“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8).
TEXT — 2 Peter 1:5-11
Message
Today’s society advocates daily “value-added” and “add-ons”. It is believed that without value addition, the society will become unproductive. The absence of growth can lead to stagnation and a sense of purposelessness. Without spiritual growth, there will not be the ability to thrive and be productive. To remain in the same spot spiritually for long is an invitation to backsliding. Those who fail to progress will definitely regress.
Peter, the apostle, outlines a roadmap for spiritual growth and maturity. He starts by urging believers to complement their faith with virtue, knowledge, temperance (self-control), patience (perseverance), godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (love). Peter emphasises that faith is the foundation of Christian life. It is the starting point, the bedrock upon which everything else is built. Furthermore, the Apostle advises believers to ensure that the virtues are in them else, they become barren and unfruitful. In fact, those who lack the virtues are categorised as blind and forgetful of the work of grace done in them at salvation. Believers are then charged to “…give diligence to make [their] calling and election sure.” This implies that they make every effort to grow spiritually and live worthy of their calling because if they possess these qualities and grow in them, they will never stumble. The apostle will not forget to warn believers against complacency and forgetfulness.
There is no better time to exhort believers to grow than now. Circumstances around and personal challenges are encumbering and weighing down many believers. The rat race to get needs met is a major distraction from spiritual growth and maturity. Many believers are caught in the web of unbridled crave for riches and fame. Yet, amidst these daunting situations, there is a need to consistently warn believers of the dangers of stagnancy, complacency, negligence, and loss of focus.
Believers must extol Christian virtues, which are indispensable for their daily growth and maturity. These virtues not only ensure their steadfastness in the faith, but they also attract others into the fold of Christ and make them crave heaven.
Thought for the day
To glow in the spirit, you must grow in the spirit.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
2 comments
I must say that daily manner is indeed a special food for every believers who wants spiritual growth
I am blessed with this word of exhortation read in 2pet. 1:5-11, and I prayed 🙏 that the good Lord give me more grace to have and keep those virtues, and also continue to grow and glow in Christ Jesus.
I must say that daily manner is indeed a special food for every believers who wants spiritual growth
I am blessed with this word of exhortation read in 2pet. 1:5-11, and I prayed 🙏 that the good Lord give me more grace to have and keep those virtues, and also continue to grow and glow in Christ Jesus.