How to grow as a follower of Jesus

Read 2 Peter 1.

The purpose of writing 1 Peter was to encourage those being persecuted because of their faith.  2 Peter was written to the same readers (3:1) to encourage them to keep growing in their faith.  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (3:18)

In the opening verses the Apostle, "being carried along by the Holy Spirit" (1:21), taught some basics about growing in that grace and knowledge.

1. The Promises of Grace. (vv.3-4)
It is usually a surprise for a new believer to discover that God has already supplied "all" or "everything" we will ever receive or need to live a godly life.  That includes the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  "For He gives us the Spirit without measure." (John 3:34).  The clear teaching of the Bible is that we do not need more of God; He wants more of us!

We stand on these "great and precious promises" that the Lord has made to us.

2. The Practice of Grace. (vv.5-7)
Since everything we need to spiritually grow has been supplied, our responsibility is to put these things into practice.  "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith..."  Here is a list of seven habits of eternally effective people.
-Step one is moral purity.  Without a personal commitment to rid one's life of all immoral behaviors the rest of this list will not result in life-change.
-Knowledge referred to here is the information of God's word.  Without reading, studying, and being taught the Scriptures we would never know how to live as a Christian.
-Self-control means to master "desires, passions, especially sensual appetites".  Without it knowledge can lead to tyranny.
-Steadfastness is not a type of perseverance often described as gritting the teeth and toughing it out.  The Greek word is literally "a calm delight, a cheerful hopeful endurance".  Only one who possesses hope in Christ beyond this life can exhibit such a behavior.
-Godliness, being pious, or living a life of piety is a good thing, according to the Bible.  Webster defines it as having respect and reverence for God.  This new life in Christ is to exhibit a consciousness of God's presence 24/7.
-Brotherly affection requires that believers treat each other as family.  We are to consistently demonstrate mutual concern and care for one another.
-Love that we learn from God is selfless, sacrificial, and acts in benevolent ways for other people.  This is particularly true when we loving act toward those who do not want it, perhaps do not deserve it, and could not return the favor.    Why?  Because that is how God treats us.  "But God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

3. The Product of Grace. (vv.8-11)
The results are stated negatively in the text.  If we will practice these things and keeping growing in the use of them, we will become useful and fruitful for God!  What is more astounding is the statement in v.10: "...if you practice these qualities you will never fall."