2 Peter 1:5-9
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 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.
"Add to", and "increasing measure" are two phrases that challenge us to grow intentionally in our faith. Our faith cannot be a passive one, for if it is Peter warns that our vision (the way we see the world and God) is hindered and we have taken for granted what Christ has done for us.
However if these actions are true of our lives then we will grow in our relationship with Christ. The specific actions we are to add to our faith is first of all moral goodness or purity (saying no to sin and yes to God). Then moral knowledge (desire for right living) and to this self control (the ability to master our desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites). Then to self control add patience (steadfastness, consistency). Then to these things godliness (reverence of God or respect for things of God) and then to this mutual affection (respect for God's people). Last but certainly not least is love which we know is what binds them all together from other writings of Peter and Paul.
These are to be increasing growing in my life and as a result I will be effective and will produce fruit in my life.
Father help me to grow in these areas of my life, but I need your strength, I need your power in order to grow. Give me the determination today to see and adding of these things in my life.
"Add to", and "increasing measure" are two phrases that challenge us to grow intentionally in our faith. Our faith cannot be a passive one, for if it is Peter warns that our vision (the way we see the world and God) is hindered and we have taken for granted what Christ has done for us.
However if these actions are true of our lives then we will grow in our relationship with Christ. The specific actions we are to add to our faith is first of all moral goodness or purity (saying no to sin and yes to God). Then moral knowledge (desire for right living) and to this self control (the ability to master our desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites). Then to self control add patience (steadfastness, consistency). Then to these things godliness (reverence of God or respect for things of God) and then to this mutual affection (respect for God's people). Last but certainly not least is love which we know is what binds them all together from other writings of Peter and Paul.
These are to be increasing growing in my life and as a result I will be effective and will produce fruit in my life.
Father help me to grow in these areas of my life, but I need your strength, I need your power in order to grow. Give me the determination today to see and adding of these things in my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment