PETER GIVES US AN INESCAPABLE TRUTH; WE MUST GROW WITH OUR KNOWLEDGE, OR WE WILL BE LED AWAY BY SATAN

1. Peter writes about how we are to face the end of the age apostacy, and rely upon God's grace
2. But how today can a church fill itself with healthy saints, serving the Lord with real grace?
3. We are so burdened with unresolved problems, trying to pretend we are happy- our efforts at service are spasmodic, and often come out as hollow mockeries of what we should be!

I.- BEWARE: LEST YE BE  LED AWAY II Pet. 3:17

Bible preachers have always warned of wages of sin,-but men have refused to use soap for dirt too.

1. False teachers were led astray by lust- and the World, Flesh, & the Devil are very much the same
2. The fleshpots of Phoenix expand weekly to welcome the weak-kneed Christians who stray away.
3. Moral restraints today are down- if you are going to stand true- it must be by your own desire

A.- IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO BE LED AWAY FROM THE SIMPLE FAITH - BY THE ERROR OF THE WORLD - v.17

B.- WE ALSO CAN BE LED AWAY BY OUR OWN FOOLISH ZEAL, WHEN IT REACHES THE WRONG DIRECTION FOR OUR GLORY

1. There are some fundamentalists who are so carping in their criticism- Pharisees - Dead right -dead
2. There are some modernist minded-liberal so wise in world-like Sadducees- completely dead at top
3. Then some seek personal ecstatic spiritual gifts- emotional highs- bouncing- but don't work

C.- AND WHEN A PERSON IS LED AWAY WHO HAS BEEN CLOSE TO THE LORD, THE FALL IS TERRIBLE

1. We weep that some ministers have fallen- Pride, Immorality, Dishonest gain, Become lazy, don't work
2. I assure you for every minister falling- there is a hundred backslidden laymen-miffed, or sinning
3. The basic tenants of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, responsibility, & steadfastness-needed

But being in church is like being on Safari with an experienced crew aware of dangers- helpful

II.- "BUT GROW ΙΝ GRACE" II Pet 3:18a

Grace means covering the long tramp across Africa in minutes- by fast, high, jet airplane!

A.- GRACE IS NOT ONLY GOD'S WAY OF SALVATION, BUT IT IS ALSO THE ONLY WAY OF CONTINUTED LIVING

1. By grace we are saved- Eph 2:8,9- and the only way we grow is by grace upon grace- John 1:16,17
2. It is God's grace that makes us acceptable in the beloved-Eph 1:6- most exclusive club in eternity
3. But we must be strong in that grace- II Tim 2:2- & it is all of God- mystery -resting in grace

B.- BUT GRACE, LIKE FAITH, MUST SHOW ITSELF OUTWARDLY THROUGH WORKS BEING SHOWN TO OTHERS.

1. The law of love- bear ye one another's burdens- to get grace- we must show grace - same as love
2. We need openness & honesty with each other- take off our masks- quit pretending you have no problems
3. You grow in grace by acknowledging your problems- & trusting in God's grace-

C.- OUR SERVICE FOR CHRIST MUST BE BASED IN HIS GRACE, AND IT MUST REACH OUT TO OTHERS

1. Jesus recommended that we wash each other's feet- may I suggest you check the temperature!
2. Ironside cautioned against using cold water of indifference or hot water of critical anger
3. How long since you have exercised your grace toward another Christian- carried their problem?

Some of us need a new lease on our life of faith- new grace shown means new grace received

III.- BUT GROW IN THE KNOWLEGE OF THE LORD 18b

Grace is God's great gift, but often Knowledge has to come through our own research & work

A.- WE NEED TO START WITH A FIRM KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AS PERSONAL SAVIOR!

1. Do you know Jesus- I John 5:13- whom to know aright is life eternal- Do you KNOW that you know?
2. It is one thing to know because of another's testimony- but John 4:42- know from hearing him yourself
3. Make your increasing knowledge of Jesus the driving force in your life- Phil 3:7-10-to know Him

B.- EVERY MEMBER OF THE CHURCH SHOULD SUPPLY THE CHURCH WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE & FAITH - & GROW

1. We need a reverence, respect, & honor for each other; to each as is their due- but all edifying
2. We need an exchange of Spiritual thought, and truth- in love & grace but strength and power
3. Fellowship just after church is sweet-but we need greater exchange - what have you to offer?

C.- BUT OUR KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS MUST BE A SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE NOT CARNAL IN PRIDE NOR PREJUDICE

1. Paul pled to know Christ & him crucified- I Cor 2:2- not after the flesh- II Cor 5:16-17
2. But we must strive for a knowledge of His will- Col 1:9,10 -and walk worthy- with all fruitfulness
3. What fruit have you born for the Lord? -knowledge is vanity unless it produces fruit!

Some day we will know as we are known- I Cor 13:22- but until then- hit the books- study!

MANY OF THE CHRISTIANS OF OUR AGE WILL FAIL- DON'T BLAME THE CHURCH WHEN SIN MAKES CHRISTIANS FALL

1. Salvation is offered to you- don't wait to find a perfect church before you are saved.
2. Knowledge takes conscious effort- what have you put into the pot? - we need teachers.
3. Grace can be shown by all- how long since you have born a burden for another friend-enemy?