Overcomer - Keep adding!

2 Peter 1:3-11

3 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. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 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. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter agrees with Paul. Self-control is an essential quality of the Jesus centered life.  So here in this powerful passage he makes it very clear - we are to make every effort to add this to our spiritual repertoire.  But the really good news comes in the very first verse - God has given us all we need to make this godly life happen.  Go for it!

Reflect

Questions

Read this passage slowly thinking about the ways that God grows us up.  Practically speaking how to we add to our faith?

What is the payoff for adding perseverance and self-control to our lives? (vs.10-11) Is it worth it?

Prayer

Father in heaven thank you for giving me everything I need to grow up spiritually.   But I know I need to cooperate with you and not just become spiritually passive.  So walk with me today and every day as I put one foot in front of the other.. Amen

Memory Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22-23a

Share

Gather some family and friends together and read this passage. Then discuss this question:  

How can we help each other become more spiritually productive this week ? (vs 8) Pray for each other.

DFM Nation

Next Sunday we are celebrating the 135th Anniversary of Davison Free Methodist Church.  You are invited to join the party and bring a friend.