1. Digging Deeper Reaching Higher

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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;

6. …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

7. …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)

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

9. 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

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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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?

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

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

21. 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)

22. 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

23. 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?

24. 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?

25. 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)

26. 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)

27. 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)

28. 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

29. 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

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

31. 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