Category: Growth
Sermon: Spiritual Maturity
Once you become a Christian, it is important to grow to maturity, progressing rather than regressing.
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Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Here the apostle Paul wrote an important admonition to Timothy. “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (1). It seems that Paul wanted Timothy to always be mindful of the extended grace of God given through Jesus Christ. This serves as a great source of strength for the child of God. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:3).
The wonderful thing about such strength and conviction is that it can be passed along to others. Paul wanted Timothy to do this in his work. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2). It is like a never ending reaction. One thing continually leads to another. The gospel, if it is embraced and shared propagates quickly and well. We do well if we plant and water (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6), knowing that God will give the increase. Paul knew it, and he wanted his ward to know it too. It was true then, and it certainly remains true for us.
Sermon: Build and Grow
Justin discusses the call to add to our faith and love by becoming more Christ like day by day.
Spiritual Growth
Peter calls upon Christians to grow spiritually. “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). He supplies motivation, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:8). He also warns of a lack of growth, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (1:9).
As it is with physical growth, certain things must be present in order to grow spiritually.
