Add These Qualities to Your Faith as We Strive to Live in Holiness

SUNDAY SERVICE 

26th May, 2024

Speaker: Pst.Isaac Ezra Adams

Topic: Add These Qualities to Your Faith as We Strive to Live in Holiness

Text: 2 Peter 1:5-15

Introduction

In the intricate design of our lives, God has established laws that govern both the universe and the affairs of humanity. One of these immutable laws is the principle of sowing and reaping. We see this vividly illustrated in the story of Jacob, who, in his old age, gathered his children from Reuben to Benjamin, blessing and cursing each according to their deeds. Their actions throughout their lives determined the blessings or curses they received. This principle underscores the importance of our actions and the inevitable consequences they bring.

Verses 5-7: Building on Faith

2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages believers to add to their faith a series of virtues: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Each of these qualities builds upon the foundation of faith, creating a robust framework for a holy life.

* Goodness: Reflecting the moral excellence and virtue that God desires.

* Knowledge: Growing in understanding of God’s word and His will.

* Self-control: Mastering one's desires and impulses in alignment with God’s commands.

* Perseverance: Remaining steadfast and patient in the face of trials.

* Godliness: Living a life that honors and reflects God’s character.

* Mutual affection: Caring for fellow believers with brotherly love.

* Love: Exhibiting selfless, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s love for us

Verses 8-15: The Fruit of Virtuous Living

Verses 8-15 emphasize the importance of these qualities in our lives. If these virtues are present and increasing, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. Conversely, lacking these qualities makes us spiritually blind and forgetful of our purification from past sins.

Peter stresses that believers should make every effort to confirm their calling and election by practicing these virtues. Doing so ensures that they will never stumble and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In verse 15, Peter expresses his intent to continually remind the believers of these truths, knowing that his time is short. He wants them to recall these teachings after his departure, highlighting their critical importance in the Christian life.

Application and Reflection

This passage is one of the most crucial scriptures for our daily Christian walk. It outlines the practical steps we must take to live a life of holiness. We must act right to reap right. By diligently adding these qualities to our faith, we actively participate in God’s divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Conclusion 

As we strive to live in holiness, let us remember that our actions have lasting consequences. Just as Jacob’s children reaped the outcomes of their deeds, so will we. By embodying the virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7, we sow seeds of righteousness that yield a harvest of godliness, ensuring that our lives reflect the holiness to which God has called us.

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Pictures: MAM