Maybe you have asked yourself this question before. Once one has committed themselves to becoming a faithful follower of Jesus, now what? I am a born again, spirit filled christian, but what happens next?
Peter in his second letter inspires us to continually grow in our faith. We were not saved just become spectators of others success, but to walk a journey with Jesus inspiring others through our very own encounter with God. We were not called to find comfort, but to contribute. What are we supposed to contribute?
We know through Paul’s writings, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
But then we also know through James, Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17
Through our faith we are to bear fruit by applying works to our faith. Our works are not for salvation because salvation is through grace and grace alone. However, according to Peter’s teaching we have the ability to grow in our faith by being productive and effective in the very world we live in.
God has equipped us with everything that we need to be productive in our faith walk. Through knowing Jesus and being partakers in the divine power we are prepared to live a godly life.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2Peter 1:3
This means change for us, we are to learn to think and live different. This is a process, but Peter provides some actionable steps as valuable additions to our faith that are intentionally acquired.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
2Peter 1:5-7
As God’s people we are empowered but also carry the responsibility to learn how to grow in godly character and develop in our faith journey. We are consistently a work in progress learning every step along the way.
Peter then makes a bold statement in his letter, but rather adds perspective to the qualities he suggests we should add.
For 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.
2Peter 1:8
By taking considerable action and learning to apply these qualities to our everyday lives we can count on being effective and productive which means a fruitful faith walk. Paul often referred to this as “fruitful labor.”
In order for us to make a difference and an impact in this world, it first begins with us.
If we allow God to work in us, he can then make remarkable works through us.
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Adding tangible qualities to our faith requires effort, discipline and dedication.
By confirming our calling and election it is not in vain. Our works are seen by God and he is faithful to his promise. As we remain faithful and fruitful, one day we will receive the wonderful welcome into his eternal kingdom.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2Peter 1:10-11
iNspired 2 iNspire 