Embracing Trials: Cultivating Spiritual Maturity and Assurance

 

Summary

Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the profound truths we explored today. We began by acknowledging the trials we face and how they are a testament to God's love, shaping us into the people He desires us to be. This week, I was reminded of the importance of steadfastness and the pursuit of godly qualities as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-8. These qualities are not optional; they are essential for a fruitful life in Christ. We must make every effort to cultivate them, understanding that they are not just suggestions but commands that lead to spiritual maturity and assurance of our salvation.

We also took time to pray for our troops, recognizing the sacrifices they make and the battles they face. It's a reminder of the spiritual battles we all encounter and the need to rely on God as our ultimate source of strength and peace.

The heart of our discussion centered on the concept of spiritual nearsightedness. This condition blinds us to the eternal perspective, causing us to focus only on immediate pleasures and temptations. We must remember that we have been cleansed from our former sins and are called to live in the light of God's truth. The assurance of our salvation is not found in a past decision but in the ongoing evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. We are urged to be diligent in making our calling and election sure by practicing the qualities of faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.

Finally, we considered the rich entrance into the eternal kingdom that awaits those who persevere. This is not about earning salvation but about living a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. As we pursue these qualities, we can have confidence in our salvation and look forward to a glorious reception in heaven.

Key Takeaways:

- Trials are a sign of God's love, shaping us into the people He wants us to be. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and steadfastness, knowing that they are part of His divine plan for your life. [01:13]

- Spiritual nearsightedness blinds us to the eternal perspective, causing us to focus on immediate pleasures. We must remember our cleansing from sin and live with an awareness of eternity. [11:17]

- Assurance of salvation is not based on a past decision but on the ongoing evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Be diligent in practicing godly qualities to make your calling and election sure. [21:29]

- The perseverance of the saints teaches that true believers will endure to the end. This is not about perfection but about a consistent pursuit of God and His righteousness. [37:22]

- A rich entrance into the eternal kingdom awaits those who live a life reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. Live with the end in mind, striving for a life that honors God and bears fruit for His glory. [43:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Reflecting on Trials and Steadfastness
- [01:29] - Prayer for Our Troops
- [03:37] - Importance of Staying Focused
- [05:30] - Reverence for God's Word
- [06:18] - Pursuing Godly Qualities
- [08:11] - The Danger of Spiritual Nearsightedness
- [10:25] - Understanding Assurance of Salvation
- [12:46] - The Reality of Eternity
- [17:18] - The Consequences of Returning to Sin
- [21:14] - Making Your Calling and Election Sure
- [24:05] - Security vs. Assurance of Salvation
- [30:09] - Evidence of True Faith
- [37:22] - Perseverance of the Saints
- [43:15] - A Rich Entrance into the Kingdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Peter 1:5-8
- 2 Peter 1:9-11
- 1 John 5:13

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Observation Questions:

1. What qualities does 2 Peter 1:5-8 encourage believers to cultivate, and why are they important? [06:18]

2. According to the sermon, what is the danger of spiritual nearsightedness, and how does it affect a believer's life? [11:17]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between trials and God's love for us? [01:13]

4. What does 1 John 5:13 say about the assurance of salvation, and how does the sermon suggest we understand this assurance? [25:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trials are a testament to God's love, and how should believers respond to them? [01:13]

2. How does the concept of spiritual nearsightedness relate to the ongoing evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life? [11:17]

3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of making one's calling and election sure, and how is this related to practicing godly qualities? [21:29]

4. How does the sermon interpret the assurance of salvation in light of 1 John 5:13, and what role does the evidence of the Holy Spirit play in this assurance? [25:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you perceive it as an opportunity for growth and steadfastness in your faith? [01:13]

2. Identify an area in your life where you might be spiritually nearsighted. What steps can you take to focus more on the eternal perspective? [11:17]

3. Consider the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:5-8. Which one do you find most challenging to cultivate, and what practical steps can you take to develop it this week? [06:18]

4. How can you be more diligent in making your calling and election sure? What specific actions will you take to practice godly qualities consistently? [21:29]

5. Think about a time when you felt insecure about your salvation. How can you seek assurance through the evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in your life? [25:58]

6. How can you support and pray for others in your community who are facing trials, similar to how the sermon encouraged prayer for the troops? [01:29]

7. What does a "rich entrance into the eternal kingdom" mean to you, and how does it motivate you to live a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel? [43:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Trials as Divine Sculptors
Description: Trials are not merely obstacles to overcome but are divine tools used by God to shape and mold individuals into the people He desires them to be. These challenges are a testament to God's love, as they provide opportunities for growth and steadfastness. Embracing trials with a heart of gratitude allows believers to see them as part of God's divine plan, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with Him. By understanding trials in this light, one can find peace and purpose even in the midst of adversity. [01:13]

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for growth and steadfastness in your faith journey today?


Day 2: Overcoming Spiritual Nearsightedness
Description: Spiritual nearsightedness is a condition that blinds individuals to the eternal perspective, causing them to focus solely on immediate pleasures and temptations. This myopic view can lead to a life driven by temporary desires rather than eternal truths. Believers are called to remember their cleansing from sin and to live with an awareness of eternity. By shifting focus from the immediate to the eternal, one can live a life that reflects God's truth and purpose, ensuring that their actions align with their faith. [11:17]

2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you are focused on immediate gratification. How can you shift your perspective to consider the eternal implications of your choices?


Day 3: Evidence of the Holy Spirit's Work
Description: Assurance of salvation is not rooted in a past decision but in the ongoing evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in one's life. This assurance is seen through the cultivation of godly qualities such as faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. By diligently practicing these qualities, believers can make their calling and election sure, experiencing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. This ongoing transformation provides confidence in one's salvation and a deeper connection with God. [21:29]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Reflection: Reflect on the qualities of the Holy Spirit's fruit in your life. Which one do you feel needs more attention and growth, and how can you actively cultivate it this week?


Day 4: Perseverance in Faith
Description: The perseverance of the saints teaches that true believers will endure to the end, not through perfection but through a consistent pursuit of God and His righteousness. This perseverance is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in one's life. By continually seeking God and His will, believers can navigate the challenges of life with confidence, knowing that their faith will sustain them. This enduring faith is a reflection of a life committed to God's purposes and promises. [37:22]

Hebrews 10:36 (ESV): "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."

Reflection: Consider a time when your faith was tested. How did you persevere, and what steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains steadfast in future challenges?


Day 5: Living with the End in Mind
Description: A rich entrance into the eternal kingdom awaits those who live a life reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. This is not about earning salvation but about living a life that honors God and bears fruit for His glory. By keeping the end in mind, believers can strive for a life that aligns with God's purposes, ensuring that their actions and decisions reflect their faith. This eternal perspective provides hope and motivation to live a life that is pleasing to God and impactful for His kingdom. [43:15]

2 Peter 3:11-12 (ESV): "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God."

Reflection: How can you incorporate an eternal perspective into your daily decisions and actions? What specific changes can you make to ensure your life reflects the transformative power of the gospel?

Quotes



For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:06:27]

Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way, there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [00:10:25]

Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he's blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. I love this word nearsighted. Whoever lacks these qualities, I never noticed that that word was in the Bible. I never really thought about it, but the more I study, the more I just loved it. [00:10:25]

Nearsighted, that means you can see something right here, but you can't see anything beyond that. It's so funny, I'm at that age now where you'll notice me every once in a while go like this, and it takes me a second to get at that right spot. But that idea, I always laughed and thought that's so lame. [00:10:25]

The perseverance of the saints teaches that true believers will endure to the end. This is not about perfection but about a consistent pursuit of God and His righteousness. A rich entrance into the eternal kingdom awaits those who live a life reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. [00:37:22]

The Bible teaches something that we call the perseverance of the saints, that those of us who truly believe, we're gonna believe till the end. Okay, so a true believer is gonna make it to the end with his faith intact. He's gonna grow closer to God. That doesn't mean we'll have little slips here and there. [00:37:22]

For in this way, there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For in this way, I love this, for in this way, they'll be richly provided for you an entrance into the kingdom. It's talking about when you die and come into the presence of God. [00:43:15]

Have you ever thought about the reception you're gonna get when you get to heaven? Because the Bible teaches we don't just all go in the same way. We're all saved by His grace, absolutely. But you know, like first Corinthians talks about depending on what you did on this earth and how you lived your life. [00:43:15]

The assurance of salvation is not based on a past decision but on the ongoing evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Be diligent in practicing godly qualities to make your calling and election sure. If you practice these qualities, you'll never fall. Pursue these things, and that's the assurance. [00:21:29]

The security of a believer is an objective truth, but the assurance of your salvation is subjective. Does that make sense? You see, the doctrine of the assurance, the doctrine of security of a believer, it's just a true fact. But for you to be assured of your salvation, that's something that's subjective. [00:24:05]

If you're not living a godly life and you're not close to Jesus and you're not following Him, you're going to lie in bed at night and wonder if you were ever really born again. That's just gonna happen. That's the result of that type of lifestyle as you lay there and go, was I ever changed? [00:24:05]

The perseverance of the saints teaches that true believers will endure to the end. This is not about perfection but about a consistent pursuit of God and His righteousness. A rich entrance into the eternal kingdom awaits those who live a life reflecting the transformative power of the gospel. [00:37:22]

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Transcript
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