Leaders need to grow in the skill to challenge people to grow

Good leaders don’t only point the way, but inspire and challenge followers to grow further. And indeed, there is a real need to grow.

In this short video Dale Cilliers helps leaders to challenge others in their personal growth.

Scripture

2 Peter 3:10-18

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. ¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.  That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³ But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. ¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.¹⁵ Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.¹⁶ He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.  ¹⁷ Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Observations and reflection questions

Note: In this portion Peter exhorts and motivates persecuted believers to continue to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in light of his return and judgment.

1. How does Peter conclude this letter? What is his appeal? (verses 17-18)
2. Considering the context, why does he close this way? (note verses 11, 14, 17)
3. What do you understand when he writes “grow in… grace… of Jesus”? (verse 18)
4. What do you understand when he writes “grow in… knowledge… of Jesus”? (verse 18)

Personal reflection and application questions

1. “Ïn this world we will have trouble” Jesus said.
   1. Consider your own life. In what area do you need to grow to ensure that you do not fall into deception or into fail courage to remain faithful to Christ?  Pray about this.
   2. Now consider one person in your fellowship group or Bible study whom you know well – in what area do you need to grow to ensure that you do not fall into deception or into fail courage to remain faithful to Christ? Pray about this.  How will you challenge and encourage him or her to grow in Christ?