Steps of Christian Growth - US.pdf - Bible Baptist Church of Blarney

Solid Steps of Christian Growth – 2 Peter 1 Charity – Part 2
IV. Conclusion -
k. Charity is truthful (v. 6) even when it would be easier and more profitable to lie. Love rejoices in the
promotion of truth. Beware of anyone who doesn't love the preaching of the Word of God.
l. Charity doesn't collapse under stress (v. 7), even when you feel like everything is going wrong. Love
sustains and is tolerant, and puts up with other's who are difficult (Eph. 4:2-3; Col. 3:13).
m. Charity is trusting and not suspicious (v. 7). Love gives people the benefit of the doubt.
n. Charity never gives up hope (v. 7), even when a situation looks hopeless.
o. Charity doesn't quit (v. 7), even when you feel like quitting.
p. Charity finds a way to succeed (v. 8), even when you feel overwhelmed and doomed to fail.
3. In summary, Christian love - charity - has five qualities (1Cor 13:7,8a)
a. It bears up under any pressure - has great strength. Charity doesn’t collapse under stress (v. 7),
even when you feel like everything is going wrong. Love sustains and is tolerant, and puts up with
other’s who are difficult (Eph. 4:2-3; Col. 3:13).
b. It gives people the benefit of the doubt - has great grace. Charity is trusting and not suspicious (v.
7). Love gives people the benefit of the doubt.
c. It believes every promise of God - has great hope. Charity never gives up hope (v. 7), even when a
situation looks hopeless.
d. It outlasts every trial - has great patience. Charity doesn’t quit (v. 7), even when you feel like
quitting.
e. It works every time - never fails
4. Don’t you think we all need this thing added to all our lives?! Charity finds a way to succeed (v. 8), even
when you feel overwhelmed and doomed to fail.
A. The Meaning of Charity - Something quite unknown to the world. It is the by-product of being loved by God,
and lived in the life of Jesus Christ!
B. The Need for Charity – all of life’s problems are heart problems – end of story. If only we focused on this one
area of our life, and got it truly fixed, nothing would defeat us!
C. The Purpose of Charity - to be the bedrock, foundation of our lives in our relationship with God, and then in
relation to other people!
D. The Power of Charity. Charity produces 10 of the most outstanding characteristics that you can only find in a
relationship with Jesus!
1. It bears up under any pressure - has great strength
2. It gives people the benefit of the doubt - has great grace
3. It believes every promise of God - has great hope
4. It outlasts every trial - has great patience
5. It works every time - never fails
E. Next Week - How to Grow Charity in the Life of a Believer
© 2006 Craig Ledbetter, BBC Ireland Page 40 www.biblebc.com