How can we ensure we "do not stumble" in our spiritual walk? Opening Scripture “Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble.” — 2 Peter 1:10 What “Stumble” Means Here • To trip spiritually—falling into sin, error, or discouragement • To lose momentum in growth or become ineffective (cf. v. 8) • Not a loss of salvation for the true believer, but loss of fruitfulness, witness, and joy God’s Provision to Keep Us Steady • The finished work of Christ secures our position (Jude 24) • The indwelling Spirit guides and empowers (Galatians 5:16) • Scripture lights the path so we can see hazards ahead (Psalm 119:105) Our Part: “Practice These Things” (2 Peter 1:5-7) Peter lists eight qualities that, when cultivated, lock our footing: 1. Faith – active reliance on Christ’s sufficiency 2. Virtue – moral excellence that resists compromise 3. Knowledge – continual intake of God’s Word to shape convictions 4. Self-control – Spirit-enabled discipline over desires 5. Perseverance – endurance when trials press 6. Godliness – a God-centered attitude in every sphere 7. Brotherly affection – warm loyalty to fellow believers 8. Love – self-giving commitment that mirrors Christ Practical Ways to Strengthen Each Quality • Schedule daily, unhurried Bible reading; let truth correct and stabilize you (Psalm 37:31) • Memorize key verses that address personal weak points (Psalm 119:11) • Fast periodically to train self-control and heighten dependence on the Spirit • Keep a gratitude journal to cultivate perseverance and godliness through hard seasons • Serve in the local church; brotherly affection and love grow in shared labor (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Seek a trusted mentor for honest accountability (Proverbs 27:17) Watch Out for Common Trip Hazards • Spiritual pride — “If you think you are standing firm, be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12) • Neglecting fellowship — isolation dulls discernment and resolve • Moral compromise — small allowances can snowball into major falls (James 1:14-15) • Bitterness — harbored grievances defile and destabilize (Hebrews 12:15) Promises That Anchor Confidence • “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” (Psalm 119:165) • “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD… though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24) • “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless…” (Jude 24) Takeaway God guarantees the power; we supply the diligence. By actively cultivating the virtues Peter names, staying alert to hazards, and leaning on the Spirit and the Word, we place ourselves on solid ground where, by God’s promise, we “will never stumble.” |
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