August 6, 2016
Once someone becomes a Christian then what? What is God’s goal for them?
See Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:2.
What is your goal for your life while you are still on this earth? How closely does this line up with God’s goal for you?
Discuss what can happen (regarding the Holy Spirit) if our goal is different. See Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
Read the opening and closing verses Peter writes in his second epistle, 2 Peter 1: 2, 3:18. Is this your goal?
Peter mentions Jesus being our Lord and Saviour. Can He be Saviour and not Lord? Discuss your answer and the result in your group and how we ‘Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?’
Fitting in with the general theme this year of ‘God’s Call to Holy Living’, 1 Peter 1:15-16, let’s look at how we grow.
Read 2 Peter 1:1-15.
Answer the following questions and discuss in your group.
As a Christian who do you belong to according to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?
What other points does Paul make in these two verses?
Re-read 2 Peter 1:8-9. If we add to our faith the qualities mentioned in the preceding verses what will we become? If we don’t what will happen?
Peter mentions, ‘make every effort’ (v.5) and ‘work hard’ (v.10). Discuss what we do in order for these things to become a reality in our daily living.
Read the following and discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 4:22-24, Galatians 5:16-26.
Referring to Galatians chapter 5, how do let the Holy Spirit ‘guide’ (v.16), ‘direct’ (v.18), ‘produce fruit’ (v,22-23), ‘live and be led by the Spirit’ (v.25) ?
Discuss Phil’s following comments from Sunday’s message which though he was referring to self control we can apply to all areas:
Growth is a journey, it’s a process, a day by day moment by moment intimate relationship we have with God. God wants us to succeed in this area of our lives to be holy. Self control is something we all can develop, we know that it is one of the fruit of the Spirit. And everyone who has confessed Jesus as Lord has the Holy Spirit living in them. It’s all about our surrender to Jesus and making Him Lord of our lives. Self control is really about decision making, it’s about the choices we make, its about those instant responses to situations and circumstances that we face every day. As we navigate our way through this broken world, more and more we are becoming increasingly estranged from this world and culture and because of that we are given opportunities to exercise self control almost constantly. Here are some examples that you will find in a typical day.
Why our conduct matters.
It is not easy. It requires determination and a discipline and desire on our behalf. The good news is that God wants us to succeed and as we have read earlier we have everything we need for Godly living. And this my friends is exciting. The more you spend time with God in prayer, and prayer is about enjoying His presence, time spent studying His Word in the Bible, meditating and hearing what God has to say, feeding your soul and fellowshipping with God’s people the more you will grow to become like Him. You will see the fruit of the Spirit developing and growing in your life…
What does Peter emphasise three times in 2 Peter 1:12-15? How do we do this on a daily basis?
Are there any areas the Holy Spirit is letting you know you need to grow in? Share and pray with the others in your group.
What is one of the exciting things we will receive for growing? 2 Peter 1:11.
Has this study helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and becoming more like Him? If so, how?