Sunnyvale FBC Podcast

Stir Up (Part 2): Make Every Effort

Episode Summary

What does it actually look like to grow in your faith? Many Christians believe the right things but struggle to understand how spiritual growth works in a practical, everyday sense. Second Peter chapter one offers one of the clearest and most actionable answers in all of Scripture. God has already provided everything needed for a life of faith and godliness. Through His divine power, He gave us the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Through that knowledge, He granted us precious and magnificent promises. And through those promises, we are invited into a growing resemblance of Him. The foundation is completely laid. But spiritual growth is never automatic. Peter calls believers to actively and diligently add seven key virtues to their faith: moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These are not a one-time checklist. They are a lifelong, intentional practice that shapes us into mature disciples of Jesus Christ over time. Peter also gives three powerful motivations for why this matters. Those who cultivate these virtues will be fruitful and productive in their walk with God. Those who neglect them risk becoming spiritually blind, forgetting what God has done for them and losing sight of His greater purposes. And those who actively pursue these qualities will have genuine assurance of their faith and will be far less likely to stumble and fall away. This is a message for anyone asking questions like: How do I grow spiritually? What is the difference between faith and works? What does discipleship actually look like? How do I become more like Jesus? What does the Bible say about spiritual maturity? Whether you are new to faith or have been walking with Christ for decades, this passage has something to say to you. Topics covered include spiritual growth, Christian discipleship, 2 Peter 1, the seven virtues of faith, how to grow in faith, what the Bible says about spiritual maturity, Christian living, godliness, self-control, perseverance, brotherly kindness, Christian love, and how to have assurance of salvation. God has done His part completely. He has given you His power, the knowledge of Christ, and His magnificent promises. The journey of discipleship is yours to walk, on purpose and with diligence, with the confidence that He is working in you every step of the way.