Spiritual Growth (1)Spiritual Growth (1)

2 Peter 3:18

Expectations of Spiritual Expectations of Spiritual GrowthGrowth

My expectation should be equal to God’s expectation– What God expects (Jn. 15:5-8)– Our expectations are often less than this

External interests (Mk. 4:18-19)Failure to make much effort (Titus 3:14)

Spiritual Growth is RequiredSpiritual Growth is RequiredImplicitly stated

– The Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20)Baptized (became disciples)Taught to observe all commanded things

Explicitly stated– A direct statement [command] (2 Peter 3:18)– Connection of objects

Grace (2 Peter 1:2)Knowledge (Col. 1:10)There is no increase in one without the other!

Spiritual Growth is a Spiritual Growth is a Personal ResponsibilityPersonal Responsibility

A matter of personal choice– Told how to grow (2 Peter 1:5-11)– Voluntarily:

“Giving all diligence” (5)“Be even more diligent” (10)“Make your calling and election sure” (10)“If you do these things” (11)

– The end (11) is a result of choice AND effort AND hard work

Commendations are possible (2 Thess. 1:3)

Growth, or the lack of it, will be judged individually (Rom. 14:12)