2 Peter 1:5-11 – “…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
Some of you may read that; you may think about that list and think to yourself – “Wow, many of those are out-of-reach for me. Critical to taking all of this in is a needed reminder that we don’t develop these attributes by our strength and determination – this isn’t a self-help or self-growth project.
• Most of these qualities are found in Galatians 5:22-23 and are called the “fruit of the Spirit.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 says this transformation comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
• John 15:5, Jesus said that apart from him, we can do absolutely nothing! But, if as branches, we “remain in him” who is the true vine, “we will bear much fruit.”
• 2 Peter 1:3, says: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…” We serve a God who holds nothing back – but gives us everything we need to grow.
Let’s focus on the benefits and blessings that come from possessing these qualities.
2 Peter 1:8-11(NIV): For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
BENEFITS AND BLESSINGS
10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1. You’ll be A____________ & B______________. (vs. 8) “if you possess these qualities in increasing measure.” We don’t arrive in this lifetime at a place of being a fully, and finally formed follower of Christ – we’re always on a journey of growth.
Do you want to keep from being “ineffective” and “unproductive?” It has more to do with who you are C________________ than what you are doing by some strategy that you might employ.
The word translated “ineffective,” in verse 8, could be translated as “idle” or “barren.”
The word translated “unproductive” can literally, and is in other versions, translated “unfruitful.”
A Christian who isn’t growing in these attributes is like a fruit tree that isn’t healthy; that doesn’t do what it’s created to do, namely bear good fruit.
He didn’t just save us from something; he saved us for something.
It’s like being “nearsighted” or “shortsighted.” It’s easy to forget what God has done for us and to fail to give Him glory and to pursue His will for our lives.
Peter says, to state it positively if you want to be effective and productive in your Christian life – keep growing. Keep possessing these qualities in increasing measure. Keep growing in Christlikeness.
2. You’ll have D__________________. (vs. 10) “if you do these things, you will never stumble.” A growing Christian walks with confidence and clarity, and they know where they are going.
They can handle what comes because they can see clearly, and their better equipped for what life brings.
3. You’ll have E____________________. (vs. 11) “you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The best way to keep from falling off the path and losing our way is to keep growing, to keep increasing in these Christ-like qualities.
Isn’t that an exciting thought?
Be encouraged – be blessed – and keep growing! The blessings and benefits are immeasurable!
