Growing Up

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Since the chest pains started 3 months ago, i've stopped all my bible classes.. And i've been feeling quite unequipped. Though i am doing my QT regularly, it seems my sword is more like a dagger.. So, thank God for people like John Macarthur who has website with audio bible studies uploaded. Yesterday i downloaded a few, and started with Back to Basic: The ABC's of Christian Living.

I think it is beneficial and i can do this while resting at home =) Here are some things i learnt through the notes i've taken.

- Spiritual growth is basic to believers

- God commands us to grow.

How to grow in grace, how to mature?

Spiritual growth has nothing to do with

1) Position in Christ.

Which is an instant miracle, being elected by God. It is not a process. It may be a process involved exposed t the gospel. Actual point of salvation is a miraculous moment from death to life. Therefore, position is Christ at moment of faith, we become a new creation.

2) Gaining of God's favor.

In Romans 5, God already loved us while we're still sinners.

3) Time.

Doesnt mean a believer for a long time = to maturity in faith, or believer in a short time = immaturity. It's the commitment to growth that made the different.

4) Knowledge only.

It's what you do with what you know. Bible says "Knowledge has the tendancy to puff up" And pride's a state.

When believer get into that state, spiritual growth is retarded.

Having knowledge of facts cannot = spiritual maturity.

Only when facts conformed us into image of Christ, does our knowledge relate to our growth.

5) Activity

Being busy serving in church does not equal to growing up. The pharisees are always busy too..

6) Prosperity

Being blessed does not equals to maturity.

Spiritual growth is not a mystical thing, nor a formula. It is matching my practice with my position in Christ, which is perfect. Living up to the standard.

Therefore, growing in grace --> giving God glory. The masterkey then, is to understand what it means to glorify God.

Glorify God and He'll give you glory. Universe (Psalm) and beast of the field (Isaiah) and Angels (Luke) gives glory to God.

As we glorify God, we will grow to maturity 2 Cor 3:18.

The power behind spiritual growth is the Holy Spirit. It's the Spirit that gives life and life is growth. He will caused us to grow into image of Christ, as we focus on God's glory.

Ultimate confemnation --> man dont give God glory. Like in Romans 1:19-21, everyone knew God by conscious, creation. But they change the glory of God to detestable things.

Throughout the bible, God wants men to see God's glory. His prescence in the garden of Eden with Adam and Eve before they sinned. Exodus, pillar of cloud and fire. When the temple was built, and God's glory filled the the temple.

And in John 1:14, the embodied shikina glory is Jesus. And now, the glory of God is in the church, may the glory of God shined through each of us believers.

There are 3 levels of spiritual growth

1 John 2:12-14

1) Little children --> Parental Recognition. Knowing we belong to God

2) Young Men --> overcoming the evil one. Knowing the Word of God

3) Fathers --> Knowing God.

To understand and know God intimately is our goal of life, it is a magnet that will pull us to grow.

As you focus on glory of God, begin to give glory, you are being change to grow into maturity.

To God be the glory!