"DESIRING REAL AND EVERLASTING GROWTH"

June 19   DESIRING REAL AND EVERLASTING GROWTH                        1 Peter 2:1-3

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina…“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:1-3)
God's Word stands forever. This imperishable Word was the content of Peter's preaching. He preached the Word, because God's Word has life. He preached the Word, because God's Word gives life. He preached the Word, because God's Word provides food for our life. Thus the Christian's life should be a spiritually growing life. But in order to grow in eternal and everlasting ways we need eternal nourishment. Just as we were all conceived by the eternal Word of God, as newborn babies, we're to continue in the Word of God. Mark Twain is quoted as saying, "Most people are bothered by those passages in the Bible which they cannot understand; but as for me, I always notice that the passages in the Scripture which trouble me the most are those which I do understand." Mark’s  statement is a commentary on this passage of scripture. The question is, what are we going to do about it?  Birth must be followed by nurture. And just as a human baby requires milk in order to be nourished and to grow, so must a spiritual baby have the milk of God's Word in order to be nourished and to grow up in Christ. God tells us, clearly and plainly, that we are to “Lay Aside Evil,” to “Have A Desire For The Word,” to “Grow Up Spiritually,” and “To Live The Life That He Expects!” We are to “repent” of our sins and experience the “Life-Changing” power of God’s Word and His Amazing Grace as we “LAY ASIDE EVIL!”  Our new life requires that we are in a state of repentance, daily!   True repentance must always begin with putting off evil and turning from it.  Next, we are to have a “LONGING FOR THE WORD!”  Just as a baby requires the “Milk” to grow, we are to grow as Christians until we are able to handle the “Meat” of the Word!  As we turn away from “Evil,” we must turn to God!  Having been born again, and recognizing the eternal value of God's Word, we are to rid ourselves of malice and deceit, and crave God's Word, as the newborn desires milk. Peter wanted us to be as eager for the nourishment of the Word as babies are for milk. After we cast out impure desires and motives, we then need to feed on wholesome spiritual food that produces growth.  Thirdly, “GROW UP SPIRITUALLY.”  Why are we to crave the pure Word? The same Word that changed us is also instrumental in our spiritual growth. Verse 2 continues, "So that you may grow in respect to salvation," Notice we are told to long for this milk so we can grow in respect to salvation! A little girl fell out of bed one night. When her mother asked what happened she responded, "I guess I went asleep too close to where I got in." That is the problem with many born again Christians. Growth is expected of Christians. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 promises that, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."  The Word teaches us what is truly important in life. The Word shows us those things in our lives that must change.  The Word corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us how to live right side up. The Word turns us from babies into mature Christians. The Word is our spiritual food and without it we will die spiritually, but with it we will grow and become strong. God is concerned that we grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ--that we no longer be spiritual babes or children tossed about with every wind of doctrine. Instead; that we may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head—Christ, and that we grow to become more and more like Him, measured by the stature of the fullness of Christ. That is what Peter is talking about. He wants us to "grow up" spiritually. Many Christians do not enjoy the full benefits of salvation because they don't grow up spiritually. They miss God's best for them. How long have you been a Christian? What can you do today to grow more like Christ? Peter also teaches us the need to... “LIVE THE LIFE!” May we lay aside anything that would keep us from feeding on the Word of God and would keep us from growing in His Grace and knowledge!  May we continue to eat the “Real” food of His Holy Word and to Grow and strengthen as we face the challenges of our present day! Remember, sometime we have no appetite (for God’s Word) because we have been eating junk food (something other than the Word). May we lay aside the attitudes and behaviors that would hinder our appetite, for the Word and spiritual growth and for the responsibility to serve Him and to edify Him!  What God does with you, depends upon what you do!  It Always has; It Always will!! Be sure, be productive and continue to share the Love of God with others!  To God Be the Glory!  Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!