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2 Peter 3:18a - Growing In Grace (continued).

2 Peter 3:18a - Growing In Grace (continued).

2 Pet 3:18a (KJV)  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  

2 Peter 3:18a (AMP) But grow in grace (undeserved favor, 
spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our 
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah).  

2 Pet 3:18a (TLB)  But grow in spiritual strength and become 
better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

  Not many people can say that on the day they were saved, 
someone explained to them the steps to spiritual growth. Unfortunately, 
some believers never hear how to grow in grace. Since none of us 
grows as a Christian without taking action, Peter instructs believers 
to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus 
Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). 
  Then how are we to grow? The Bible gives us some powerful 
guidelines. 
  First, we are responsible for renewing our mind (Rom. 12:2). 
Though God saves us and gives us a new spirit, He does not give us a 
new brain. Disobedience and rebellion have dug or worn many ugly 
trenches in our minds. So we must meditate on the Bible, which expresses 
the thoughts of God. Meditation is more than reading--it involves 
thinking about what the words mean and then applying the truth we 
discover. When we meditate on His Word and depend upon the Spirit's power 
to help us put it into practice, our minds undergo the wonderful 
process of transformation. That is how we obtain "the mind of Christ" (1 
Cor. 2:16). 
  Second, we must be ready to admit our failures and assume 
responsibility for them. When we deny our sins, we delay our spiritual growth; 
but when we confess our failures, the opposite happens--growth 
becomes inevitable. James tells us, "Confess your trespasses to one 
another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:16). 
  The third step naturally follows the second: After confession 
should come repentance. This is more than acknowledging wrongdoing or 
promising to try harder. Repentance means that we commit to make an 
about-face and head in the opposite direction from our sin. Paul taught new 
converts "that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting 
repentance" (Acts 26:20). 
  God's ultimate goal is for all believers to become more 
Christlike. That happens only when, through faith, we tap into the power of 
God. With these steps, we will begin to move in that direction. And 
soon our relationship with God begins to deepen. [Life Principles SB 
By Charles Stanley re 2Pe. 3:18] 

  Growth is the goal of the Christian. Maturity is mandatory. If 
a child ceased to develop, the parent would be concerned, 
right?... 
  When a Christian stops growing, help is needed. If you are the 
same Christian you were a few months ago, be careful. You might be 
wise to get a checkup. Not on your body, but on your heart. Not a 
physical, but a spiritual. 
  May I suggest one?...
  Why don't you check your habits? ... Make these four habits 
regular activities and see what happens. 
  First, the habit of prayer... Second, the habit of Bible 
study... Third, the habit of giving... And last of all, the habit of 
fellowship. [Grace For The Moment SB By Max Lucado re 2Pe. 3:18] 

Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/

Excellent Sermon Resource Site:
http://www.pmchurch.tv/

Another Excellent Sermon Resource Site:
http://www.lluc.org/podcastlist.php

More Spiritual Resources:
http://www.aBible.com