Text: 2 Cor 3:17-18
INTRODUCTION
In the first part of this study, we defined growth as a process of constantly developing from one stage to another higher stage progressively. We understood that this will lead to a regular consistent improvement over the last stage attained in our lives. Today we want to continue to consider the importance of growing in grace.
DANGERS OF STOPPING
There are a lot of dangers for any believer in Christ that decides to stop growing in grace, it is best to avoid them and work towards continuing in our growth daily. Some dangers are outlined as follows:
1. The flame of those who stop growing in grace will go out and they will stop being a good Christian example to the world and fellow believers. Phil 1:24, Col 4:14, 2 Tim 4:10, Matt 5:14-16
2. Those who stop soon become sidelined and abandoned by God as broken vessels no longer meet for the master’s use. 2 Tim 2:19-22, 2 Kings 2:5-8
3. Demotion in the things of God will be the sad result of backsliders. Ps 75;6, 2 Kings: 9-14, 1 Sam 2:26-36, 1 Sam 3:1-21. If you stop growing in grace, you open the way for a divinely appointed replacement to take over from you.
4. Believers who stop growing in grace soon dry up spiritually and become as a pillar of salt, a sign and a proverb in the kingdom for evil. Gen 19:16-26,30-38
HOW TO KEEP WALKING FORWARD
· Determine to move forward using every resource, grace, power and ability to do so. Ps 46:1-2, Phil 4:13, Jn 10:10, Ex 14:15, 33:14
· Keep walking, pushing, pressing ahead with your plans until the walls break down. Don’t stop. Jos 7:1-12, 8:18-22, Isa 43:19-21 – there is great victory ahead.
· Enter into partnership with God. The only obstacle that can stop you is the obstacle that you allow. Rom 8:31, Ps 68:1-3, Isa 45:1-7, Deut 33:27
· Make it your daily priority to obey God, He is the only un-changing source of power and glory that all other powers and sources will bow to. Col 1;16-17, Deut 28:1-7, 2 Kings 2:8,14, Mal 3:6, Jos 1:5
· Be steadfastly fixed on the Lord at all times do not lose your grip on Him, He will see you through. Ps 57:7, Mk 11:22-23
CONCLUSION
Beloved set your heart on the fact that by God’s grace you will reach your goal and the Almighty God will see you through to the very end in Jesus name Amen. Acts 21:8-14, Num 14:6-10