“Applying All Diligence!” 2 Peter 1:1-5

Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

1 Timothy 4:7 “But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.”

Spiritual growth is the theme behind 2 Peter Spiritual growth is the theme behind 2 Peter. Our text makes clear that we as Christians are to be active not passive…

Purpose: to better understand the role we must play in making these Christian graces a part of our life

I The Life of FIRST THINGS FIRST

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

I The Life of FIRST THINGS FIRST A. Diligence for Good Things

…You’ll recall the conversation between him and the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley. Scrooge was trying to justify his greediness by complementing Marley for his business success…

I The Life of FIRST THINGS FIRST A. Diligence for Good Things B. Diligence for the Best Things

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”

Luke 16:8 “…for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light.”

II The Life of PURPOSE- FUL LIVING A. Purposelessness is Prevalent

Ask “the man on the street” what their purpose in life is…

…something so prevalent it has been likened to driftwood…

II The Life of PURPOSE- FUL LIVING A. Purposelessness is Prevalent B. Purposefulness is Needed

The life of purposeful living must also be included in our applying all diligence…

III The Life of LOOKING BEYOND A. Realize the Brevity of This Life B. Realize the Immortality of the Soul C. Realize the Joys of Heaven

Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Revelation 21:4 “And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

2 Peter 3:13-14 “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.”

(motivational speaker) Mack Anderson explains what the 100-degree attitude is: “At 99 degrees Celsius water is hot. At 100 degrees it boils. With boiling water comes steam. With steam you can power a train. One extra degree makes all the difference in business and life…” Mack Anderson (motivational speaker)

Conclusion and Summary Jesus is the perfect example of applying all diligence to holy living. His was a life of first things first… His was a life of purposeful living… His was a life of looking ahead… Might we see if we apply all diligence in such manner these Christian graces will become an automatic part of our lives. Brethren and friend, let us be ever applying all diligence!