Written in May 2006 ·
I have found the secret to prevent me from falling into sin and have a successful Christian life!!
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2Pe 1:4)
Peter explains that we have a promise that if we “partake” or practice the verses below, we can avoid worldly lusts and be more Christ-like.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (2Pe 1:5)
We are to be persistent in our walk of faith, but specifically we should be adding to our faith, virtue (the practice of moral goodness) and knowledge (studying God’s Word);
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (2Pe 1:6)
We should also be adding temperance (moderation, no indulgence in natural appetites) and patience and godliness. Do we indulge in worldly pleasures? Are there areas in your life that need work? What about those TV shows that you watch that are all about sex? Do you watch them with your children? Shame, shame, shame. Are you impatient? We are most impatient with those we love the most, those in our own homes. Do you practice even harder to be patient with them? If not, you should. Are you practicing godliness? Today’s Christian has been hardened by the things of the world. Don’t measure yourself according to other Christians, but measure yourself to the Word of God. You cannot measure yourself if you don’t read the Word! Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psa 119:11) This does not necessarily mean to memorize – but to read the Word, absorb its meaning by meditating on the Word.
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. (2Pe 1:7)
Add to your life kindness to your fellow believers and love (agape love according to Strong’s – which is the love that we should have for God). If we treat others with the same love God has for us, we would never lie to them, steal from them, cheat on them, curse at them, or do any evil toward them.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Pe 1:8 )
Peter tells us that if we practice these things and abound (possess in great quantity) we won’t be barren (empty) in our knowledge of Christ nor will we be unfruitful for Him. The more we know the Word, the more we can produce for God. Are you doing anything for the Lord? Are you an active participant in your church? If sickness prevents you from being active, are you finding other ways to be a blessing? Are you conscious of souls dying every second and going to hell? Being IN the Word will make you soul conscious becaues Christ was soul conscious to the point of death.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. (2Pe 1:9)
But those that lack these things are blind and have limited knowledge of the gospel so they cannot “see” the complete Christian way of life through the Word. They are satisfied to be saved as new born babes and not eat any spiritual meat. Drinking only the pure milk of the Word is like a baby only drinking Mother’s milk his whole adolescent life. What kind of child will that produce? This will produce a weak one who won’t be able to fight off disease or be strong physically. The same with our spiritual bodies – no spiritual meat in our diet will produce a very weak Christian who won’t be able to fight off the devil’s attempts. Peter also says here that the Christian has also forgotten that we are cleansed from sin but there is a growing process in the Word which can keep us from sinning, only if we grow.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2Pe 1:10)
Peter encourages those reading that as they walk in the manner he just explained, they should be diligent in this process so that they can prove to themselves they are the elect – the saved. He goes on further to share that if we do those things, we shall not stumble and fall back into our old sinful nature. When you are in the Word and doing what God says in His Word, you are not worried about your position in Him because you have the calm assurance of your salvation. The opposite holds true as well – if you are not in the Word, there is no calm assurance but one wonders if they are truly saved. Good question!
Here is the cure for sin in our lives as Christians. Do we take the cure or are we too lazy to do so? Many of us have ailments, some life threatening. We have been prescribed medication to take to help us. Do we neglect that medication? Of course not as that would be a detriment to our bodies.
Why is the average Christian so quick to neglect his/her spiritual medication? Do we think that it will go unnoticed? I dare say that there are probably quite a few who are not really saved but are just going through the actions of religion. If they put their spirituality to the test by doing as Peter commands, they would quickly see they cannot and are trying to work their way to heaven.
But the true Christian will grow spiritually as he/she practices verses 4-10. One who practices these commands will not only grow but will also have the peace and assurance of their salvation. Many doubt their salvation because they are quenching the Holy Spirit of God and not allowing Him to teach them. Quench not the Spirit. (1Th 5:19)
Are you struggling in your spiritual life today? Paul exhorted the Philippians to work out their salvation.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phi 2:12)
He was not saying that they needed to work to BE saved. He was saying just as Peter was saying in today’s verses. When we practice (or work) at what the Word says, we become more as the Lord desires for us. More like Him.
May 8, 2006
Kate Plourde