THE STEPS OF CHRISTIAN GROWTH:
SCALED BY GIVING ALL DILIGENCE (CONSTANT AND EARNEST EFFORT)
TEXT:
2 Peter 1:5-8
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; {7} And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
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³ LOVE - 1 John 4:8
³ He that loveth not knoweth
³ not God; for [God is love].
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³BROTHERLY KINDNESS - Ephesians 4:32
³ And [be ye kind] one to another,
³ tenderhearted, forgiving one
³ another, even as God for Christ’s
³ sake hath forgiven you.
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³ GODLINESS - Romans 8:29
³ For whom he did foreknow, he also did
³ predestinate
³ image of his Son, that he might be the
³ firstborn among many brethren.
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³PATIENCE - Romans 5:3
³And not only
³also:knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
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³ TEMPERANCE - Ephesians 5:18
³ And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess;
³ but be filled with the Spirit;
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³ KNOWLEDGE - 2 Timothy 2:15
³ Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman
³ that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
³ the word of truth.
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³ VIRTUE - Philippians 4:8
³ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
³ things
³ things
³ things
³ if
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³ FAITH - Hebrews 11:1 & 3
³ {1} Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
³ of things not seen.
³ {3} Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the
³ word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things
³ which do appear.
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FAITH - THE FIRST STEP
I/ WHAT IS IT?
A/ ACCEPTING INVISIBLE TRUTHS:
God’s Word teaches us about things not seen and God produces
with us the conviction that these things actually exist!
Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen.{3} Through faith we understand that the
worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which
are seen were not made of things which do appear.
B/ABILITY TO ENDURE:
Faith allows us to penetrate beyond the veil of our senses and
like Moses to endure as seeing Him who is invisible.
Hebrews 11:24-27
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called
the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; {25} Choosing rather to suffer
affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures
of sin for a season; {26} Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater
riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the
recompense of the reward. {27} By faith he forsook Egypt, not
fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who
is invisible.
C/THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
Faith comes as a fruit of the Holy Spirit and enables us to grasp
things hoped for.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
D/GOING,DOING,SERVING,OBEYING
Hebrews 11:7-8
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved
with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which
he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which
is by faith. {8} By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into
a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed;
and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
E/LASTING TO THE END:
We should walk in faith until we die.
Hebrews 11:13-14
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but
having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of
embraced
pilgrims on the earth.{14} For they that say such things declare
plainly that they seek a country.
F/ THE IMPORTANCE OF IT:
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith
cometh to God must believe that he is, and
rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
1 Peter 1:7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold
that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto
praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
II/ HOW DO WE GET IT?
A/ BY HEARING:
Romans 10:17
So then faith
B/ BY LOOKING:
Isaiah 45:22
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for
I
C/ BY BELIEVING:
Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt
be saved, and thy house.
D/ BY RECEIVING
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become
the sons of God,
III/WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US?
A/BRING US JUSTIFICATION AND PEACE
Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ:
B/FAITH WILL MAKE OUR PRAYERS EFFECTIVE:
James 1:5-7
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all
{6} But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that
wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
{7} For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of
the Lord.
C/ REAL FAITH WILL PRODUCE WORKS:
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
VIRTUE - THE SECOND STEP
I/ WHAT IS IT? It is two words in the Greek:
A/ DOO’-NAM-IS - DYNAMITE (POWER)
Luke 6:19
And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went
virtue out of him, and healed
Luke 8:46
And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that
virtue is gone out of me.
B/ AR-ET’-AY - VALOR (EXCELLENCE)
2 Peter 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things
that
of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
C/ BY IMPLICATION - MORAL EXCELLENCE
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things
things
things
if
II/ HOW DO WE GET IT ?
A/ HOW DO WE GET POWER ?
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part
of the earth.
B/ HOW DO WE GET GOODNESS,RIGHTEOUSNESS, PURITY ?
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
longsuffering;
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared
to all men, {12} Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,
in this present world; {13} Looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ; {14} Who gave himself for us, that he might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works.
IT TAKES THE POWER OF GOD TO MAKE US VIRTUOUS !
III/ WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US
A/ IT WILL ALLOW US TO LOVE OTHERS
1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart,
and
B/ IT WILL GIVE US BOLDNESS TO WITNESS
Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived
that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled;
and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:33
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
C/ IT WILL BRING GLORY TO OUR LORD
Romans 2:7
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for
[glory] and honour and immortality, eternal life:
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all
to the [glory] of God.
Philippians 1:11
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by
Jesus Christ, unto the [glory] and praise of God.
KNOWLEDGE - THE THIRD STEP
I/ WHAT IS IT ?
A/ IT IS WISDOM
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD
the knowledge of the holy
B/ IT IS A PARTICULAR TYPE OF WISDOM
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise
neither let the mighty
in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I
LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness,
in the earth: for in these
C/ THIS WISDOM IS SUPERIOR TO WORLDLY WISDOM
1 Corinthians 1:25-30
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness
of God is stronger than men. {26} For ye see your calling,
brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble,
the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God
hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things
which are mighty; {28} And base things of the world, and things
which are despised, hath God chosen,
not, to bring to nought things that are: {29} That no flesh should
glory in his presence. {30} But of him are ye in Christ Jesus,
who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption:
II/ HOW DO WE GET IT ?
A/ FROM THE LORD
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all
B/ BY SEEKING KNOWLEDGE IN GOD’S WORD
Proverbs 2:1-6
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments
with thee; {2} So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom,
apply thine heart to understanding; {3} Yea, if thou criest after
knowledge,
thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as
treasures; {5} Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD,
and find the knowledge of God. {6} For the LORD giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth
C/ WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 2:9-11
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him. {10} But God hath revealed
things, yea, the deep things of God. {11} For what man knoweth
the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?
even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
D/ WHEN DO WE HAVE ENOUGH KNOWLEDGE ?
1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
III/ WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US ?
A/ DELIVER US FROM EVIL
Proverbs 2:7-11
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous:
to them that walk uprightly. {8} He keepeth the paths of judgment,
and preserveth the way of his saints. {9} Then shalt thou
understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity;
good path. {10} When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and
knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; {11} Discretion shall
preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
B/ REWARD US IN THIS WORLD
Proverbs 3:13-16
Happy
getteth understanding. {14} For the merchandise of it
better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof
than fine gold. {15} She
all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto
her. {16} Length of days
left hand riches and honour.
Psalms 37:25
I have been young, and
righteous forsaken, nor his seed [begging bread].
C/ BRING US PEACE
Proverbs 3:17-26
Her ways
{18} She
happy
hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the
heavens. {20} By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the
clouds drop down the dew. {21} My son, let not them depart from
thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: {22} So shall they
be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. {23} Then shalt
thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
{24} When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou
shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. {25} Be not afraid
of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it
cometh. {26} For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep
thy foot from being taken.
TEMPERANCE - THE FORTH STEP
I/ WHAT IS IT ?
The Greek dictionary says to have temperance is to exercise
self restraint in diet and chastity.
Where virtue is the moral strength to say no with the mind,
temperance is the strength to say no to the flesh.
Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, [temperance], and judgment
to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time;
when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
II/ HOW DO WE GET IT ?
Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for
the flesh, to
III/ WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US ?
A/ IMPROVE OUR TESTIMONY
Romans 14:21
or is made weak.
B/ HELP OUR CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
Romans 15:1-5
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the
weak, and not to please ourselves. {2} Let every one of us please
Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches
of them that reproached thee fell on me. {4} For whatsoever
things were written aforetime were written for our learning,
that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might
have hope. {5} Now the God of patience and consolation grant you
to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
C/ KEEP US FROM POVERTY
Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
{21} For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty:
and drowsiness shall clothe with rags.
D/ ALLOW US TO BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 8:5-14
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the
flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the
Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded
spiritually minded
brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after
the flesh. {13} For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body,
ye shall live. {14} For as many as are led by the Spirit of
God, they are the sons of God.
PATIENCE - THE FIFTH STEP
I/ WHAT IS IT ?
A/ Patience from it’s usage by Jesus is "steadfastness", "endurance",
"constancy", "perseverance".
Luke 8:12-15
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil,
and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should
believe and be saved. {13} They on the rock
when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root,
which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
{14} And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they
have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and
pleasures of
{15} But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and
good heart, having heard the word, keep
with patience.
Note: In vs 13 above there were those who in a time of testing fell
away !
B/ TRIBULATION PROVES STEADFASTNESS
Romans 5:3
And not only
tribulation worketh patience;
C/ PATIENCE IS LASTING
2 Timothy 2:1-3
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ
Jesus. {2} And the things that thou hast heard of me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able
to teach others also. {3} Thou therefore endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ.
II/ HOW DO WE GET IT ?
A/ FROM THE LORD THROUGH THE WORD
Romans 15:4-5
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope. {5} Now the God of patience and consolation grant
you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
B/ BY PRAYER
Colossians 1:9-11
For this cause we also, since the day we heard
to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the
knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
{10} That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being
fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of
God; {11} Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious
power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
C/ BY TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS
Romans 5:3
And not only
tribulation [worketh patience];
James 1:3
Knowing
III/ WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US ?
A/ BRING FORTH FRUIT
2 Peter 1:8
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make ye shall> neither of our Lord Jesus Christ. B/ PROVE THE REALITY OF OUR FAITH 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: C/STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 perplexed, but not in despair; {9} Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; {16} For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward day by day. {17} For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding of glory; {18} While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen GODLINESS - THE SIXTH STEP I/ WHAT IS IT ? A/ It is to be like God - Made in His image - His likeness Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. B/ It is to have Christ-likeness Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. II/ HOW DO WE GET IT ? A/ ABIDE IN CHRIST John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. {5} I am the vine, ye abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. B/ YIELD TO HIS WORKMANSHIP Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. C/ BE CONTENT WITH WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU 1 Timothy 6:6-12 But godliness with contentment is great gain. {7} For we brought nothing into nothing out. {8} And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. {9} But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and men in destruction and perdition. {10} For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. {11} But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. {12} Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. III/ WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US ? A/ BRING US CONTENTMENT 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. B/ BRING US BOLDNESS Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. BROTHERLY KINDNESS - THE SEVENTH STEP I/ WHAT IS IT ? Ephesians 4:32 And [be ye kind] one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. II/ HOW DO WE GET IT ? 2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by [kindness], by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, [kindness], humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; III/ WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US ? A/ KEEP US FROM FALLING 1 John 2:10 He that [loveth his brother] abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. B/ SHOWS THAT WE REALLY DO LOVE GOD 1 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? C/ SHOWS THAT WE ARE HIS DISCIPLES John 13:35 By this shall all if ye have love one to another. LOVE - IS NOT A STEP, IT IS THE TOP I/ WHAT IS IT ? A/ IT IS WHAT GOD IS LIKE 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. B/ IT HAS MANY QUALITYS CAN YOU PICK THEM OUT AND EXPLAIN THEM ? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {5} Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; {6} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {7} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. II/ HOW DO WE GET IT ? Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. III/ WHAT WILL IT DO FOR US ? A/ COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. B/ MAKE US PERFECT Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. {44} But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; {45} That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. {46} For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? {47} And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more publicans so? {48} Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. C/ BRING US FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. {24} He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
