Calendar

ADD AND ABOUND!
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
2 Peter 1:5-8
Philippians 4:8
 
“If there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things.”
 
ADD AND ABOUND!
 
True faith is dynamic. It is full of spiritual actions, growth and productivity. We are challenged in today’s text to be what we are meant to be as believers.
 
The faith, which God’s grace has created in us (Eph 2:8), has opened before us an immense opportunity to flourish in the exercise of spiritual virtues. We must not be negligent of this great possibility to “be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Pet 1:4). We are challenged to give “all diligence” to excel in our spiritual progress. This is a call for immediate effort to progress. No more procrastination, hesitation or delaying.
 
There are two verbs in our text that are of special significance. They are “add” (2 Pet 1:5), and “abound” (2 Pet 1:8). The Greek word for “add” literally means “bringing in alongside.” In other words, we must make sure that the spiritual qualities mentioned in this passage are brought into our life attitude and actions. We must be active in making these attributes our nature. The Greek word for “abound” means “to bring forth in abundance.” The form and meaning of the verb call us to continual commitment to spiritual progress. We must get better with each passing moment. If we do not progress, we regress. So we must strive for better spiritual habits and virtues.
 
Peter particularly mentioned seven spiritual qualities that we should be diligent to add to our faith. In the list of seven spiritual qualities, the first is “virtue.” It is moral excellence. The second is “knowledge,” the practical knowledge for spiritual living. The third is “temperance,” which denotes self-control. The fourth is “patience,” that is perseverance, bearing all the difficulties to make progress. The fifth is “godliness,” to have all our thoughts, desires, and actions directed to the glory of God. The sixth is “brotherly kindness,” a warm, affectionate, and caring attitude to fellow members of the church. Ultimately, “charity,” which is willing to sacrifice one’s own comfort and safety for the sake of others.
 
THOUGHT: I must strive for spiritual excellence.
PRAYER: Father, “more like the Master, I would ever be.”

Search