Here is a recap of our message from this weekend...
Finishers: Check Your Character
This sermon launches a BRAND NEW SERIES called Finishers with a bold reminder that spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident, it requires intentionality. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:3–9, Pastor Jared challenges us to check our character, reminding us that hype may start the journey of faith, but it’s godly character that will help us finish strong.
Weekly Bible Study List
- 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him…”
- 2 Peter 1:5–7 (NIV) – “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge…”
- 2 Peter 1:8 (NIV) – “If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective…”
- 2 Peter 1:9 (NIV) – “But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind…”
- James 1:22 (NIV) – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
The Sunday Outline & Notes
Pastor Jared kicks off the Finishers series with a message titled “Check Your Character,” based on 2 Peter 1:3–9. This series dives deep into how we can become believers who finish what God started in our lives, focusing on sustained spiritual maturity over short-term emotional highs.
Just like a driver’s license test doesn’t make you a good driver, learning God’s Word isn’t the same as living it. True spiritual growth shows up in the pressure moments—when life is chaotic, stretched, and stormy.
God Has Already Supplied the Power
Peter reminds us that God has already given us everything we need for a godly life. We're not waiting for a better church or more worship nights. What we need most is to go deeper—to grow in character, not just popularity or performance.
Point 1: Spiritual Growth is Intentional
Growth doesn't happen by default, it happens by design. Peter urges the Church to “make every effort” to add to their faith. Just like scheduling priorities in our digital calendars, we must choose to show up if we want to grow.
Point 2: Spiritual Growth is Visible
True transformation is measurable. Peter outlines seven qualities to add to our faith: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These aren’t salvation requirements, they’re evidence of it.
Point 3: Spiritual Growth is Essential
Without growth, we risk losing our identity. Peter warns that neglecting growth leads to spiritual blindness. Complacency, not disbelief, is often the first step toward drifting from God.
From Sermon to Action
Pastor Jared ends the message with three clear steps:
- Inventory Your Character – Identify which of the 7 traits in 2 Peter 1 is weakest in your life, and take one step this week to strengthen it.
- Surrender Your Character Daily – Pray: “Lord, shape my character more than my comfort today.”
- Hold Your Character Accountable – Find someone to walk with you and ask the hard questions as you grow.
We already have everything we need to live a godly life, it’s time to step into it. We must choose to finish well, not just start strong. Spiritual maturity isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Worship Setlist - Guest Worship by Lindsey Kight
- Another Stone
- Believe for It
- Empty Words
Quotes Worth Reposting on Social Media
- “Growth isn’t proven in the classroom. It’s proven on the road.”
- “God has already given us everything we need. The question is...are we using it?”
- “Hype may start the journey of faith, but character will carry it to the finish line.”
- “It’s possible to have spiritual momentum and still lack spiritual maturity.”
- “Maturity is never born from what you receive, it’s born from what you give to God.”
- “God can work in you, but you’ve got to work God out of you and reflect him in your life.”
- “Your character isn’t revealed by how loud your faith is, it’s revealed by how consistent it is.”
- “You can’t grow in something you won’t name.”
- “If you don’t intentionally pursue Jesus, you will unintentionally settle for sin.”
- “This isn’t about working for salvation. It’s about walking in the reality of it.”
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