Growth in Holiness

1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 2 Peter 1:3-8; Ephesians 4:13-16

by David Woods

Read "Introduction"

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Discussion: Why did the Corinthians fail to grow spiritually?

Discussion: Can a person grow out of carnality? Why not?
(No. The carnal nature is a sinful corruption - an inherited depravity - in our nature. It must be removed. A young boy diagnosed with some deadly disease will not grow out of the disease. Rather, if he is not cured, he will die of the disease.)

Discussion: Can a Christian live victoriously long-term while having a nature corrupted by carnality?
(Practically, it is virtually impossible because the carnal nature is one's Self attempting to wrest control from the Holy Spirit.)

Carnal Christians can only experience stunted growth, in comparison to Christians whose nature is cleansed of carnality. If the carnality is not taken care of, the Christian tends to backslide.

The symptom of the problem the Corinthians had was a lack of growth. The cause of the symptom (no growth) was the carnal nature.

Our lesson is titled "Growth in Holiness" (note emphasis). We do not grow into an entirely sanctified experience. Rather, entire sanctification enables us to grow in holiness.

Read 2 Peter 1:3-8

Discussion: What is the promise we have for spiritual growth in these verses?

Discussion: Do Christians have any excuse for not growing spiritually?

Discussion: Why are we given these promises?

Discussion: Can you focus on any one of the spiritual qualities that we are to add to our faith and forget about the rest?

Reflection: As you consider this spiritual qualities, which one do you feel the need most for growth?

Read Ephesians 4:13-16

Discussion: What is "the unity of the faith"?

Discussion: Christians have been divided by so many different things. Can we truly experience unity? How? Why?

Discussion: The Christian knows the Son of God. So, what is the knowledge of the Son of God that Paul desires Christians come to possess?

Discussion: Last week's lesson was about Christian perfection. Do you think Paul's desire is that we become absolutely perfect or that we have absolutely perfect motives and desires?

Discussion: What does it mean for us to reach "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ?" Consider the implications of this statement?

Discussion: We individually bear responsibility to grow spiritually. However, Paul talks about spiritual growth in these verses in relation to the whole Church. Why? What are the implications of growth as a group as opposed to growth as an individual?

Big Idea: "The development of holy character is a daily process." (Central Truth, p. 88)

Read "Point of Special Interest"