![]() Endeavor to help them realize that they must apply these to their personal lives if they hope to grow spiritually. Response: VIRTUE - courage to conform to a standard of right: moral excellence KNOWLEDGE - the intelligence to know Christ and His Word TEMPERANCE - moderation, wanting to please God PATIENCE - long-suffering, waiting by faith for God’s promise GODLINESS - holiness, pursuing His divine nature BROTHERLY KINDNESS - showing love to others by our actions CHARITY - divine love perfected through His power Discuss the definitions as given by your class. List the seven increments of Christian graces that we are to add to our faith, and give a spiritual definition of each.Zero in on how these promises help us grow, bringing out that most of them offer encouragement or a motivation for continuing to serve God and to do our best for Him. Using a circle response (refer to page 34 of the Teacher’s Handbook), ask each student to specify one of God’s precious promises. Peter was assuring Christians that by believing the promises of God and meeting the requirements of those promises, they would grow spiritually. According to our text, what assistance does God give to help us grow spiritually? Response: Verse 4 brings out that the precious promises of the Word of God were given that we might be partakers of the divine nature.As we exercise faith to attain these, spiritual growth takes place in our lives. Direct the discussion to the fact that as we read the Word we recognize other spiritual needs in our lives: sanctification, baptism of the Holy Ghost, divine healing, etc. Emphasize that learning to know Christ through the study of His Word is very important, for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Discuss the students’ responses of ways this can be done: prayer, church attendance, the study of God’s Word, etc. Response: Our faith must be focused on Jesus Christ and His power. To grow spiritually, where must we keep our faith focused? What are some ways this can be done? See Hebrews 12:1-2.This gives us the foundation on which we can begin to grow. Continue by referring to Romans 5:1, showing we have peace after we are justified (born again). In discussion, develop the thought that we do not deserve forgiveness for our sins, but because of God’s love He extends grace and mercy. Response: The two things mentioned are grace (the unmerited favor of God) and peace (one of the evidences of being born again). What two things mentioned in verse 2 of our text are evident in the heart of one who is born again? How do you think these contribute to our spiritual growth? See Romans 5:1.Thus, spiritual growth begins with faith. Bring out that faith is needed before a person can be born again. In our text the Apostle Peter writes concerning “growing in grace.” From what starting point does spiritual growth begin? Response: In the first verse of our text, Peter addresses his remarks to “them that have obtained like precious faith.” As your class mentions this, continue the discussion with the knowledge that “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).Growth, victory, and an abundant entrance into eternal life will be the results. Diligently using our faith in those promises in every action and decision of life will add growth in the virtues mentioned as God multiplies grace and peace. The precious promises help us toward our goal of being partakers of His divine nature and being a part of the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth is possible only by faith in the divine power of God. Spiritual knowledge and growth are closely related and necessary to the Christian who would “neither be barren nor unfruitful.” It was with prophetic insight that Jesus remarked, “Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas.” Cephas and Petros, both mean “rock.” The key to Peter’s second Epistle is the word know or knowledge. ![]() In studying the life of Peter, it is possible to see the evidences of spiritual growth which led to his place of eminence among the followers of Christ. They will recognize that to be a strong Christian, spiritual growth is necessary. The students will be able to explain the guidelines that God’s Word presents to bring about spiritual development.
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