NOW THAT I AM A CHRISTIAN
I Must Grow
Lesson #277
TEXT
: 2 Pet. 3:18INTRODUCTION
:A. IF I TRULY DESIRE TO BE PLEASING TO GOD, I WILL NOT BE CONTENT WITH THE MERE OUTWARD SIGNS OF FAITH. I WILL DESIRE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH.
B. I WON'T BE LIKE THOSE DESCRIBED BY PAUL( 2 Tim. 3:7 ).
C. I WON’T BE CONTENT TO MERELY GET BY.
D. GROWTH WILL BE MY SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PRIVILEGE.
I.
GOD EXPECTS ME TO GROW( 2 Pet. 3:18 ).A. DILIGENCE IS NEEDED( 2 Pet. 1:5-11 ).
B. OUR OWN EFFORTS WILL DETERMINE OUR RATE OF GROWTH
( 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-14 ).
II.
GOD HAS PROVIDED FOR OUR GROWTH.A. THE WORD IS "FOOD" FOR OUR GROWTH( 1 Pet. 2:1-2 ).
B. WE MUST PUT AWAY ALL PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS AND OPINIONS
( 2 Thes. 2:10-12 ).
C. I MUST REALIZE WHY THE WORD WAS GIVEN AND THAT IT IS SUFFICIENT( 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ).
III.
ATTENDANCE IS NECESSARY FOR ONE TO GROW SPIRITUALLY.A. SEVERAL THINGS ARE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE ASSEMBLY.
1. Study and communion( Acts. 20:7 ).
2. An opportunity to express the heart to God and man( Col. 3:15-17 ).
3. An opportunity to motivate and be motivated( Heb. 10:24-25 ).
B. THEREFORE, ATTENDANCE, FREQUENT AND CONSISTENT, IS NECESSARY FOR MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH. I CAN ALSO SEE THAT WHEN I REFUSE TO ATTEND SERVICES FAITHFULLY, SEVERAL THINGS OCCUR.
1. I am in rebellion against God.
2. I not only will not grow, I will weaken.
3. I am selfishly depriving my brethren of the edification and encouragement made possible by my presence.
C. Acts 2:41-47. WHAT IS TO BE THE ATTITUDE OF CHRISTIANS?
D. SINCE EVIL COMPANIONSHIPS CORRUPT GOOD MORALS( 1 Cor. 15:33), IT STANDS TO REASON THAT THE OPPOSITE WILL BE TRUE THE MORE TIME WE SPEND IN SERVICE TO GOD WITH OTHERS.
IV.
INDICATORS OF SPIRITUAL RETARDATION.A. EXAMINE YOURSELF( 2 Cor. 13:5 ).
B. QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION.
1. I begin missing Bible classes Wednesday or Sunday ( Heb. 10:25 ).
2. Lack of interest in private Bible studies and discussions( Psalm 1:1-2 ).
3. I allow my mind to wander, indicating the low value I place on study.
4. Becoming defensive when admonished, angry when rebuked( Gal. 4:16 ).
5. Always being able to find an excuse for not participating in the work programs of the church.
6. Refusal to abstain from worldliness( 1 John 2:15-17 ).
7. Continually lashing out at the preacher, song leader, or others, unable to be satisfied with their efforts for the truth.
8. Taking everything personally, wearing my feelings on my sleeve.
9. The asserting of self and opinion, and when refused, getting mad.
CONCLUSION
:A. ALL ARE EXPECTED TO GROW.
B. EACH OF US MUST EXAMINE OURSELVES ( 2 Cor. 13:5 ).
C. Hebrews 5:12-14.
D. ARE YOU IN CHRIST?