The Pursuit of Christian Character “The Duty of Believers”

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 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.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

“But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:9-11 NIV

The Duty of Believers We must make every effort Diligence is essential! – 2 Peter 1:5; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 How to get started – Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:24-25

The Duty of Believers We must increase in measure Not just “attain” these qualities but increase in them – 2 Peter 1:8; 1 Peter 2:1-3 And increase in them in a way that is measurable –Ephesians 4:25-32; Colossians 3:1-17

The Duty of Believers We must be all the more eager This is a choice, not a feeling! – 2 Peter 1:10; Romans 12:11 We must make this our highest priority in life! – Matthew 6:33

“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. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” 2 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

The Reason It’s So Important It keeps us from being ineffective and unproductive There are lots of reasons why Christians are ineffective (ignorance, laziness, distractions) – 2 Peter 1:8; Luke 8:11-15 Growing as a Christian and bearing fruit is the proof of our conversion – John 15:1-8; 1 John 2:3-6

The Reason It’s So Important Because failure to grow is spiritual blindness Anyone who thinks being ineffective and unproductive is “ok”, is deceived! – 2 Peter 1:9; James 1:22-25 They are “nearsighted” focusing only on temporal things – 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Colossians 3:1-4 They have “forgotten that they have been cleansed” – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Romans 6:3-14; Hebrews 6:4-6

“For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 1:10 NIV

The Assurance Promised We will never fall If we take this approach we can have great assurance! – 2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 5:13 But the opposite is true also! – Luke 8:11-15; Galatians 5:16-17

The Assurance Promised We’ll receive a rich welcome into the Eternal Kingdom Jesus will welcome us with those beautiful words, “well done, good and faithful servant . . .” – Matthew 25:21, 34 It will be well worth every bit of the effort we put into it! – Romans 8:18

“Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever.” 2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV