TEXT: 2 Peter 1:1-11; 3:17-18
OBJECTIVE
The students will be able to explain the guidelines that God’s Word presents to bring about spiritual development. They will recognize that to be a strong Christian, spiritual growth is necessary.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
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. 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. Spiritual knowledge and growth are closely related and necessary to the Christian who would “neither be barren nor unfruitful.”
QUESTIONS
Spiritual growth is possible only by faith in the divine power of God. 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. 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. Growth, victory, and an abundant entrance into eternal life will be the results. What rewards for our effort!
- 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). Bring out that faith is needed before a person can be born again. Thus, spiritual growth begins with faith.
- 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.
Response: The two things mentioned are grace (the unmerited favor of God) and peace (one of the evidences of being 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. Continue by referring to Romans 5:1, showing we have peace after we are justified (born again). This gives us the foundation on which we can begin to grow.
- To grow spiritually, where must we keep our faith focused? What are some ways this can be done? See Hebrews 12:1-2.
Response: Our faith must be focused on Jesus Christ and His power. Discuss the students’ responses of ways this can be done: prayer, church attendance, the study of God’s Word, 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). 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. As we exercise faith to attain these, spiritual growth takes place in our lives.
- 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. Peter was assuring Christians that by believing the promises of God and meeting the requirements of those promises, they would grow spiritually. Using a circle response (refer to page 34 of the Teacher’s Handbook), ask each student to specify one of God’s precious promises. 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.
- List the seven increments of Christian graces that we are to add to our faith, and give a spiritual definition of each.
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. Endeavor to help them realize that they must apply these to their personal lives if they hope to grow spiritually.
- What will be the results of adding these to our lives?
Response: From verse 8 we understand we will be fruit-bearing, and verse 10 assures us that if we add these to our lives we shall never fall. Continue the discussion with the thought that we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only. Adding implies “action taken, a conscious effort expended.” The fullness of these graces will not be gained all at once, for this will require repeated exertion. Ask your students to draw a parallel between this and the continued efforts expended to strengthen a particular physical muscle.
- If a Christian does not add these graces to his life, what will be the spiritual result?
Response: The result will be spiritual blindness and backsliding. Discuss with your class how neglecting the pursuit of these will cause spiritual disaster. Continue the discussion, focusing on God’s mercy. If one does backslide or lose the love of God from his heart and life, there is a way to return to God. This is through repentance.
- Write a goal that you have for your spiritual growth. One reference that could be used is Ephesians 4:13-15.
Response: Suggest the development of a plan as to how each one could measure his spiritual growth. One thought might be to set a goal which could be reached within the duration of this quarter. Each goal should be something personal, not necessarily one to be shared with the entire group. Summarize the lesson and objective by bringing out that, no doubt, we all want to be a part of the Body of Christ. We need to grow spiritually as individuals and, in so doing, help to bring about a growth to the whole body of believers.
CLASS ACTIVITIES
With your students’ help, list on a blackboard the things that contribute to spiritual growth (Bible reading and study, prayer, petition, praise, church and Sunday school attendance, Christian associates, etc.). Everything we “devour” either helps us grow or is unhealthful for us. We need a balanced “diet” of the right food to keep us spiritually strong.
Bring some plants to class, both diseased and healthy ones. Parallel the plants’ needs for proper nutrition to the Christian’s need for proper spiritual nutrition.
Show your class some pictures of several kinds of food, including desserts and snacks. Have the students choose what they would like to eat for a meal. Is it all nutritious? healthful? Discuss what “foods” Christians need for maintaining good spiritual health.
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