This week we have been exposed to evil in the world that boggles the mind!
We know it is there, but it has become so blatant! It behooves each Believer to be steadfast in Christ; to let Him have full sway in our lives so that we are those lights in the world that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 5:14-16.

God tells us in His word,
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17

As God's children, we are to keep on growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ to spiritual maturity.

The heading in "The Open Bible, NKJV" of 2 Peter 1:3-14 is 'Growth in Christ'.  You will all recognize verses 5-7.
"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, Vs. 5 To knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, Vs. 6 To godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." Vs. 7

And what is the result?
"For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Looking at each of these virtues (along with many others) we see that it is really putting on Christ as the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 13:14 "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."
And in Galatians 3:27 Paul says it this way, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Concerning spiritual maturity Scripture tells us it is secured-- By putting away childish things:
Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 13:11 (as mature Believers we do too), "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

By cultivating understanding:
"Brethren, do not be children in understand; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature." 1 Corinthians 14:20

By striving after God's plan for us in Christ:
"Till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13

By partaking of the deeper truths of the gospel:
"But solid food belongs to those who are of full age (mature), that is, those who by reason of use (practice) have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:14 (Margin notes.)

By overcoming temptation as we see in 1 John 2:14b:
"...I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you. And you have overcome the wicked one."

I close with Peter's admonition to us as we continue on to completeness in Christ Jesus our Lord, "Therefore, brethren be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble." 2 Peter 1:10

Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit who dwells in each Believer; who leads us into all truth. Thank you for the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. We love and adore you most Holy and Mighty God! Amen