And it paid off.
4. The remainder of the story reveals how the Lord changed Old Zach.
– He had a new attitude toward things in verse 8
– He had a desire to make restitution. That is virtue.
– He had the desire to do the right thing.
5. What a change came over this old man.
6. Virtue is an important quality in Christian growth.
D. This inner attitude will develop into Outward action.
1. Remember that virtue is the pursuit of moral excellence
– Inwardly we desire what is right.
– Outwardly we demonstrate what is right.
2.It is being holy in an unholy world.
3. This is where Separation and Sanctification come in.
4. You can have separation without sanctification.
5. But you cannot have sanctification with separation.
E. God desires that we be sanctified that is a part of his will for our life.
1. Set apart for him.
2. This is the foundation of Christian growth.
3, This is where it all begins.
F. Add to your faith:
1. Faith is the foundation, it starts at Faith.
2. Now add virtue.
3. The desire to do the right thing.
4. The desire will lead to the action.
5. Then add to virtue Knowledge.
* We will look further next time.
Two theological students were walking along a street in section where old and used clothing is sold. On of the students pointed to a suit of clothes hanging on a rack by a window. A sign on it read: SLIGHTLY SOILED — GREATLY REDUCED IN PRICE.