STUDIES IN I PETER- PART 30

               JULY 9 2006

 

Intro: Ch.5;10- “God of all grace..”- Principle #12-

“Suffering for righteousness sake produces character.”

Four words describing movement to spiritual maturity.

 

I. PERFECT-  refers to “restore”- Mt.4:21

1) Used in general sense of the goal of sanctification

2) This is goal of H.Spirit in each bel.’s life

 

II. ESTABLISH- [stereos]- to bring solid footing to

a believer’s life- see “steadfast” in vs.9

> Used in Lk.22:32,  Acts 14:22, Rev.3:2

> Suggest we see it as a work to develop spiritual

self-esteem--- 1. which is the bel.’s experience of under-

standing our identity in Christ, so as to have a positive

image of ourselves that is unaffected by how others

view us or by what kind of circumstance we find ourselves.

2. grounded in Bib.doctrine & personal love for God

3. the critical first-step toward spiritual maturity

Some characteristics of spiritual self-esteem:

 

 

 

 

III. STRENGTHEN- [sthenosai]- to make strong (rare)-

“to strengthen so as nothing can shake/destroy”

Ø      Carries us beyond stability to give inner complex of

attitudes producing spiritual autonomy-

Ø      It is an attitude of reliance on God that gives  a positive

Freedom from fear of criticism/need for approval by others.

Some characteristics of spiritual autonomy:

 

 

 

Continued next week