Introduction:
A.
We know that growth in the Lord is necessary:
1.
If not we become “useless or unfruitful in the true
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” V.
8
2.
What this says about us is that we are “blind and
short-sighted having forgotten (our) purification from our former
sins.” V.
9
B.
Has that knowledge of truth (necessity of growth) mean
we’ve always been “giving all diligence” in our growth in
Jesus Christ?
1.
Apparently not: just reflect upon your life.
2.
This is a problem so very many Christians have.
Discussion:
I.
Our Problem With ‘Giving All Diligence’
A.
We live in the flesh. Cp. Rom.
7:14-15
B.
Practically, we don’t live with a
great enough appreciation for what God and Jesus Christ
have done for us. Cp. Lk.
7:40-43
1.
The more we appreciate something/someone the more we
manifest that appreciation.
2.
In today’s busy world it is easy to use our lifestyle as
an excuse to manifest our appreciation…
3.
…Yet that is exactly the problem: the world takes hold of
our lives and we lose sight of what we already know to be the most
important in/to our lives. V.
9
II.
Motivation to Give All Diligence?
A.
Keeping fresh (through God’s word and worship of
Him) His precious and magnificent promises. V.
4
B.
Spending much time:
1.
Remembering His death for our life.
2.
Praising His name because ours was stained with sin.
3.
Confessing His name to/before others because He is the
author and finisher of our salvation.
III.
“All Diligence” Looks Like…
A.
A child who looks to honor their parents as young
Christians. Eph.
6:1-3
B.
A parent who trains up their children in the way they
should go. Eph.
6:4; Prov. 22:6
C.
A young couple (not married) who flees ‘youthful lusts’
but instead pursues righteousness. 2
Tim. 2:22
D.
An employee/employer who fulfills their relationships and
responsibilities “as unto the Lord”. Eph.
6:5-9
E.
It looks like a brother in Christ living with longsuffering
alongside a weak Christian. Eph.
4:2
F.
A Christian who desires/longs for the pure milk of God’s
word (1
Pet. 2:1). 2
Pet. 1:2, 5, 8
G.
But doing such is difficult for anyone…unless he is
willing to be transformed into God’s workmanship for eternity. Eph.
2:10; 2 Pet. 1:3
H.
That’s where this ‘list’ comes in. We need to be
diligent about “adding to our faith”… vss.
5-8
Conclusion:
A.
Brethren, long for the Lord with a true knowledge of Him
and what He has done for you.
B.
In
this manner you will learn how to apply all diligence to grow in
your Savior, Jesus Christ.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin
Church of Christ
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