◄ What Does 2 Peter 1:8 Mean? ►

Peter knew that the Christian life begins with precious faith in the finished work of Christ and continues with maturing faith, as it is implemented day by day throughout our earthly walk. But he also knew that spiritual growth is not automatic, for we must grow and mature in grace and in a knowledge of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. And as we trust in the promises of God and depend on Him alone through all the eventualities of life, we may bear much fruit to the praise and glory of our Heavenly Father.

Peter knew that the spiritual qualities of godly living are all rooted and grounded in a life that is saturated with the Word of God, totally submitted to His will, and passionately in love with their God and Saviour Jesus Christ. And by His divine power we all have been generously equipped to grow and mature in grace, to live a godly life in Christ, and to increase in spiritually maturity.

The one that deeply desires to live as Christ commanded, will make every effort, in the power of the Spirit, to respond in faith to God's many precious promises by believing His Word, standing on His promises, and acting upon them. And as simple faith is exercised, it will become increasingly grounded in the Word of God and will be supplemented with a generous supply of godly qualities such as moral excellence, self-control, patient endurance, gracious godliness, brotherly affection, and love for all. The more we grow in this manner, the more productive and useful we become, and the greater will be our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we abide in Him to His praise and glory, and for His name's sake.

The advice we receive from the book Peter and the other apostles in the Bible should always be our first priority in life. We travel through this ungodly world as Christ's ambassadors and representatives of heaven, and God's will for each of our lives is that we become increasingly fruitful in the knowledge of Him Who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light, and that we share the good news of the gospel of grace with men and women who are dead in their sins and without God in the world.

Let us take to heart the clarion call to be fruitful in our earthly life and seek to walk in spirit and truth from this day forward. For if these godly qualities are ours and are increasing in our life, we will not be rendered useless but will bear much fruit, to the praise and glory of our Father in heaven.

Heavenly Father, I pray that You would increase in me a desire to know You more, to love You better, and to live my life as You have ordained. I pray that my life may be rooted and grounded in Christ, that I will be useful to You, and fruitful in all I say and do. I pray that You may be glorified in my life and that my life may remain hidden with Christ in God. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.