“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
II Peter 3:18
An important element in
having a closer walk with
God is fulfilling
the command given by the
apostle Peter as written in
2Peter 3:18.
So what does it mean to "grow
in the knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ"? And
how can we be sure that we are
growing in this "knowledge"?
"Lessons in Faith" Hebrews 11:1-6 'A CALL TO GROW IN CHRIST'
The book of Hebrews shines a spotlight on Jesus as our great King.
In chapter one He is referred to as the 'heir of all things.'
Verse three reads, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and
the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by
His powerful word."
Hebrews 3:3 instructs that, "Jesus has been found worthy of greater
honor than Moses, just at the builder of a house has greater honor
than the house itself." The Old Testament priest offered the same
sacrifices day after day, which could never take away sins. In
comparison, we read about Jesus in Hebrews 10:12-14, where it says,
"But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for
sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time He
waits for His enemies to be made His footstool, because by one
sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
Jesus is superior. He is worthy of our praise. His followers need
to be focused on Him!
Hebrews 11 has been referred to as a place where you can read about
the 'Hall of Faith.' Believers who were characterized as faithful
are recognized in this passage. The opening verses point to reminders
to address in our own walk of faith. As followers of the
'Supreme High Priest' we need to offer our lives in His service.
We see in Hebrews 11:1-6 a call to acknowledge that:
I. FAITH IS ASSURANCE - 'Faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.'(v.1)
II. FAITH IS MEMORABLE - 'This is what the ancients were
commended for.'(v.2)
III. FAITH IS FOUNDATIONAL - 'By faith we understand that
the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is
seen was not made out of what was visible.(v.3)
IV. FAITH EXPOSES RELIGION - 'By faith Abel offered God a
better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a
righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by
faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.'(v.4)
The closing verses (vs. 5-6) cite Enoch as an example of one
who consistently walked with God. Not only is his faith
highlighted, but we also read, "And without faith it is
impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him
must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who
earnestly seek Him." The word denotes that the seeker 'finds'
or at least 'exhausts his powers seeking.' Is that you?
What do you know about faith? Are you growing in your relationship
with Jesus Christ?
We believe an emphasis on the 5 W's will help a believer grow in
their relationship with Christ. Read through the list of W's.
Consider how you can grow in each of these strategic areas of your
life in Christ. Set goals for 2010 in each area and develop
strategies that will lead to growth in Christ.
Applying the 5W's
Worship - Acknowledge God's Presence ["Worship the LORD in the splendor
of His holiness; tremble before Him all the earth." Psalm 96:9]
Word - Learn God's Truth ["All Scripture is God-breathed and is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
II Timothy 3:16-17]
Wait - (Prayer)
- Enlist God's Power["And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all
kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always
keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18]
Witness - Proclaim God's Salvation ["But in your hearts set apart Christ
as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks yo to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
respect..." I Peter 3:15]
Work - Serve Your Savior ["For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."]
Think and pray about goals and strategies for each W in your life.
Worship
Word
Wait
Witness
Work
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." II Peter 3:18
Listed below are some ways YOU can continue to grow in Christ in 2010:
MEMORIZE THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
MEMORIZE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (Exodus 20:3-17)
MEMORIZE THE GREAT COMMISSION (Matthew 28:19-20)
PREPARE A GOSPEL PRESENTATION
READ THROUGH AND MEDITATE ON PSALM 119
FAST AND PRAY FOR A WEEK
VOLUNTEER TO SERVE AT A LOCAL MINISTRY
PRAY FOR AN HOUR A DAY / A DAY A MONTH / A WEEK A YEAR
SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH SOMEONE
PRAY FOR ALL IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY
BLESS SOMEONE WITH AN ANONYMOUS GIFT
PREPARE FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP THROUGHOUT THE WEEK
SUMMARIZE AN OVERVIEW OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
WRITE TO MISSIONARIES
INVEST IN EXTENDED TIMES OF LISTENING TO GOD
WRITE A LETTER OF TESTIMONY TO A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND
INVITE A NEIGHBOR OVER FOR A MEAL
BEGIN TO TITHE / GIVE AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP
WRITE A DOCTRINAL STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
STUDY THE JEWISH FEASTS
STUDY THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE BIBLE
PREPARE TO TEACH OR PREACH FROM THE BIBLE
BIBLICALLY DEFEND AN END TIMES POSITION
VISIT SOMEONE AT A SENIOR HOME OR CARE FACILITY
WORK THROUGH ROMANS 12
READ A PROVERB A DAY
ALWAYS BE GOING THROUGH A GOSPEL (M, M, L, J)
ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN OR SERVE DURING WORSHIP
INITIATE A MINISTRY GOD HAS BEEN PROMPTING YOU TO DEVELOP
SEND A CARD TO SOMEONE IN NEED
PAY FOR SOMEONE TO ATTEND BIBLE CAMP
PRAY FOR WISDOM EVERY DAY
PRAY FOR ALL THE AWANA CLUBBERS INDIVIDUALLY
STUDY THE ŒSERMON ON THE MOUNT¹ (Matthew 5-7)
STUDY THE PARABLES OF JESUS
STUDY THE MIRACLES OF JESUS
