Sermon Follow-Up Study
We at times feel like grace is not sufficient in our suffering. As if grace was a cheap, weak gift. We ask, “How could such a gracious God, leave me with such tremendous pain?” Could it be that we are looking at suffering wrongly? Could it actually be that life with sufficient grace and sustaining endurance is better than life without suffering? Why…because grace brings a greater awareness of God’s purpose in our suffering.
Open: When was your greatest season of spiritual growth in your life? Why?
Read: 2 Peter 3:14-18; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Ephesians 4
Discuss:
1. How is spiritual growth modeled in our physical world? What makes our spiritual growth so difficult? In what ways does grace get misaligned, misused and manipulated in our journey of Christian growth? Describe immaturities that you observe among Christians:
2. Peter compels us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Why is it important to notice the order of grace and knowledge? How can mere knowledge be an incomplete picture of spiritual growth?
3. How should grace be our inspiration for spiritual growth? Why do so many Christians seem idle in their spiritual journey?
4. Earlier in 2 Peter (1:3-4), Peter reminds Christians that we have everything we need for a life of godliness. How can people who have been given everything they need, continue to struggle? How do you see this in your own life? How does the gift of grace remind us of our standing with Christ?
5. How does grace guard us from error and deceit? How important is studying the Scriptures to our spiritual growth? How would you describe your spiritual journey with grace? What areas do you need to apply the work of grace?
Pray: Take a moment to consider your spiritual journey in grace. Ask God to help you grow in the grace and knowledge of His working in your life
Memorize/Meditate: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
