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Make Every Effort & Add to my Faith
Rod Shimabukuro2 Peter1:5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
8For 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. 9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
Verses 3-4 speak of Christians possessing Jesus’ divine nature through HIs divine power. We have promises of God, escaping the corruption of sin caused by evil desires. Peter then instructs us of the part we play in being effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus. This is not acquiring a “smartness” or head knowledge of Jesus - but the context implies a living, active understanding in relationship with our Lord Jesus. “Lord Jesus” is important because in order to live out verses 5-9, Jesus being Lord of our hearts and lives is necessary. Jesus cannot be just a Sunday relationship or by product of religious affections.
“Make every effort” ( V.5) is phrase that stands out to me. While the work of salvation has been settled in and through Jesus, the walk of salvation continues. Peter directs me to “possess these qualities in increasing measure.” Spiritual growth and maturity requires my willingness and obedience to “make every effort!”
My effort are deterred by my selfish living and thinking. I’m warned in my heart and spirit to be very watchful and careful to avoid encounters with sin - adding to my faith - self control & perseverance.
These 2 qualities stand out to me - these I must make every effort to add to my faith.
Again Lord…thank you for Your Spirit, opening my heart and eyes and mind, giving me discernment to grow in understanding Your Holy Word! I’m so grateful to know You! For Your character of goodness, perseverance and love…for me. I love You Lord! I do… I really love You!
