How can we ensure these qualities are "increasing" in our lives today? The Qualities Peter Names - Faith - Virtue (moral excellence) - Knowledge - Self-control - Perseverance - Godliness - Brotherly affection - Love God’s Provision: Starting Point for Growth - “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3) - He has “granted us His precious and magnificent promises.” (2 Peter 1:4) - Confidence rests on what God has already supplied, not on self-effort alone. Abiding in Christ: Ongoing Connection - “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you… apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) - Stay in personal communion through: • Consistent Scripture intake • Unhurried prayer and worship • Immediate obedience to revealed truth Add Diligence: Intentional Practices (“Make every effort” — 2 Peter 1:5) - Daily Bible reading and meditation (Psalm 1:2-3) - Memorizing Scripture to renew the mind (Psalm 119:11) - Scheduled times of fasting to strengthen self-control (Matthew 6:16-18) - Acts of service that cultivate brotherly affection (Galatians 5:13) - Regular corporate worship for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25) Walk by the Spirit: Power for Transformation - “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) - The Spirit produces fruit matching Peter’s list — “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) - Dependence replaces mere willpower. Guard the Heart: Removing Hindrances - Quick confession of sin (1 John 1:9) - Discernment against false teaching (Colossians 2:8) - Refusal of bitterness and unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32) - Wise stewardship of time and media to avoid spiritual numbness (Ephesians 5:15-16) Lean on the Body: Growth in Community - Mutual exhortation keeps diligence alive (Hebrews 3:13) - Accountability relationships spur perseverance (Proverbs 27:17) - Spiritual gifts of others supply what one lacks (1 Corinthians 12:7) Fix the Eyes on the Goal - “For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8) - Anticipate “a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:11) Practical Next Steps This Week - Identify one quality needing focused attention; pair it with a specific practice. - Set a short, measurable goal (e.g., memorize 2 Peter 1:5-8). - Share that goal with a trusted believer for prayer and accountability. - Review progress after seven days, thanking God for every sign of growth. |
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