Introduction:
In our text today Peter is writing to Christians and is giving them 3 ways that they can grow in their relationship with Christ.
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-3
"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." NKJV
How can I grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ?
Peter shares with us three ways that you can grow in your relationship with Christ.
I. WHEN YOU DEAL WITH SIN (VS.1)
What sins do you need to deal with today?
In verse one of our text Peter makes reference to some sins that maybe some that are here today need to deal with:
1. Malice- intentional evil to harm others
2. Deceit- trickery/falsehood
3. Hypocrisy- inconsistency
4. Envy- Jealousy of others success
5. Evil Speaking- saying things that are hurtful
to others etc…
Illustration:
At age sixteen when I came to know the Lord, I had to deal with many of these sins and even more.
Cross Reference:
Psalm 51:4 David dealt with sin and said—“Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in our sight…”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
When we deal with the sin that is in our lives and turn from it then and only then will we begin to grow in our walk with Christ.
II. WHEN YOU BECOME PASSIONATE FOR HIS WORD (VS.2)
Illustration:
Marla Streb a 34 yr. Old downhill mountain bike racer was on TV the other day and she said, “most people think I’m crazy for racing down mountainsides but I love what I do and I’m passionate about it.”
What are you passionate about?
Cross Reference:
Philippians 3:10 Paul said, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
Paul was passionate for Christ as was Peter. Here in vs. 2 Peter says if you are going to grow in your walk with Christ then you have got to become passionate for His Word.
III. WHEN YOU ACKNOWLEDGE HIS GOODNESS (VS.3)
Illustration:
My wife likes to write thank you notes to people who show acts of kindness toward us.
Cross Reference:
Psalm 34: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Listen, the more you taste the goodness of the Lord, the easier it becomes to get rid of the sin in your life and become passionate for His Word.
Do you really desire to grow in your relationship with Christ? If so you must be willing to:
1. Deal with the sins that are in your life
2. Become passionate for God’s Word by making it part
of your daily life.
3. Acknowledge God’s goodness
Prayer
Invitation
