08/15/19 SOME PRINCIPLES OF GROWTH IN GRACE

08/15/19 SOME PRINCIPLES OF GROWTH IN GRACE
 
To "grow in grace" we must first "be in grace" (be saved), then we must grow (increase, develop) in that saving grace.

SOME PRINCIPLES OF GROWTH IN GRACE
(I separate verses, and use * to accent points)

GOD GIVES CHURCHES A PASTOR/TEACHER TO PERFECT BELIEVERS AND THE LOCAL CHURCH
Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the *perfecting of the saints, *for the work of the ministry, *for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 *Till we all come *in the unity of the faith, *and of the knowledge of the Son of God, *unto a perfect man, *unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 *That we henceforth be no more children, *tossed to and fro, *and carried about with every wind of doctrine, *by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, *whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 *But speaking the truth in love, *may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom *the whole body fitly joined together and compacted *by that which every joint supplieth, *according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, *maketh increase of the body *unto the edifying of itself in love.

As they say, "this is a lot to unpack." Take time to understand the provision God makes for your GROWTH IN GRACE.

GROWTH IN GRACE (FAITH, LOVE) IS SEEN BY OTHERS
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet (right, appropriate), *because that your faith groweth exceedingly, *and the charity (sacrificial love) of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God *for your patience *and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

GROWTH IN GRACE REQUIRES ABANDONMENT OF SIN BUT ALSO A THIRST FOR THE WORD OF GOD
1 Peter 2:1-2
1 *Wherefore laying aside all malice, *and all guile (deceit), *and hypocrisies, *and envies, *and all evil speakings,

2 As newborn babes, *desire the sincere milk of the word, *that ye may grow thereby:

DO NOT BE DECEIVED INTO FALLING (even "from grace," Ga.5:4), BUT GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE
2 Peter 3:17-18
17 *Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, *beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, *fall from your own stedfastness.

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