“Attitudes that Stunt Biblical Growth” 8/26/07

1 Peter 2:1-3

1 Peter Series- “Living for the Glory of God in a Hostile World”

“and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us” Heb 12:1

These sins are opposite of love!

POINT 1- For us to grow as God demands we need to check our ATTITUDES

These destroy relationships… We are only to ones have circle firing squads.

A. In order to grow we must be willing to take off the clothes of SIN

(1 Peter 2:1, Romans 13:12, Ephesians 4:22, 25, Colossians 3:8, ALL)

B. We must take off the attitude of MALICE (Ill-will, bitterness)

(Acts 8:22, Romans 1:29, 1 Cor 5:8, 14:20, Titus 3:3, Eph 4:31)

Do you rejoice when someone you don’t like fails? Intentionally hurts others

C. We must take off the attitude of DECEIPT (Insincerity, inauthentic)

(John 1:47, Mark 7:22, Romans 1:29, 2 Cor 12:16)

D. We must take off the attitude of HYPOCRISY (Pretenders/fakes)

(Galatians 2:11-16, Acts 5:1-10, 2 Sam 12:1-14) Truly Spiritual?

Who are you when no one is looking? How is your integrity?

E. We must take off the attitude of ENVY (Discontent, resentful, covetous)

(Romans 1:29, Galatians 5:21, 1 Tim 6:4, James 4:5, Phil 2:3, Rom 12:3)

Says, “If I can’t have it, then they can’t have it” (Material & Physical)

F. We must take off the attitude of all SLANDER (speaking against)

(2 Corinthians 12:20 ‘backbiting’ or evil speakings, James 4:11)

Some things are better left UNSAID…

Going God wants you to confess your attitudes that are preventing GROWTH

Deeper

“If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” 1 John 4:20 To love God is to forgive like He does (Mat 18:35)

POINT 2- For us to grow as God demands we need to be in the WORD

What are you feeding your mind and spiritual life?

A. We are like newborns, helpless to grow without the diet of God’s WORD

(Matthew 4:4, 1 Cor 3:2, Hebrews 5:11-12)

B. The reason we need the word is to GROW in our spiritual walk.

(John 17:17, Psalm 119:11, 105, Joshua 1:8, 2 Peter 1:3, Ephesians 1:3)

You can’t grow with the FALSE WORD! Matt 4, Satan is quoting Scripture!

Going God wants you to be feasting on the Word so He can finish His work.

Deeper

Have you tasted of the Lord and seen His grace and goodness? (Ps 34:8)