RPG Adults
ADD TO YOUR FAITH
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
2 Peter 1:5-9
Psalm 119:57-64
“…I have believed
thy commandments.”
ADD TO YOUR FAITH
The basis of our entire relationship with God is faith. By faith in Jesus Christ, we are justified and have peace with God (Rom 5:1). Scripture challenges us to build upon our faith that which is of real spiritual value (James 2:18). We must do this with all diligence (2 Pet 1:5).
2 Peter 1:5-7 gives a list of qualities that must be part of every Christian life. Notable is the need for a knowledge of the Scripture. Without the lamp of God’s Word, the Christian cannot see through the maze of sin and entrapment which fill this world (Ps 119:105).
Temperance, that is self-control, is a basic characteristic of a Christ-like life. Self-control comes as we submit our own feelings and desires to the power and control of the Holy Spirit. It has been well said that Christians who lose their tempers also lose their testimonies.
Biblical patience means enduring in the face of turmoil and temptations. It is standing fast in the faith when others seem to fall by the way. The Scripture closely ties the Christian virtue of patience with that of suffering. Job is held up as a good example of patience, as were the prophets who faithfully spoke for the Lord (James 5:10-11). It is when we go through suffering for the Lord that our patience is built up and we learn to stand firm in the faith (Rom 5:3; James 1:3).
If these qualities are continually increasing in our lives, then we will have a proper Christian testimony (2 Pet 1:8). But if we are not growing in these things, we are living as if God had not saved us from sin (2 Pet 1:9). We must continually exhibit the truth that through faith in Christ we are dead to sin and alive unto God. We do this by refusing to allow sin to control us, and by exhibiting, in the power of the Holy Spirit, Christian qualities.
THOUGHT: Can I name five qualities that every Christian life must show?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for Thy assurance that Thou wilt teach me patience that I may stand firm.