The lesson begins by recalling the growth parables of Jesus, including the sower, the wheat and tares, the mustard seed and the seed growing, and then asks what spiritual growth really is. It starts with regeneration, being born again to a living hope, and with God’s purpose that those He foreknew be conformed to the image of His Son. Pastors and teachers are given to equip the saints until all reach maturity and are no longer tossed about by every wind of doctrine.
Growth is growth in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. His divine power has granted everything needed for life and godliness, and believers are to add to their faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love. Putting off the old self and putting on the new, longing for the pure milk of the word, and heeding wisdom’s call are set against the danger of refusing to grow up.