God has given us promises that enable us to share in His divine nature and escape the corruption of the world, but Peter gives believers a direct challenge: we must grow. In I Am the Way Pt. 5, Pastor Kevin Hope examines what intentional spiritual growth looks like, what happens when we fail to grow, and the incredible blessing that comes from becoming spiritually mature.

Growing in Christ affects more than what we believe. It changes our character, our self-control, our response to trials, the way we handle our emotions, and even the way we speak about other people. Instead of allowing emotions to hijack our words and actions, Scripture teaches us to develop self-control, endure difficulties, pursue godliness, and deal with conflict in a biblical way.

📌 2 Peter 1:5–11 — Make every effort to grow in moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
📌 Proverbs 25:28 & 16:32 — Self-control means learning to rule your own spirit rather than allowing emotions to control you.
📌 Romans 5:3–4 & James 1:3 — Trials develop endurance and produce greater spiritual maturity.
📌 1 Timothy 4 & 1 Corinthians 9:27 — Train yourself toward godliness and practice spiritual discipline.
📌 Romans 12:14, 17–20 — Don’t retaliate or repay evil for evil. Leave vengeance to God and overcome evil with good.
📌 1 Peter 3:10 — Spiritual maturity includes controlling what comes out of our mouths.
📌 Proverbs 16:28, 18:8 & 20:19 — Gossip and rumors damage relationships, betray confidence, and create division.
📌 Proverbs 25:18 & 17:4 — Slander and false words can seriously damage another person's reputation.
📌 Leviticus 19:17 — Don’t secretly nurse hatred against someone. Deal with the issue.
📌 Matthew 18:15–17 — When another believer sins against you, Jesus teaches us to go directly to that person.
📌 Titus 3:10–11 — Scripture warns against continually divisive behavior.

Spiritual maturity is intentional. Train yourself. Control your emotions. Guard your mouth. Handle conflict biblically. And keep growing into the character of Christ.

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