Intentional Transformation: The Journey of Spiritual Growth
Summary
Spiritual growth is not a passive process, but an intentional journey of transformation into the likeness of Jesus. Gathering as the family of God is not just a tradition, but a vital part of our discipleship, shaping every other aspect of our lives. The call is not simply to be “church people,” but to be disciples who actively share the good news and allow Christ to change us from the inside out. It’s easy to settle for comfort, to justify where we are, or to make excuses for our shortcomings, but the invitation is to dig deeper—into God’s Word, into honest self-examination, and into the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1 reminds us that God has already given us everything we need for a godly life. Through His promises, we are invited to participate in the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world. Spiritual growth is not about perfection under our own strength, but about cooperating with the Spirit to become less like our old selves and more like Christ. The process is ongoing: adding to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities, when pursued in increasing measure, keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus.
It’s important to recognize that spiritual growth is not a checklist to complete, but a continual cycle. We don’t perfect one virtue and move on; rather, we return again and again to the foundation of faith, allowing each quality to shape us more deeply. The world is watching, and until the church stops acting like the world, we will not impact it. Our calling and election are made sure not by our own merit, but by living as true disciples—transformed, surrendered, and confident in the salvation Christ provides.
The invitation to grow is always open. Whether you are struggling, seeking, or simply aware of your need for more of Jesus, God’s grace is sufficient. The journey is not about being sinless, but about sinning less as we are shaped by the Spirit. Our hope is not in our own efforts, but in the promises of God and the power of Christ’s resurrection. Let us recommit ourselves to this path, striving for maturity, completeness, and a life that points others to the eternal kingdom.
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Key Takeaways
- Spiritual Growth Requires Honest Self-Examination and Surrender
True transformation begins when we stop making excuses for our shortcomings and allow God’s Word to expose the areas where we need to grow. It’s uncomfortable to let the Spirit reveal our hidden faults, but only through this vulnerability can we become more like Jesus. Spiritual growth is not about maintaining appearances, but about genuine change from the inside out. [49:02]
- God Has Already Provided Everything Needed for a Godly Life
2 Peter 1 assures us that God’s divine power has given us all we need for life and godliness. The promises of God are not distant ideals, but present realities that enable us to participate in the divine nature. Our role is to trust these promises and step into the life God has made possible, escaping the pull of our old desires. [55:07]
- Spiritual Growth Is a Continual, Cyclical Process
The virtues listed in 2 Peter—faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love—are not a linear checklist. Growth means returning repeatedly to the foundation of faith, allowing each quality to be refined and deepened over time. This ongoing process keeps us from spiritual stagnation and ensures we are effective and fruitful in Christ. [01:01:09]
- Assurance of Salvation Comes from Living as a Disciple, Not from Perfection
Doubt often creeps in when we focus on our failures, but Scripture teaches that our calling and election are made sure as we live out our faith in Christ. Salvation is not about having done “enough,” but about trusting in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and allowing the Spirit to transform us. This assurance frees us from fear and empowers us to pursue spiritual maturity with confidence. [01:02:53]
- The Invitation to Grow and Respond to God Is Always Open
Responding to God’s call is not limited to a moment at the end of a service; it is a daily, ongoing invitation. Whether you need prayer, desire to know Jesus, or want to recommit your life, God’s grace is available. The church is called to be a place where everyone can seek transformation, support, and the power to live as true disciples, both inside and outside the walls of the building. [01:10:32]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[17:01] - Love Feast and Fellowship
[37:43] - Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1
[39:05] - Opening Prayer and Transition
[40:28] - The Power of Gathering as God’s Family
[44:19] - The Challenge of Spiritual Growth
[46:05] - Wrestling with God’s Commands
[49:02] - Grace, Holiness, and the Call to Grow
[51:28] - Scriptural Foundations for Growth
[53:05] - Building on the Rock: Practicing Jesus’ Words
[55:07] - Participating in the Divine Nature
[56:52] - Escaping the World’s Corruption
[58:41] - The Formula for Spiritual Growth
[01:01:09] - Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation
[01:02:53] - Assurance of Salvation and Living as Disciples
[01:05:02] - Lessons from Peter’s Life
[01:07:28] - The Ongoing Invitation and Power of the Spirit
[01:10:32] - Responding to God’s Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Spiritual Growth as a Journey of Transformation
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### Bible Reading
2 Peter 1:3-11 (ESV)
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
8 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. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, what has God already given us for living a godly life?
2. What are the specific qualities Peter says we should add to our faith? (vv. 5-7)
3. What does Peter say will happen if we possess these qualities in increasing measure? (v. 8)
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between being a “church person” and being a disciple? [[40:28]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize that spiritual growth is not about perfection under our own strength, but about cooperating with the Spirit? How does this change the way we approach growth? [[49:02]]
2. The sermon says spiritual growth is a continual, cyclical process, not a checklist. What does it look like in real life to “return again and again to the foundation of faith”? [[01:01:09]]
3. The pastor mentions that it’s easy to settle for comfort or make excuses for our shortcomings. Why do you think honest self-examination is so uncomfortable, and why is it necessary for transformation? [[49:02]]
4. How does living as a true disciple (rather than just a “church person”) give assurance of salvation, according to the sermon and 2 Peter 1:10-11? [[01:02:53]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to stop making excuses for our shortcomings and let God’s Word expose where we need to grow. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been making excuses instead of allowing God to change you? What would it look like to surrender that area this week? [[49:02]]
2. 2 Peter 1 lists several qualities to add to our faith (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love). Which of these do you find most challenging right now, and what is one practical step you could take to grow in that area? [[58:41]]
3. The pastor said, “Until the church stops acting like the world, the church will never impact the world.” In what ways do you see the church (or yourself) blending in with the world, and what is one way you can stand out as a disciple this week? [[56:52]]
4. The sermon reminds us that God has already given us everything we need for a godly life. Are there promises of God you struggle to believe are true for you? How can you remind yourself of these promises daily? [[55:07]]
5. The invitation to grow is always open, not just at the end of a church service. What does it look like for you to respond to God’s invitation to grow on a daily basis? Is there a specific way you want to recommit to spiritual growth this week? [[01:10:32]]
6. The pastor shared that spiritual growth is not about being sinless, but about sinning less as we are shaped by the Spirit. How does this perspective free you from fear or perfectionism in your walk with Jesus? [[49:02]]
7. Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. What is one way you can intentionally share your faith or encourage them this week, moving beyond just being a “church person”? [[40:28]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to be honest with God and each other, for the Spirit’s help to grow in the qualities listed in 2 Peter 1, and for opportunities to share the good news with others.
Devotional
Day 1: God Has Given Us Everything We Need for Spiritual Growth
God’s divine power has already provided everything necessary for living a godly life, equipping believers through the knowledge of Christ and the promises He has given. As we grow in understanding and faith, we are invited to participate in the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world and living transformed lives. This means that no matter our background or struggles, we are not left lacking; God has made a way for us to grow, change, and become more like Jesus. The challenge is to truly believe in these promises and to step into the life God has prepared, trusting that His Spirit will guide and empower us each day. [56:52]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV 2011)
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most lacking, and how can you trust God’s promise that He has already given you what you need to grow in that area today?
Day 2: Spiritual Growth Requires Intentional Effort and Transformation
Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires intentional effort to add to our faith qualities like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This process is ongoing and cyclical, not a checklist to complete, and as we pursue these qualities in increasing measure, we become effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus. Without this growth, we risk becoming stagnant, nearsighted, and forgetting the cleansing we have received. The call is to examine what we truly have faith in, to pursue growth with eagerness, and to let God’s Word and Spirit transform us from the inside out. [59:50]
2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV 2011)
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Which one of these qualities do you sense God calling you to intentionally cultivate this week, and what is one practical step you can take to grow in it?
Day 3: The Goal of Spiritual Growth Is Christlikeness and Assurance
As we grow spiritually, we become more like Jesus and less like our old selves, gaining assurance in our salvation and a clear sense of our calling and election. This transformation is not about perfection but about progress—sinning less as we mature, relying on God’s grace, and living with the confidence that we are saved and welcomed into God’s eternal kingdom. The journey involves surrender, letting go of excuses, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us so that our focus shifts from earthly concerns to the hope of heaven. [01:02:53]
2 Peter 1:9-11 (NIV 2011)
"But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one excuse or old habit you need to surrender to God today so you can move forward in assurance and Christlikeness?
Day 4: The Power of the Holy Spirit Guides and Sustains Our Growth
Spiritual growth is not accomplished by our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and empowers us to live out God’s will. Sometimes growth is slow because we are not yet ready for what God wants to reveal, but as we yield to the Spirit, He transforms us and uses us to impact those around us. The invitation is to rely daily on the Spirit’s presence, trusting that He will lead us step by step into deeper maturity and effectiveness for God’s kingdom. [01:07:28]
John 16:12-13 (NIV 2011)
"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
Reflection: How can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower your spiritual growth today, especially in an area where you feel weak or uncertain?
Day 5: The Mission—Sharing Jesus and Inviting Others Into God’s Family
The ultimate purpose of spiritual growth is not just personal transformation but joining God’s mission to share the good news of Jesus and invite others into His family. The world does not need more church programs; it needs people who are willing to tell others about the One who saved them and to live out the love and grace of Christ. The invitation to follow Jesus is always open, and as we grow, we are called to stand up, reach out, and help others experience the saving power of God’s love. [01:10:32]
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV 2011)
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Reflection: Who is one person God is putting on your heart to share Jesus with or invite into deeper fellowship this week, and how will you take a step toward them?
Quotes
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