God expects us to grow and mature in our spiritual life

What kind of growth does God expect from us? (1 Peter 1:22-2:12)

growTH in the word of god (1 Peter 1:22-2:3)

Having been born again by the word that was preached to us, God expects us to grow in our knowledge and obedience to His word.  How does that happen?

 Change your attitude towards to word of God (1:23-25)

a.) It is the imperishable, living and enduring word of God.

b.) It is the word that stands forever.

  Crave for the word of God (2:2-3)

a.) We need to long for Word of God and grow in knowledge (2:2).

b.) We must not only know, we must obey so we will not stumble (2:8).

growTH in character (1 Peter 1:22-2:1)

The premise of salvation is that there is a seed planted by God within all of us that makes it natural for us to love, to change for the better. How do we grow in character?

                a.)  The premise of change (1:22-23)

                      b.) Act on what you have received.

growTH in our relationship to the church (1 Peter 2:4-6)

God is not interested in our personal spirituality apart from the church.  In fact I believe there is no such thing although many believe in that nowadays.  He builds us up as individuals so that we can become building blocks for His own house.  No Christian is ever a house all by himself.

growTH in OUR testimony to the world (1 Peter 2:9-12)

God not only wants us to grow in our salvation, He wants us to grow in our testimony.  God has called the church a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God’s own possession in order to proclaim His excellencies. Part of our life’s purpose both as individuals and as a church is to become living testimonies for God.  How do we grow in our testimony?

   a.)Abstain from fleshly lusts (2:11)

   b.) Keep an excellent behavior among the Gentiles (2:12)

CONCLUSION:

We have two choices:  to add to the injury many have caused the church because of their individualized Christianity; or to become the selfless stones the Lord is using to build His church.  God’s purpose for us is to grow in knowledge, character, relationship, and in our testimony to the world.  This has been His purpose from the beginning.  Let us take stock of how we live the Christian life and decide to live it less for ourselves and live it more for Christ.  Let us decide to grow in our salvation.  Let us grow in our testimony.  LET US GROW.

Author: Ptr. Mario Pingol