Digging Deeper Reaching Higher

A guide to growth (2 Peter 1:3-11) Part two Verses 5-6a

Remember We have all things needed for life and godliness through God’s power, knowledge of Him and the call of His glory and goodness We have amazing promises which let us participate in the divine nature and escape corruption

Response Be encouraged and excited by what God has done Live a godly life, not a religious one Spread the knowledge of God, His glory and goodness Draw from God the things that you need for life

2 Peter 1:5-6a For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control;

…for this reason… Because God has given us everything we need for life and godliness Great promises Access to the divine nature Escape from corruption in the world

…make every effort… Giving all diligence, do your best We need to be active, not passive For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (v8)

We have a choice Ineffective Unproductive Successful Fruitful It depends on whether we have these qualities in increasing measure

1) Add to your Faith Faith is the starting point For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16-17) Faith = believe / trust

1) Add to your Faith Faith is the starting point We need it in increasing measure

4 ways to increase your faith hearing the word (Romans 10:17) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

4 ways to increase your faith hearing the word (Romans 10:17) Praying in the spirit (Jude 20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit

4 ways to increase your faith hearing the word (Romans 10:17) Praying in the spirit (Jude 20) Stories of what God has done (John 20:31) these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

4 ways to increase your faith hearing the word (Romans 10:17) Praying in the spirit (Jude 20) Stories of what God has done (John 20:31) Exercising your faith (2 Thes 1:3) We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly

2) Add to your faith virtue (goodness) Anything worthwhile about a person Any good quality Particularly moral excellence that someone could see

Goodness When you realise that God exists there must be a moral standard Make every effort to do good Be a good person, set a good example We are called to show God’s glory and goodness

Growing in Goodness Examine yourself How are you helping? What are you trying to hide? Doing good benefits us and the world Doing the wrong thing (sin) hurts us and the world

So far… Faith – we trust God Goodness – we’re trying to live a good life But we have lots of questions What should I do next? How do I pray properly? What’s the Bible about? What are spiritual gifts and how do I get them?

3) Add to your goodness knowledge Verse 5 said “Make every effort…..” How much effort do we put into gaining knowledge?

Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, (Proverbs 13:16) The discerning heart seeks knowledge, (Proverbs 15:14)

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, (Proverbs 8:10) It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, (Proverbs 19:2)

Growing in knowledge It takes time Find what works for you Systematic or just what interests you Reading Watching Listening Talking Writing, drawing Plan – or you won’t do it Think – or you won’t remember it

So far… Faith – we trust God Goodness – we’re trying to live a good life Knowledge – we’re learning what to do But do we actually do the right things?

4) Add to your knowledge self control A smoker may know it’s bad for them, but can they give up? I might know I’ve got an early start but will I get an early night? We might know it’s wrong to get angry but can we control our tempers? We might decide to listen to the New Testament in 40 days but would we actually do it?

Self control I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. (Romans 7:15) I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway (Romans 7:19) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18 NKJV)

Live by following the Spirit Live by following the Spirit. Then you will not do what your sinful selves want. Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other, so you cannot do just what you please. But if the Spirit is leading you, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18 NCV)

Keys to self control No one is perfect We sometimes just need to have self discipline (fasting can help this) Be aware it’s like a war in your soul Ask the Holy Spirit to help you

Make every effort to increase… Faith – trust in God Goodness – try to live a good life Knowledge – learn more Self control – do what you know is right If you’re thinking about these you won’t be unsuccessful / unproductive

Life Groups – a practical help Chance to grow in faith Opportunities to do good Ask questions, learn more, use your knowledge Feel accountable

Life Groups – a practical help What’s Life About? Thursday 7.30pm Monday – 7.30pm in Winson Green Tuesday – 7.30pm In Kingstanding Thursday – 7.30pm in Quinton Saturday – 10am at church building