​Immediately after saying that love doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness,
Paul wrote that it does rejoice in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). This
shouldn’t surprise us since our God is “a God of truth and without
injustice; righteous and upright is He” (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Paul himself exemplified the love that rejoices in the truth. Though
under house arrest in Rome, he continued proclaiming the gospel even
to his captors, and he knew other brethren were evangelizing also.
Some had corrupt motives, but “whether in pretense or in truth, Christ
is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (Philippians
1:18). Christ’s gospel is truth, and Paul rejoiced in it being preached.
John the apostle also rejoiced in the truth. He told the “elect lady,” “I
rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in
truth, as we received commandment from the Father” (2 John 4).
Along the same line he wrote to Gaius, “I rejoiced greatly when
brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk
in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in
the truth” (3 John 3- 4).
Christian parents rejoice when children in their earthly families walk
in the truth (i.e. obey the gospel and serve God faithfully). Let’s
rejoice when others we’ve led to Christ are walking in the truth or, for
that matter, any time we see anyone walking in the truth.
The ungodly “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).
That is, they hold it back, hindering it from advancing. We must
promote the truth vigorously and constantly, rejoicing in its progress.

This lesson emphasizes our need as a Christian to strive to grow and mature. Once we have obeyed the gospel and followed the five steps to die to ourselves and be reborn to live in Jesus, it is then our charge to obey God's Commands and strive to be the most Christ-like Christian that we can be. The commands to grow, the components of Christian growth and the methods of growth are discussed and viewed through the relevant scriptures. 

A. Scriptures to study

1. 2 Peter 3:18
2. 1 Peter 3:15
3. Luke 8:14-15
4. Colossians 1:9-10
5. Psalms 92:12-14
6. 2 Peter 1:5-8

​B. Questions to answer

1. What is your understanding of Christian Growth?
2. What are the key areas of Christian Growth?
3. How does one measure Christian Growth?
4. What role does goals and planning play?

C. Key takeaways from your study
Once saved, our main charge is to grow continuously as a Christian. 

D. Personal application​
Choose the most important key growth area and set a goal. Examples of key result areas are: giving, praying, volunteering, attendance, etc...