GROWING IN GRACE


TOPIC: GROWING IN GRACE
TEXT: 2 PETER 3:18

INTRODUCTION

Growth in grace is the heart desire of every Christian. For every living organism, growth is very necessary. Biological scientists tell us that growth is one of the characteristics of living things. That means that any organism that does not grow is dead and not living. in the same vein, we are to grow in our new experience of salvation, because Christianity is a living experience. 1peter2:2; Hebrew 5:13; 12:5; 1John 2:12-14.
The topic of our study presents us with two key words: “Growth and Grace". Therefore, to understand it properly we will consider the following:

1.  THE MEANING OF GROWTH -1 Samuel2z26; Lk.2:40,52; 1Jn. 2:12-14; 1Cor.13:11; Eph.4:15.

To grow means to develop, to improve, to progress, or to increase in size, height or length. To understand what is meant by “growing in grace”, the Bible likens the Christian life to the growth of two living organism a tree and a human being (Ps.92:12-14, 1Jn.2:12-14; 1Cor.13:11). A tree grows both downwards for stability and upward for security. in the same way, the believer is to grow in his inward attitude and outward actions. A tree also grows in its fruit-bearing ability. In the same way, the believer is to grown in Christian virtues-the fruits of the spirit,(Gal.5:22, 23; 2peter.1:5-8). Naturally, a child’s growth from infancy to adulthood is the sum total of his development or progress in his mode of speech, understanding; thinking; moral behaviour, stature and strength, and social relations. This is similar to Christian growth in grace. 1 Cor 13:11; Lk. 2:40,52; 1 Sam. 2:26; Co1.32:2; 2 Cor.10:5; 1 Thess.2:10; 1 Pet2:12; 1 Tim.4:12 Rom.12:18; 14:19; Hebrews12:14

2. THE MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH - 2 Peter 1:5-8.

Christian growth (growth in grace) can be measured by the following progress:
i) Greater love and faith -1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3.
ii) More diligence in the things of God 2 Cor.8:21,22
iii) More delight in the word of God Ps.119: 6, 24,44,47,72,97; Ps. 19: 10; Job23:12.
iv) More promptness in obeying the word of God Ps. 119:60
v) More self-control and submission - 1 Cor.9: 19, 25-27. Giant-ism is as bad as dwarfism.
vi) More patience, long suffering and endurance in persecution, trials and adversity - Lk.22: 54-57; Acts 5:17-21. 2
vii) More selfless service Rev.2: 18, 19; 1 Peter 5:2.
viii) More fruits of righteousness - Phil. 1:9 -1 1; 2 Peter 1:8.
ix) Progress in personal prayer life - Acts 6:4
x) Greater zeal and fruitfulness in evangelism - Rom. 1:16; 10:1
xi) Greater love for the fellowship of the saints Heb. 10:25;
xii) Acquisition of more spiritual experiences Heb.6: 1-3; Acts 9:1-6.
The measure of Christ is the standard of measuring our growth in grace. So there is no limit to the hight or depth of our growth in grace “till we all come...
 Unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

3. THE MEANS AND MAINTENANCE OF GRACE - 2 Peter 1:8,10.

There are certain activities by which our Christian life and experiences can grow. These are called the means of grace. They are:
i) The word of God - 1 Pet. 2:2; 1Cor.3: 2; Heb.5: 12-14; Col.3: 16.
ii) Prayer and fasting - James 5:16; lsa.40: 32; Mk.9: 29; Lk.6:18; Eph.6:18.
iii) Quiet Time or constant personal communion and fellowship with God - Mark 1:35; Lk.5:16.
iv) Constant fellowship with God’s people - Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42: Pro.27:17.
v) Evangelism ~ Roman 1:16, 2 Timothy 4:1,2.
    We maintain our growth in grace by constantly making use of the means of grace. Never stop at       any level of progress to rest, persevere to higher levels till u become like Christ - Phil.3: 13-15.

My name is Ubong Kingsley Nsini. I am a preacher in Bible Christian Evangelical Church Inc. I am called by God to preach His good news and to help other preachers spread the good news all over the world.

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