How can we ensure we are part of God's "chosen" in our daily lives? Setting the Foundation: God’s Sovereign Choice • “For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His presence.” (Ephesians 1:4) • Scripture repeatedly calls believers “chosen” (John 15:16; Colossians 3:12). This is God’s gracious initiative—never human achievement. • Assurance flows from receiving, resting in, and responding to that grace. The Call to Confirm Our Election: 2 Peter 1:10 “Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble.” • Peter does not cast doubt on God’s choice; he shows how believers display its reality. • “These things” refers to the virtues in vv. 5–7: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. Practical Ways to “Make It Sure” 1. Cultivate Saving Faith • Trust Christ’s finished work daily (Romans 10:9–10). • Reject any hope in self-righteousness; cling to the cross alone (Galatians 2:20). 2. Add Virtue upon Virtue (2 Peter 1:5–7) • Deliberately pursue moral excellence. • Feed your mind with Scripture for growing knowledge (Psalm 1:2). • Exercise self-control—especially in speech, appetites, and media. • Persevere when trials come, remembering God’s purpose (James 1:2–4). • Walk in godliness—living consciously before God’s face. • Show brotherly affection within the body of Christ. • Let agapē love overflow to neighbors and enemies alike (Luke 6:27). 3. Stay Anchored in Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Daily reading, memorizing, and meditating guard from error and strengthen assurance. 4. Abide in Prayerful Dependence • “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Gratitude and requests flow from relationship, not ritual. 5. Submit to the Spirit’s Leading • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Sensitivity to conviction and readiness to obey display genuine conversion. 6. Engage in Christ-Centered Fellowship • Corporate worship, mutual encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • The chosen love the family God has chosen (1 John 3:14). 7. Serve with Humble Stewardship • Use gifts for the common good (1 Peter 4:10). • Acts of mercy and witness underline the reality of new birth (Matthew 5:16). Guardrails Against Self-Deception • Fruitless profession exposes dead faith (James 2:14-17). • Habitual, unrepentant sin contradicts election (1 John 3:6-10). • Ongoing conviction, confession, and growth mark genuine believers. Summary: Living Confidently as the Chosen Because God has graciously chosen His people, believers respond with faith, obedience, and Spirit-empowered growth. As these virtues flourish, assurance deepens. By trusting Christ, practicing Peter’s list, saturating life with Scripture and prayer, and persevering in fellowship and service, you live each day as one of God’s chosen, “never stumbling,” but pressing steadily toward the kingdom “richly provided” for you (2 Peter 1:11). |
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