First Principles

Lesson 13

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:1-3

II Peter 1:11 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:1-3

II Peter 1:22 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:1-3

II Peter 1:33 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:4-7

II Peter 1:44 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:4-7

II Peter 1:5-65 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:4-7

II Peter 1:77 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:8-10

II Peter 1:88 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:8-10

II Peter 1:99 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:8-10

II Peter 1:1010 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Lesson Text—II Peter 1:11

II Peter 1:11For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Lesson Text—II Peter 3:18

II Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Focus Verse—Ephesians 4:15

Ephesians 4:15But speaking the truth in love, may

grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

Focus Thought

It is essential that the believer and

the church grow and be fruitful

in every good work and virtue.

CultureConnectionCulture Connection

Did anyone ever tell you to grow up? Obviously, that person believed, rightly or wrongly, you were acting without an appropriate measure of maturity.

CultureConnectionThe fact is we cannot help but grow. Growth is a normal and natural part of life. Anything alive grows; if it is not growing, it is dead or dying. This fundamental principle of life is true in the natural sense and it is true spiritually. That said, believers do have a responsibility to discipline themselves according to biblical mandates and principles, which will facilitate and promote effective spiritual growth.

CultureConnectionIn the natural sense, a person cannot refuse to eat and expect to grow in physical stature and health. He will begin to atrophy and die. So it is in the spiritual realm. Spiritual growth is a natural process, but the believer still is responsible to contribute to his own spiritual growth through attending to basic principles.

CultureConnectionHe should establish and maintain a consistent faithfulness to church attendance, daily prayer, Bible reading and study, witnessing, fasting, and godly living. Attending to these and other Christian disciplines will promote good, healthy spiritual growth in every believer.

Contemplating The TopicContemplating The Topic

Growth is an essential process of life. Biological growth is one of the vital signs of life. When a child stops growing it is cause for alarm. In addition to physical growth, mental growth and emotional growth are essential to maintaining a healthy life.

Contemplating The TopicThe lack of growth is an anomaly—dwarfism is the result of stunted physical growth, mental retardation is the result of deficient mental growth, and immaturity reflects the lack of emotional growth.

Contemplating The TopicGrowth is also vital in other areas of human life. For example, growth is normally essential in business endeavors. Lack of growth in a business often causes that business to lose its viability in the marketplace. The business must expand and adapt to the market it serves. Lack of expansion and innovation often causes a business to become unprofitable.

Contemplating The TopicThe Gross National Product (GNP) is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced for consumption in the nation during a particular time period. The government and business world monitor this figure daily. Businesses desire to see this figure grow because it signals a healthy economy.

Contemplating The TopicSpiritual growth is another vital area of necessary growth for Christians. Jesus compared the conversion experience to the birth of a baby (John 3:1-5). When believers are saved, they are like newborn babes spiritually. They are immature infants—complete and full of new life, but undeveloped in their spiritual senses and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Contemplating The TopicNew believers are fully alive in Christ, but they lack spiritual maturity. Babies are totally helpless except to eat, make noise, and breathe, and it is much the same spiritually for new believers. Peter appropriately admonished, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (II Peter 3:18).

Contemplating The TopicConsequently, growth is vital both to the Christian and to the church in general. The individual Christian needs to heed the biblical exhortation to grow, and the church as a body must continually grow in numbers and spiritual understanding.

I. Growth

Growth

Searching The Scriptures

II Peter 1:3-4 “According as his divine power hath given

unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of

him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us

exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the

divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through

lust” (II Peter 1:3-4).

I. GrowthGod has promised to supply us with the necessary ingredients for normal spiritual growth and development into His likeness and image. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed unto the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (II Corinthians 3:18).

I. GrowthAll forms of life require two things to thrive: a conducive environment and good nutrition. The life-form may exist, but it will not grow without these two essential aspects of growth. Whether it be plant or animal life, it must be surrounded with proper supporting elements for life and growth: warmth, moisture, light, and the right environmental chemistry. It must also have food. A plant absorbs food material and converts it to growth.

I. GrowthEnvironmental conditions are critical for proper growth. The farmer can have the best seeds or plants, but the conditions must also be conducive for growth. His crops will face numerous challenges each year—bad weather, poor soil, animals, and insects. The farmer prays for good weather, fertilizes the soil, sets traps for wild animals, and sprays insecticide to kill the bugs.

I. GrowthPeter assured the church that God has provided that which is essential to the spiritual growth of believers (II Peter 1:3-4).

A. Requirements for GrowthA. Requirements for Growth

1. Nourishment. Bread was such a staple food during Bible times that the term was used as a synonym for food. For instance, Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness to turn stones into bread. Jesus declared in His rebuff to the temptation that physical food is insufficient to grow the whole man.

A. Requirements for GrowthOn another occasion He said, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

A. Requirements for GrowthPaul exhorted the church at Corinth, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” (I Corinthians 3:2). As Christians grow, they are able to expand their spiritual diet. (See John 4:32; 6:27.)

A. Requirements for GrowthJunk food has become rampant in North America. Some say we are the most overfed and undernourished people on earth. Sadly, this can also be said of the spiritual diet of far too many people in North America.

A. Requirements for Growth2. Environment. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

A. Requirements for GrowthNow he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God” (II Corinthians 9:8-11).

A. Requirements for GrowthThe world we live in is not the best environment for finding wholesome influences. There are negative influences everywhere. The Scriptures warn us that our adversary is like a lion seeking to destroy (I Peter 5:8). Having a proper environment for spiritual growth will require deliberate effort on our part. However, if we pursue it we can find a safe place for nurturing spiritual growth.

A. Requirements for GrowthThe church provides a safe haven for Christians. That is why church attendance is so critical for spiritual growth (Hebrews 10:25). Through church attendance we receive biblical teaching, godly fellowship, edification by spiritual gifts, opportunities to minister, and the opportunity for corporate worship.

A. Requirements for GrowthMaking our homes shelters from the evils of the world is another way to facilitate spiritual growth (Philippians 4:8; Titus 2:1-5). Further, frequently reading the Word of God will protect our minds from the false philosophies of the world. Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

B. Necessity of GrowthB. Necessity of Growth

Ephesians 4:13-15 “Till we all come in the unity of the

faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the

measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by

the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to

deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15).

B. Necessity of GrowthJust as an infant needs to grow, so does a newborn babe in Christ. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul mentioned five equipping ministries in the church and stated that they are “gifts” to the body of Christ. These ministries promote spiritual growth within the believers. Just as parents nurture a child, these gifts nurture the church.

B. Necessity of GrowthPeter exhorted us with these words: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:1-2). Further, he urged spiritual growth among believers: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (II Peter 3:18).

II. Areas of GrowthAreas of GrowthIn II Peter 1:5-7, Peter provided a list of qualities in which he challenged believers to grow. His use of the word “add” clearly reveals that the new-birth experience is only the beginning of our spiritual relationship with God; we must “add” to or “grow” in relationship with Him.

A. GraceA. Grace

According to Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, the word “grace” in II Peter 1:2 translates from the Greek word charis, which means “grace” or “graciousness.” Peter exhorted, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (II Peter 3:18).

A. GraceBelievers are to grow “in grace,” that is, in the realm of God’s unmerited favor, and at the same time they are to exercise the spiritual graces of which Peter spoke in II Peter 1:5-7. This process of spiritual growth begins by knowing Jesus Christ initially when we are born again, and it continues in our deepening relationship with Him. Just as a person who moves with balance and skill is called “graceful,” we grow in our ability to live the Christian life more gracefully.

B. FaithB. Faith

According to Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, the word “faith” in II Peter 1:5 comes from the Greek word pistis, which means “faithfulness” or “steadfastness.” This God-given virtue is the most vital of all. Our entire spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ is founded upon our faith in Him.

B. Faith“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

B. FaithGod gives everyone that initial spark of faith (Romans 12:3), but it is up to us to exercise our faith so that it may grow. Our faith can grow as we observe the faithfulness of others through tragedy and triumph. We also grow in our faith through the trials we endure and the victories we celebrate.

C. VirtueC. VirtueThe word “virtue” in II Peter 1:5 comes from the Greek word arete, which means “force” or “strength (of mind or body)” (Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible). The believer is urged to add “virtue” to his faith. Believing is imperative, but obeying is just as important. Obedience actually qualifies the genuineness of our faith.

C. VirtueIf we really believe, we will respond and act upon our faith. Sadly, while many so-called Christians today profess faith in God, they do not see the need to live according to God’s commandments. However, Jesus clearly stated, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). We must grow in spiritual strength by practicing our faith.

D. KnowledgeD. Knowledge

The word “knowledge” in II Peter 1:5-6 comes from the Greek word gnosis, which simply means “knowledge” (Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible). When we cease to learn, we cease to enjoy vibrant and abundant life. This kind of knowledge does not come from intellectual pursuits but is spiritual knowledge that comes through a relationship with the Holy Spirit and is focused on Jesus Christ and His Word.

II Peter 3:18

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To

him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (II Peter 3:18).

E. TemperanceE. Temperance

According to Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, the word “temperance” in II Peter 1:6 comes from the Greek word egkrateia, which means “self restraint” or “continence.” We are to add temperance to our knowledge.

E. TemperanceIt simply means to have one’s passions under control. The idea of temperance contrasts starkly with the anarchy and lack of control on the part of the false teachers whom Peter exposed in II Peter 2. As it was needed in Peter’s day, so temperance is desperately needed in our day.

E. TemperanceIndulgence is a trend of many people in this modern, decadent society. The prevailing philosophy for many people is “If it feels good, do it!” Many individuals think nothing should be denied them. They wrongly believe rules of restraint should never hamper their personal fulfillment and happiness.

E. TemperanceGalatians 5 offers an amazing study of the contrasting works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:17-23.) The Christian should grow in his ability to resist temptation by purging himself of the works of the flesh, which come naturally by one’s human nature, and by cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Over time and through many experiences the believer who develops the fruit of the Spirit is able to conquer many fleshly temptations and weaknesses.

F. Patient EnduranceF. Patient Endurance

The word “patience” in II Peter 1:6 comes from the Greek word hupomone, which means “endurance” or “continuance” (Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible). With time and experience, a Christian should grow in stamina and endurance. Trials that once put great stress on a believer’s relationship with God will over time become easier to bear.

F. Patient EnduranceAthletes train to build endurance for their participation in competition. As they stretch their body’s limits with rigorous exercise, they build their lung capacity and heart strength. They learn not to be terrified by the pain and stress of training. They learn to embrace the rigors of athletic competition. So it is with the Christian’s exercise of spiritual disciplines that promote spiritual growth.

G. GodlinessG. Godliness

According to Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, the word “godliness” in II Peter 1:6-7 comes from the Greek word eusebeia, which means “piety” or “reverence.” Our reverence toward God should grow. Our worship of His majesty should not become old and routine. Over time we should seek to learn more about His attributes and ways. As we grow fonder of God’s fellowship, we should broaden our methods of expression.

H. Brotherly KindnessH. Brotherly Kindness

The words “brotherly kindness” in II Peter 1:7 come from the Greek word philadelphia, which means “brotherly love” (Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible). The church is a community of interconnected believers who exhibit kindness and caring love for one another.

I John 4:20

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

(I John 4:20).

H. Brotherly KindnessJesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Our bonds with the church family should grow over time. This network of friends provides a great opportunity to minister to others and to receive ministry from fellow members of the body of Christ.  

I. Love—Passion/CompassionI. Love—Passion/CompassionAccording to Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, the word “charity” in II Peter 1:7 comes from the Greek word agape, which simply means “love.” This word is used to describe God’s supreme love for His Son (John 17:26) and the human race (John 3:16). Other Greek words are translated “love” in the King James Version of the Bible, but agape is the supreme essence of God-like love.

I. Love—Passion/CompassionAgape is the highest form of love—an unselfish love that loves without expecting anything in return. Jesus displayed this kind of love when He gave His life on the cross for our salvation. Agape love is a decision of the will to love—not based on romantic or emotional feelings or reciprocal expressions. Further, it is a love that grows and endures with time.

III. Rewards of GrowthRewards of Growth

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall

neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”

(II Peter 1:8).

III. Rewards of GrowthSpiritual growth means productivity and effectiveness. Paul bluntly told the Corinthian church they were not growing: “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” (I Corinthians 3:1-2).

A. Partaking of Divine NatureA. Partaking of Divine Nature

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by

these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption

that is in the world through lust” (II Peter 1:4).

A. Partaking of Divine NatureAs the Christian grows spiritually, he is transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. We become partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:4). Further, Paul admonished the believers in Rome, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

B. Escaping the Corruption of the World

B. Escaping the Corruption of the World

By growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, we build a barrier between ourselves and the corruption of the world. These areas of spiritual growth help to empower the believer to grow in his relationship with Jesus Christ, escaping sin and most of its consequences.

B. Escaping the Corruption of the WorldSin brings many maladies that will

destroy a life (eternal damnation, sicknesses, addictions, brokenness, financial losses, loss of relationships, loss of a good reputation, and other calamities). Living for God, on the other hand, will save us, build up our lives positively, and make us productive people.

C. Growing Spiritually unto FruitfulnessC. Growing Spiritually

unto FruitfulnessSpiritual growth facilitates progress and increases wisdom and understanding. Paul wrote, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).

C. Growing Spiritually unto Fruitfulness

He also wrote, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). This spiritual progress ultimately leads a person to fruitfulness.

C. Growing Spiritually unto Fruitfulness

The growing Christian will be a fruit-bearing Christian. Spiritual growth and bearing fruit go hand in hand. Paul listed nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These are Christian qualities that every believer should aspire to exhibit, which happens only through spiritual growth.

A. Individual, Personal GrowthEvidence of Growth

A. Individual, Personal GrowthEach individual is responsible for his own spiritual growth. Sadly, in North America many people visualize themselves as victims of some sort (such as lack of opportunity due to race, sexual orientation, gender, weight, height, handicap, education, language, and other things). The growing Christian does not look for excuses not to achieve, but takes responsibility for himself.

Galatians 5:16-17

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the

Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye

cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).

A. Individual, Personal GrowthIf a believer lives a spiritual life, he will grow spiritually and resist the works of the flesh, which battle with the Holy Spirit for dominance in his life. As he surrenders more control to the Spirit, the Lord is able to advance him spiritually and produce spiritual fruit in him.

A. Individual, Personal GrowthFollowing Paul’s discussion in Galatians 5 of the spiritual battle within, he listed the fruit of the Spirit that result from personal spiritual growth. Not only will we grow spiritual fruit, but our growth will help us to minister to the body of Christ through the gifts of the Spirit (I Corinthians 12-14).

B. Corporate GrowthB. Corporate Growth

The first church was a growing church. On the Day of Pentecost three thousand souls were born again (Acts 2:41). Luke wrote, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

Acts 5:14

“And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women”

(Acts 5:14).

Acts 6:7

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in

Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith”

(Acts 6:7).

B. Corporate GrowthAn apostolic church must be a growing church. To be static is to die. When we fulfill the Great Commission, churches naturally grow. The corporate church also must grow collectively in more loving relationships, knowledge and understanding, spiritual gifts, evangelism, worship, and all types of ministry.

Internalizing The MessageInternalizing The Message

All forms of life grow; it is a natural aspect of life. Since growth is natural to physical life, it is also logical to conclude that spiritual life must grow. Indeed, believers should always progressively grow toward God in every aspect of their lives—growing in knowledge, relationship, and commitment.

Internalizing The Message

The Scriptures use many analogies to typify the nature of spiritual growth; for example, analogies of human birth and growth to maturity and of plants growing and producing fruit. Growth is natural to these forms of life, and it is natural for Christians to grow as well.

Internalizing The Message Spiritual life needs two essential things to grow—conducive environment and proper nutrition. God has provided both in the church. Through the body of Christ the Lord provides a healthy environment for spiritual growth. For believers who are blessed to live in godly homes with family members who also are believers, the environment for spiritual growth is even greater. In both the church and the home, the Word of God provides our spiritual nutrition.

Internalizing The Message Peter exhorted us to grow in many areas of life: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:5-8).

Internalizing The MessageOur spiritual growth will be rewarded. As we grow we are transformed gradually into God’s image, which empowers us to partake of His divine nature. When we live for God, we avoid many pitfalls. Sin brings grief and destruction, but growing in God’s grace will help us to avoid many of these calamities.

Internalizing The MessageNot only do the Scriptures encourage us to grow as individuals, but they reveal the church is to grow. Obeying the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) will bring growth to the church and keep us connected to the mission and purpose of God in the earth.