Grow in GraceGrow in Grace

Part 1

• The Christian life begins with a birth– Receiving Christ we are born again – Jn 1:12-13– Nicodemus & the new birth – Jn 3:1-13– The Christian is a “New Creation” – 2 Cor 5:17

• After birth must come growth– We must start with milk then move to solid food– 1 Pet 2:1-2; 1 Cor 3:1-2; Heb 5:12

Introduction

• Growing in grace defined– Grace is used in 2 senses:• In God: it is undeserved (unmerited favor)• In men it is Holiness

– To grow in grace is to grow in holiness, to be more like God and to govern our conduct more and more by the same principles that God does

– Growing in grace is not gradually giving up sin. We must, at salvation, give up sin instantly and wholly.

What is growth in grace?

• Love Christ with all your heart soul & mind – Mt 22:35-38

• Repent of all sin– Acts 3:19 & Acts 17:29-30

• Maintain a desire to learn more of God’s way– Ps 119:97; Ps 1:1-2; 2 Tim 3:14-15

• Avoid those sins which easily ensnare us– Heb 12:1

How to grow in grace

• Steer clear of pride– Prov 16:18; Prov 11:2; Mt 23:12

• Control your temper / anger– Ps 37:8; Ecc 7:9; Eph 4:31

• Don’t give into selfishness– Deut 15:7-11; Phil 2:3; Heb 13:16

• Don’t be lazy– Prov 6:6-11; Prov 10:4; Col 3:23; Jam 1:22

How to grow in grace

• Avoid all envy– Prov 14:30; 1 Cor 13:4; Jam 3:14-16

• Remove all impure thoughts – Ps 119:9-11; 2 Tim 2:22; Col 3:2-7

• Remain diligent in your service to the Lord– Ps 118:6; 1 Cor 15:58; Lk 6:22-23

• Live a life of meekness– Ps 25:8-10; Ps 37:8-13; Mt 5:5; Jam 3:13;

Rom 12:17-21

How to grow in grace

Summary of Part 1Summary of Part 1

• Begin a new life/birth & grow• Grow in grace that is unmerited and holy• By loving Christ, desire God & avoid sin• Be selfless, zealous & pure