2 Peter 3:18 Develop Your Relationship with God

Kowloon International Baptist Church Kowloon Tong

Harry Lucenay, Pastor

3 December 2006

This is the seventh message in a series addressing some of the steps one takes to “FIND GOD.” The faith journey has often been likened to learning to walk in the way of Jesus. As we take this walk we are encouraged to grow in Christ-likeness.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Luke 2:52

1. Grow in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Grow in the grace…of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What is grace? The original meaning of “grace” referred to joy or kindness. It focused on something delightful or attractive in a person, which brings pleasure to others. Later “grace” came to mean undeserved acceptance and love. Grace flows from a thankful heart.

David Seamands: The two major causes of most emotional problems among evangelical Christians are these: the failure to understand, receive, and live out God’s unconditional grace and forgiveness; and the failure to give out that unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people.

The Holy Spirit can change our hearts when we spend time with Jesus.

Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play with God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace…This is your Father you are dealing with, and He knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best—as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals a day. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from outsiders and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You are ablaze with beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. Matthew 6:6, 8-13 The Message

2. Grow in the Understanding of Jesus Christ. Grow in the…knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.

John 17:17 New Living Translation

We need to know what God says in the Bible.

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.

1 John 2:3

D. L. Moody: The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.

We are encouraged to learn more about Jesus by studying His life and teaching. His insights into the Christian life invite change.

Add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

3. Grow in the Way of Jesus Christ. Grow in…our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:9 The Message

Prayer-I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally…

Ephesians 1:18 The Message

Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1, 2

What happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Galatians 5:22, 23 The Message

God puts people and situations in our lives to help us grow to be like Jesus.

The New International Version is the Bible translation used unless otherwise noted.