August 12, 2007
Sun Oak Baptist Church

Introduction

        7 essential ingredients for Christian growth: 1:5-7 – a command. Verses 8-11 contain Peter’s plea: 3 reasons why it is so important to be diligent to grow and mature in the Christian life.

I. Reason #1: so we will have a productive Christian life.See 1:8.

        Is our Christian life productive?

        A. Being productive means a Christian is constantly in the process of         growing.

        B. Being productive means a Christian will not have a “barren” life.

        The Christian activity Peter is talking about is the result of changed character and this is fundamental to understanding Peter’s plea. We must be something and become something before we can do anything – that’s verses 1-4. One reason people struggle with verses 5-7 is because they don’t have the changed character that comes in verses 1-4 – they haven’t truly been born-again.

        C. Being productive means a Christian will not be unfruitful.

                1. The personal level. When is the last time that someone has                 been able to pick fruit from the tree of our Christian life?

                2. The corporate level. 1991 Gallup poll showed that 78% of                 Americans surveyed expect to go to heaven when they die,                 however many in the survey of them hardly ever pray, read the                 Bible, or attend church. They also admit that they live to please                 themselves instead of seeking to please God.

II. Reason #2: because he who lacks these things is blind.See 1:9.

        A person attending church who is not growing in their faith demonstrates a fundamental ignorance about what it means to be a Christian and this ignorance has eternal consequences.

        A. They are short-sighted – or blind.

                1. A warning against false conversion. See Matt. 7; 2nd Cor.                 3:12-16 & 4:3-4.

                2. A warning about priorities. Peter’s plea: what are our                 priorities today? What is the chief end of man?

        B. They have forgotten that they were purged from their sins.

III. Reason #3: because God will supply an abundant entrance into Christ’s everlasting kingdom.See 1:10-11.

        A. Adding Christ-like character to our faith proves we are a         Christian. 1:10.

        B. Adding Christ-like character to our faith assures us of an abundant         entrance into Christ’s kingdom. 1:11.

                1. Christ’s kingdom is a present kingdom.

                2. Christ’s kingdom is a future, or “everlasting” kingdom.

                There is perhaps nothing that tests or reveals exactly where we are and where we stand as a Christian than how we face the end of our life – death tends to be the great equalizer.

Conclusion

        See Rev. 22:14. Our response to Peter’s plea: “God: by your grace help me to grow in virtue; help me to make adding self-control to my life a priority…” and so on.