Monday, February 09, 2015

In our last visit we introduced what our part is in the process of growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is what Dr. Wuest says about 2nd Peter 1:5-11. “The divine nature is not an automatic self-propelling machine that will turn out a Christian life for the believer irrespective of what that believer does or the attitude he takes to the salvation which God has provided. The divine nature will always produce a change in the life of the sinner who receives the Lord Jesus as his Savior. But it works at its best efficiency when the believer cooperates with it in not only determining to live a life pleasing to God, but definitely stepping out in faith and living that life in dependence upon the new life which God has implanted in him. And this must not be a mere lackadaisical attempt at doing God’s will, but an intense effort, as shown by the word translated ‘diligence’” or as the NIV puts it, “make every effort.” The word translated “add” has in its etymology the idea of providing more than is demanded, to supply more than generously, to excel. In verse 8 it says, “If you possess these qualities in increasing measure you will not be ineffective or unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Understanding the nature of these qualities is important if you want to work at possessing them and seeing them develop in your life in increasing measure. Compare the qualities listed in 2nd Peter 1:5-15 with the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23 to better understand them.