1. “Spiritual Growth” Incentives to grow spiritually

2. Renewal in Christ Provides the opportunity for spiritual growth Provides the opportunity for spiritual growth Not all Christians are growing spiritually Not all Christians are growing spiritually Spiritual growth does not “just happen” Spiritual growth does not “just happen”

3. The Growth Process Is commanded by God Is commanded by God – Matthew 28:18-20 – 2 Peter 3:14-18 – 2 Peter 1:5-11

4. “Full knowledge” – 2Peter 1:8, NASV G1922 G1922 ἐπίγνωσις ἐπίγνωσις epignōsis epignōsis ip-ig'-no-sis ip-ig'-no-sis From G1921; recognition, that is, (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement: - (ac-) knowledge (-ing, -ment). From G1921; recognition, that is, (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement: - (ac-) knowledge (-ing, -ment).-Strong’s

5. The Growth Process Requires diligence – “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” -John 6:27 (NKJV) – Philippians 2:12; 3:13-14

6. The Growth Process Requires diligence – 2 Peter 1:5 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” – 2Peter 1:10 “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” – 1Timothy 4:6-11

7. The Growth Process Assisted by God – Philippians 2:12-13 – Philippians 1:3-11 – Ephesians 3:14-21 – Ephesians 6:10-20

8. The Growth Process 2 Peter 3:18 “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” 2 Peter 1:10-12

9. In Conclusion The hearts of some grow dull – Matt 13:15 The hearts of some grow dull – Matt 13:15 The love of many grow cold – Matt 24:12 The love of many grow cold – Matt 24:12 There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – Gal. 6:9; 2Thess. 3:13 There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – Gal. 6:9; 2Thess. 3:13 There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – Eph 4:22 There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – Eph 4:22 There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived - 2Tim 3:13 There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived - 2Tim 3:13

10. Spiritual Growth Incentives Commanded by God Commanded by God Requires diligent effort Requires diligent effort Necessary to discern truth from error Necessary to discern truth from error Necessary for our being able to withstand trials Necessary for our being able to withstand trials Necessary to withstand the wiles of the devil Necessary to withstand the wiles of the devil Necessary to appreciate the full riches of God’s wonderful blessings Necessary to appreciate the full riches of God’s wonderful blessings

11. “Spiritual Growth” Incentives to grow spiritually