This material appears courtesy of BiblePlace.
How to Read and Study the Bible
Growing Up Spiritually
2 Peter 1:1-12
Hebrews 6: 1-6
These scriptures make it quite clear that we are to be DILIGENT and to grow up unto perfection (EPHESIANS 4:11-16.) If we refuse to heed the call, there is a chance that we might find ourselves in a dangerous position.
First, let me put your mind at ease. If you are still seeking God and hungering after his word, you have not fallen away from God (HEBREWS 6:6.) It is highly unlikely that most Christians will reach this state. However, since the scriptures show that it is possible to fall away, we must address this area also.
Secondly, if you reach this state, I believe that you will know it because you will never have a desire to sincerely follow God or anything that is right. You would have to KNOWINGLY, VEHEMENTLY, AND WITH GREAT DETERMINATION DENY the Lord to reach this state. This is a more severe action than using God's name in vain or simply deciding to turn away from God. Now, if you stay turned away from God and continually deny him, there is a possibility of reaching this state. I hope you see that it will take great effort on your part to do this.
IN OTHER WORDS, AS LONG AS YOU ARE FOLLOWING GOD AND SERVING HIM, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT REACHING THIS STATE.
Now that we have dealt with the issue that normally troubles everyone (those six pivotal scriptures in Hebrews,) let us take a look at spiritual growth. If we grow spiritually, we will never have to really worry about reaching this state (2 PETER 1:10.)
Notice that the book of Peter is written to Christians (them that have obtained like precious faith through Jesus Christ.) Since we have escaped the world, we should give DILIGENCE to grow away from the world. It gives 8 specific steps that we should move through. Notice in the 9th verse, if we don't do those things, we will find ourselves in the same situation that we were trying to escape (blind, unfruitful, still living in our old sins.)
IF YOU ARE SEEKING A TRUE AND LASTING CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE, THESE ARE THE ONLY STEPS THAT WILL GET YOU THERE.
This material appears courtesy of BiblePlace.