In this message Brian offers a profound reflection on spiritual growth, particularly in the context of the church at Philadelphia in the book of Revelation as well as Peter's second epistle.

The focus is on the development of a believer's faith, moving from one level of spiritual maturity to the next, with the ultimate goal being Love—the selfless, divine love (agape) that surpasses brotherly love (phileo).

Key Themes:

1. Progressive Growth in Faith (2 Peter 1:5-7)
   • Peter, aware of his imminent death, lays out a pattern for spiritual growth that includes faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance (self-control), patience, godliness, brotherly kindness (phileo), and finally love (agape).
   • The development of faith leads to a virtuous life, which in turn leads to deeper understanding, self-control, and ultimately, love for others in a divine, selfless way.
2. Phileo vs. Agape
   • The Greek word phileo (brotherly love) is important in understanding the church at Philadelphia, which represents brotherly love.
   • However, as shown in the conversation between Jesus and Peter (John 21), Christ is constantly calling Peter—and all of us—beyond phileo to agape, which is the highest form of love.
   • In the dialogue, Jesus repeatedly asks Peter if he loves Him with agape (divine love), but Peter, after his denial of Christ, can only respond with phileo (human affection). Jesus meets Peter where he is, but ultimately, the call is always to agape.
3. Authenticity and Genuineness
   • In Revelation 3:7, Jesus describes Himself as "holy" and "true" (the Greek word alēthinos, meaning genuine). This speaks to God’s desire for authenticity in His followers—what we are on the inside should match how we present ourselves outwardly.
   • There is a call to lay aside appearances and to become childlike in our genuineness, as Jesus taught that only those who become like little children can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Message by Brian Troxel in 2018

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