Take Care and Grow
Summary of the Message
The Holy Spirit warned believers to guard their faith so that they would avoid being carried away by false teaching or negative influences that could lead to spiritual ruin. This involves not only being vigilant to guard our hearts but is also a charge to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit warned believers to guard their faith so that they would avoid being carried away by false teaching or negative influences that could lead to spiritual ruin. This involves not only being vigilant to guard our hearts but is also a charge to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Key Sermon Points
1. Believers are warned to be on your guard so that you are not carried away
It is easy to get comfortable and complacent in the Christian life and drift with the current of the times. This type of careless approach to Christianity is often emboldened by the security that comes from understanding the elementary truths of the gospel. However, when Christians are not vigilant about guarding their faith, they are at risk of being caught up and carried away from the security of salvation.
2. Believers are called to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus
Peter started and ended his epistle with a focus on the beauty of and need for grace. Grace is not just God’s unmerited favor for salvation, it is also God’s power and resources supplied to believers so that Christians can live life victoriously.
3. Believers are called to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
Just as believers are called to grow in grace, we are also called to grow in our knowledge of Jesus. This knowledge is more than knowing facts about Jesus, but is possessing a deepening personal relationship with the Lord that produces love and obedience to Christ, who is deserving of worship now and into eternity.
1. Believers are warned to be on your guard so that you are not carried away
It is easy to get comfortable and complacent in the Christian life and drift with the current of the times. This type of careless approach to Christianity is often emboldened by the security that comes from understanding the elementary truths of the gospel. However, when Christians are not vigilant about guarding their faith, they are at risk of being caught up and carried away from the security of salvation.
2. Believers are called to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus
Peter started and ended his epistle with a focus on the beauty of and need for grace. Grace is not just God’s unmerited favor for salvation, it is also God’s power and resources supplied to believers so that Christians can live life victoriously.
3. Believers are called to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
Just as believers are called to grow in grace, we are also called to grow in our knowledge of Jesus. This knowledge is more than knowing facts about Jesus, but is possessing a deepening personal relationship with the Lord that produces love and obedience to Christ, who is deserving of worship now and into eternity.
Discussion Questions
- How do you feel about Peter's warning in this text? Do you take it as a serious and precious gift to you, or do you feel the warning is really for Christians who struggle and "backslide"?
- Are you vigilant and disciplined about guarding the things that influence your thoughts and beliefs, or are you prone to drift and wander through the life of faith?
- Do you feel that working to grow in grace is legalism or do you see it as the obligation and responsibility of the believer? Why or why not?
- What are some things that you can do to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? (Be specific and describe how and when these can be done)
Posted in Grow & Discern
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