Last Words - almost part 6

Last Words Part 6

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ

For if

Ok – a little technical stuff.  The word “if” is not in the Greek text.

This is important because in the Greek text there is no question of these qualities being in the men and women to whom Paul writes.  Read it without the “If.”

For these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The phrase  "are yours" (humin huparchonta) is a strong expression denoting that which actually exists as one's possession.

One more technical change.  The NIV translates it this way:

8 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.

Literally it would be:

8 For if you continually possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My point in getting technical is that these are not qualities you need to get – you have them by virtue of Christ Jesus and His Spirit.  These qualities are (and I’m stepping out here) the qualities with which man was created and which became corrupted in the fall.  Now in Christ the corruption of sin is removed and these qualities, long dormant and/or twisted, can be accessed and grown to His glory.

As a friend of mine says, “You got ‘em, work ‘em.”

“are increasing”

πλεονάζω, pleonázō [to increase, abound].  Fruit will result when the preceding qualities abound with fullness as the goal.

Practice – exercise.  Here’s a key.  “Use ‘em or lose ‘em.” Is not a bad way of putting it.  We HAVE these qualities and so now, with the Spirit of God, we need to use them.  It appears from the next phrase that the use of these qualities, their strengthening, broadening and focusing have an unavoidable result.

Peter is exhorting every saint to choose now to allow Him to express Himself through you. And it is a voluntary choice we must each make and make each day...many times during the day. God won't force us to deny ourselves and to set our mind on the things of the Spirit rather than the things of the flesh. We each must do that. But oh the rewards for letting the Spirit fill us and control us (Eph 5:18-note, Gal 5:16-note). The more we choose as His bondservants to allow Jesus to be the Lord and Master of every area of our life, the more these qualities will increase and superabound, bearing much fruit, fruit that remains for eternity. Why are we so stubborn, hard headed, rebellious and resistant to the Word and the Spirit when all God wants to do is pour forth blessing upon our life! JC

“they keep you from being”

“keep” = καθίστημι,  kathístēmi ;  to bring, make, cause (render).  The basic sense 'to set down.  'To make someone something. (KTD)

The exercise of these qualities “make us-not” . . . . or “they render you neither ineffective nor unfruitful.”

“ineffective or unfruitful”

Ineffective = ἀργός argós [idle]

Argós means:   a. 'indolent,' 'useless,' 'unemployed,' and b. 'incapable of action.  Without works that express faith and hence 'unserviceable'

Unfruitful = ἄκαρπος, ákarpos

This is the negative prefix “a” plus “karpos” –fruit.

Unfruitful, bearing no fruit (Jud_1:12 [cf. Mat_13:22; Mar_4:19; Tit_3:14; 2Pe_1:8]; Sept.: Jer_2:6). Unprofitable, producing bad fruit (1Co_14:14; Eph_5:11).

“in the (TRUE) knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Peter focuses our not being ineffective and/or unfruitful one the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In the Greek – and hence in the NASB we find the work “true” in reference to the knowledge of which Peter writes.  This is the word ἐπίγνωσις,  epígnōsis.

Recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement: —         (ac-)knowledge(-ing, - ment). AV (20) - knowledge 16, acknowledging 3, acknowledgement 1;   

I. precise and correct knowledge

A. Used in the NT of the knowledge of things ethical and divine.

When we, as believers, servants of the lord Jesus Christ actively and intentionally live out the righteousness He has purchased for us we will be neither idle nor unfruitful in our true knowledge of Him.

When we as humans actively and intentionally live out the laws of gravity we do not fool around on heights – we especially do not jump.

Here then is the point.  Many if not most of us have an obscured understanding of sin and salvation – not to mention sanctification.  We also have a fickle sense of the seriousness of sin and the purity of righteousness.  Because of this, though we know the Lord and Redeemer, our knowledge is not complete of as stable as it could be.

We – at one place or another in our hearts and minds – are tossed and thrown by the winds and waves.  It may be technically theological or it may be pathetically practical but we all struggle.

Peter want us to understand and be convicted by the fact that we have – restored, rediscovered, re-enlivened – however you wish to say it—qualities whose practice/exercise will make the truth of Christ clearer and clearer. 

Through the Word and the Holy Spirit we can practice these qualities as the practical means of strengthening and broadening not only our security in Christ but our service to Christ as well.

Next, the qualities --- but first a look at the, “Now for this very reason also . . . “ we read in verse 5.

Last Words – almost Part 5

Last Words – almost  Part 5  

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

If there is any clear description of the weak or struggling believer, this is it.  That they are a believer is not in dispute.  That they are weak in their faith because their inability to clearly live their redemption and the graciousness of God is the point.

There are several things that can result in this condition and I’ll run through a few of them here.

1.    A lack of appreciation of sin and its consequences. 

2.    This viewpoint will focus on the material consequences apart from or in lieu of the eternal consequences.  Many times I have heard the Gospel presented as an escape from sin and especially its material consequences.  Come to Jesus and you won’t need drugs and you won’t get busted.  Come to Jesus and you won’t be sexually promiscuous so you won’t face an unwanted pregnancy and perhaps an abortion. 

3.    There are two problems with this concept: 

First, coming to Jesus holds no assurance that we won’t do sinful things and hence face the consequences; and

Second, it is an example of the “good news to me,” as opposed to the Good News of Christ.” It is a completely self-serving approach which has nothing to do with God’s call to righteousness and His provision for our answering it.

4.    A response to the offer of happiness and fulfillment.

Again, this view is all about me, what I want and NOT, in God’s view, what I need.  Typically it is offered wholly disconnected from the righteous God of the Bible who is sovereign.  It’s an offer of a “Santa” not sanctification.

5.    A response out of calamity with a sole focus on the calamity.    

6.    The respondent finds themselves in a very tough circumstance and is offered “Jeeeeesus,” as an answer to that calamity.  It’s Jesus the Lifeguard, not Jesus the savior that is in view here

7.    A lack of understanding grace and forgiveness in light of our battle against the flesh.

8.    Perhaps the individual has committed some sin and has suffered bearing that knowledge to the point that it has infected their whole life.

This sin looms larger than even the grace of God.

They don’t “feel” forgiven.

This sin has been such an integral part of their lives that underneath it all they are afraid to live without the guilt and shame.

9.    A resentment or anger.

They have been violated, injured, abused and this has defined their lives to the point where it consumes their thoughts and feelings.

They are so used to being the “victim” that the idea of being victorious makes no sense or, in some cases, is terrifying.

These are just some of the issues that fill our lives with smoke and make it hard to clearly see the Gospel in all its glory.  And if we can't see it clearly, we can’t live it well.

These folks cannot follow the admonition from Hebrews below:

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,   (Heb 6:1) ESV

Why?  Because they have never had the elementary doctrine of Christ clearly and correctly presented.  When the Spirit touched them they came and, though the Spirit lives in them, so do the lies of the world, the flesh and the devil.  These lies cloud, obscure and even hide the truth from these believers and so they struggle in uncertainty and a sense of hopelessness.

Saved they are – but they are miserable in that salvation.

Our faith is a relational faith.  God chooses us, Christ calls us and the Spirit seals us and dwells within us.  You cannot get more relational than that.  BUT, if I cannot get to the point where understanding my utter unworthiness to be saved I surrender to the gracious fact I am saved, I will be the most miserable of believers.

TRUTH

Eph_2:3  among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Eph_2:13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Col_1:21  And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,

Col_3:7  In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.

Tit_3:3  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

What do you read here?  Let me show you the important part - - -

Eph_2:3  among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Eph_2:13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Col_1:21  And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,

Col_3:7  In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.

Tit_3:3  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

Get the point???

remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

BUT

now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility (Eph 2:12-14)ESV

As we move forward let me say that there are many who struggle because the gospel they heard was “another gospel,” and not the Gospel of the Christ.  It may have had truth(s) in it – but – it was not the truth – it was and is a lie.

But the Spirit of God, more wise and able than the spirit of deceit uses all truth in God’s service.  These believers responded to the truth in what they heard but it was perhaps the last truth they heard.  They were and are little children still in need of the pure milk of the Word but offered a poor even poisonous alternative.

Last Words Part 4

Last Words – almost  Part 4  Uhhhhhh – More Ouch~!

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

“is so nearsighted that he is blind”

Lit.: is blind or short-sighted

Blind:  τυφλός,  tuphlós; to envelop with smoke, be unable to see clearly. Blind Figuratively in respect to the mind as being blind, ignorant, stupid, slow of understanding.

• The adjective typhlós denotes human and animal blindness. It then refers to objects without light or access (cf. blind alleys) and also to what is invisible or concealed.
•  In 2  Pet.  1:9 it is the unfruitful rather than the ignorant who are blind and shortsighted (cf. vv. 5-6). Rev.  3:17 complains that the Laodicean church thinks it is spiritually rich but is really blind. Only Christ (v. 18) can cure this blindness of self-deception and complacency. KTD

Nearsighted:  muōpázō;  muōpásō, from múōps, shortsighted, which is derived from múō , to shut, and ōps, the eyes. To shut the eyes, blink, to squint like one who cannot see clearly; hence by implication to be nearsighted. Used metaphorically in 2Pet. 1:9.

Some interpret this as saying that those referred to are so shortsighted they may as well be blind.  Other insert the word “or” in the verse differentiating between shortsightedness and completely blind.  I prefer the view that these folks are so shortsighted they may as well be blind.

There’s no big reason for my preference except that the overall indication is that these people are believers and as such I have a hard time considering them utterly blind.  They see but are unable to see clearly.

I am disgustingly short-sighted.  The greatest problem I have is in recognizing people when I am not wearing my glasses.  I’ve looked right at someone I know well and have not acknowledged them because although I could “see” them I could not distinguish them from anyone else at the same distance.  I have often used the phrase, “without my glasses, I’m blind.”  This, I believe, is what Peter is referring to.  It is a lack of clarity, the inability to make close distinctions, an inability to recognize things for what they are.

Ah, but it gets worse.

“having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins”

Forgotten:  “ληθη  λαβων”

• Ληθη, lḗthē:  from lanthánō , to forget. Forgetfulness, oblivion (2Pet. 1:9). This is the word from which "lethal" and "lethargy" are derived.
• Λαβων from λαμβάνω,  lambánō
•  From the basic sense 'to take,' lambánō acquires the active senses a. 'to take to oneself,' 'to receive,' 'to collect,' and b. 'to seize.'  It also takes on the more passive sense 'to acquire' and middle 'to hold or grasp something or someone.' KTD
•   Sometimes means to receive as merely a self-prompted action without necessarily signifying a favorable reception. In the NT, to actively take, and, partially in the passive sense, to receive.

The gist here is that they have not seized the fact and implications of their:

Purification (from their former sins): καθαρισμός,  katharismós; gen, to make clean.

It actually refers to the process of purification, the sacrifice of purification.

The purification of women (Luk_2:22; Sept.: Lev_14:32; Lev_15:13; see Lev. 12); ritual purification (Mar_1:44; Luk_5:14; Joh_2:6). The baptism both of John and the Lord Jesus is designated as katharismós in Joh_3:25, not that the ritual of physical baptism brought about spiritual results or spiritual purification, but only as a parallel in its results. As water cleanses the body in baptism, the grace it symbolizes cleanses the soul. Its designation as a "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mar_1:4; Luk_3:3; Act_2:38) means an identification with the forgiveness of sins. In Heb_1:3, the word denotes the objective removal of our sins by Jesus Christ (see Heb_9:22-23; Sept.: Exo_30:10; Job_7:21). In 2Pe_1:9, it refers to the actual purification accomplished in man, while in Heb_1:3 to the propitiation provided by the Lord Jesus.

•  katharós, katharízō, kathaírō, katharótēs.  The group denotes physical, religious, and moral cleanness or purity in such senses as clean, free from stains or shame, and free from adulteration.
•  The purity required of the NT community is moral and personal. It consists of a dedication to God that renews the inner being. Purity of heart - which is far above purity of hands - is what counts before God.
•  Hebrews opposes to the older ritual purity the superior moral purity of the new order (9:13). Cleansing is still needed (cf. 9:22), but only Christ's blood can achieve this with its cleansing from sin (1:3) and liberation from sinful impulses (9:14).

Now, here I see an interesting thing.  The blindness suffered is a blindness to their condition in Christ as well as their obligation in Christ.

We’ve seen Peter’s admonition to practice in order to make one’s election and calling sure.  Perhaps (and I hold this) the biggest problem in not practicing is that we are not sure in our election and calling.  In this state we suffer a lack of clarity – an inability to make sound distinctions.

Not only a lack of clarity, but we are constantly tormented with a lack of assurance of which the world, the flesh and the devil all take advantage.  We don’t know, we can’t say, so in fear we freeze in place, a stationary target.

We get caught in between our Rock and a hard place (the Flesh).  Our Rock says we are His forever.  Our flesh (along with the world and the devil) says otherwise.  We are sure one moment and then terrified the next.  We are confident one day and hiding the next.  We’re a lot like Israel in the wilderness wandering around between Egypt and the Land of the Promise.  Back and forth, back and forth………

But like Israel in the wilderness, God is with us and for us.  We are His by the Word of His promise and NOT by anything we have or have not done. 

Practice = living in the truth of our election and call.  If not perfectly, at least consistently as we are able. 

Like Israel in the wilderness, these “blind” folks have seen but they don’t see.  Their shoes never wear out and yet they doubt.  They are well fed yet they fear hunger.  They are well fed but are dissatisfied with their fare.  God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness and yet they don’t SEE it.

Of course you never know if the bridge will support you until you walk on it.  This is the purpose of practice.  As we practice (however poorly), we should remember it is all in His hands, under His control.  He isn’t up there with a stop watch or a tape measure.  He grades not on the curve but on the cross. 

Have you ever seen an adult throw a child into the air and catch them and then heard the child cry out, “Do it again, do it again!!?”  This is a great picture of how you and I need to work on trusting Him.  As we practice, we are (from our point of view) taking a risk, we’re walking by faith.  While we’re in the air it might be a little frightening – but – He has promised He will be there to catch us.

Now I’m not talking about some ill-considered action taken without prayer, study and counsel.  Yes, if you step of the roof of your house, God can catch you – but when did He tell you to step off your roof?  I am talking about practicing what Peter admonishes us to practice in the verses we’re coming to.

I can sympathize with the believer who feels overwhelmed as God calls them to a mission field or a new undertaking of any sort.  It’s a little (to say the least) intimidating.  But that is not what Peter is calling us to.  And yet, all too many forget they are utterly redeemed and hesitate to risk not getting it perfect.

Near-sighted so as to be blind having too much lethargy to grasp the truth of their Redemption and live it???

Next time  - - - -

Last Words - almost Part 3

Last Words – almost  Part 3  Uhhhhhh – Ouch~!

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

1.     Lacks:  μη παρεστιν  (mḗ parestin)

a.    Μή, mḗ; neg. particle. Not.

b.    Πάρειμι, pareimi: 

                                          i.    1) to be by, be at hand, to have arrived, to be present

                                         ii.    2) to be ready, in store, at command

 (2Pe1:9, meaning the person who has not these things).

This is a little tricky.  The main force is the idea that these things (qualities) are readily available for use.  They are there but of little use or effect.

This indicates a lack of – well – practice.  Again, practice does not make perfect but it does produce improvement, endurance, strength, etc.  The implication is that, at least to some degree, these qualities are present or at least available to the believer.  What he or she does about or with them (or does not) is the individual’s prerogative.

But harking back to the relationship of belief and obedience – we can see the problem.

Now I want to briefly  (Yeah, fat chance of briefly.) address the “lack” of these qualities in the life of the believer – or rather the condition where these qualities are not readily at hand or possibly not even apparent.

Too many of us were chosen and called in an environment where there was nothing after we walked the aisle.  We surrendered our lives to Christ’s call and were patted on the back and told, “Go live for Jesus.”  But no one ever told us what that looked like.  Somebody dropped the ball on the “teaching them to obey,” part of the Great Commission.  

So we were left to our own devices.  We read all the “popular” books about the faith and the Bible.  We went to all the popular conferences.  We went to revivals and missions and we did a lot of good things.  In the interval we suffered.  In temptation we struggled and fell.  In trials we were overwhelmed with doubts and fears.

Why?  Somebody dropped the ball!!!!  

Now, some will say that the individual should have disciple themselves – but ya know, that’s not really – well – biblical.

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,   (Eph 4:11-12)  ESV

That is biblical!!!

None of us answered His call in a vacuum devoid of any access to a mature believer.  Most of us answered His call right in the middle of the Body of Christ whether that was at church, camp, a revival, a conference or even a movie.  That was the “make disciples” part.  Where was the “teaching them to obey,” part????

Well, most of us ended up (some may still be there) in this condition, we were,

. . . children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.   (Eph 4:14)  ESV

Unfortunately, over time, we became elders or deacons or Sunday School teacher, even Pastors.  As we did, we brought the waves and winds with us.  And so we have a “church” today that bears little if any resemblance to that for which Christ died.  We have brought adultery into the body of Christ:

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (Jas 4:4) ESV

         For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we 

         proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you 

         received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, 

         you put up with it readily enough. (2Co 11:4) ESV

        Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, 

        so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.     

        They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, 

        they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become 

        plain that they all are not of us.  (1Jn 2:18-19) ESV

This is where the “lack” of these things has gotten us. 

Last words - almost Part 2

Last Words – almost  Part 2  Why we should . . . .

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

Ever have doubts?  Ever struggle with the security of your calling in Christ?  I do.

When the flesh bombards me with urges or the world seeks to seduce me and seems so powerful or when those “spiritual forces of darkness,” seem so overwhelming and I struggle, I have doubts.

When I look at the sinfulness of my sin.  When I am confronted by the fact that, “every intention of the thoughts of his (my)heart was only evil continually,”  (Gen 6:5) I doubt.

I wonder why He called me.  I wonder why He keeps me.  I wonder if I am, “good enough,” and finding that I am not, I doubt.

But there is a sure resolution to this, a heaven sent way to confront those times of doubt and press on.  A verse 10 and 11 of our passage provide that resolution.  The answer is:

PRACTICE

Ποιέω  poiéō; [to create, make, do, act],

(I)          To make, form, produce, bring about,  cause, spoken of any external act as manifested in the production of something tangible, corporeal, obvious to the senses, completed action.

(II)        Figuratively spoken of a state or condition, or of things intangible and incorporeal, and generally of such things as are produced by an inward act of the mind or will; to make, cause, bring about, occasion

What is this we are to do?  Verse five makes it clear, “make every effort to supplement your faith with . . . .”  We’ll deal with later (hopefully you’ve noticed we’re moving backwards through the passage).  But we are to practice the supplementing or adding of these qualities to or with our faith.

It has been said that we are saved by faith alone but that the faith that saves is not alone.  Unfortunately many have taken this as an opportunity to add qualifications and conditions to salvation.  But Peter presupposes his audience, you and me, have faith and are saved.  So, what’s this “adding” all about?  What does, ‘the faith that saves is not alone,” mean?

It really isn’t all that complicated or difficult.  I have faith that there is a thing called gravity – therefore I do not jump off of tall buildings.  I believe that there is a thing called friction and so when I want to stop my car I apply the brakes.

I believe that Jesus is the Messiah, rightfully my Lord and that He gave His life for my sins that I might have eternal life – THEREFORE I - - - - - - -

But, I don’t THEREFORE perfectly and I have accepted that for He has covered those failings as well.  Practice doesn’t make perfect but it does bring progress and that’s just the point.  As we make progress in our walk the Him, as we grow in the consistency and effectiveness of our obedience we will become more and more secure n our relationship to Him. 

Now – our relationship to Him – depends upon Him and Him alone – but our sense of it, our experience of it is, unfortunately, is powerfully affected by our attention to and in it.  I don’t have to prove my faith to Him or anyone else - I’m the one demanding proof and the proof is in the practice not the product.  The product is always and ever dependent upon Him>PERIOD!

But our sense of that wonderful intimate relationship, our grasp on belonging to Him – that comes as we practice and watch Him produce. 

Read an almost word for word translation of verse 10:

“be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you”

This is YOU making certain – you making you certain and NOT you making His calling and choosing certain. 

Through “practicing” what Peter has laid out for us we will grow more and more confident in our calling and choosing – and more confident of it.

Now I want to give a warning here about fruit.  Some of us are to grow figs some of us grow mushrooms.  Some fruit is evident to all and some fruit, not so much.  Sometimes we don’t even see the fruit of our practice for years – and years.  Some we won’t see until He reveals it.  But we have faith He can, will and does make good use of every effort undertaken for His glory.

Zodhiates’ The Complete Word Study New Testament he writes, “Poiéō (practice) may well refer to the doing once and for all, the producing and bringing forth something which, when produced, has an independent existence of its own.

There is an old Jewish tale of a Rabbi who was maligned by a man in his town.  The man later repented and went to the Rabbi so seek forgiveness and make amends:

The Rabbi told the man, "Take a feather pillow, cut it open, and scatter the feathers to the winds." The man thought this was a strange request, but it was a  simple enough task, and he did it gladly. When he returned to tell the Rabbi that he had done it, the Rabbi said, "Now, go and gather the feathers. Because you can no more make amends for the damage your words have done than you can recollect the feathers."

Huh?  Well, like those feathers, our practice is scattered to the winds.  Just as the evil words the man had spoken were gone, not to be seen, our practice, what it produces can be and often is just as elusive.  We may not see what our practice produces in the world but He does.

Our practice does however demonstrate to us and for us our faith.  Both the blessings and the tribulations that come with living for Him demonstrate the truth of His promises and His predictions.  Whether we receive thanks or curses for our practice, whether we do or don’t see the results of our practice, practice produces.

We are secure in Him- we will never be secure in us.  Until we are with Him, concerns and doubts will pop into our heads and hearts – that’s just the way we are.  But He never has any doubts!

Why PRACTICE -  Vs. 10,  “if you practice these qualities you will never fall.”

Fall?   = ptaíō;  as 'to stumble against,' 'to collide with,' or, in the more usual intransitive, 'to stumble,' 'to fall,' 'to suffer a reverse,' and figuratively  'to err,' 'to sin.'

Last Words - almost Part 1

Last words – almost

Part 1

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   (2Pe 1:5-14)  ESV

I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.   v.13&14

The context from which Peter writes is critical.  We have to “flash-bask” to that day on the shore and a conversation Jesus has with Peter.

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" (Joh 21:18-22)

There is a great deal going on between Peter and Jesus in this chapter of John.  It’s a pretty tough day for Peter.

Jesus shows Peter that at the end of his life he will not be free.  We think Peter was killed in Rome under Nero.  The “stories” tell us that he requested to be crucified upside down as he did not feel worthy of the same death that his Master suffered.  But we must keep in mind that “stories” are “stories.”  That Peter was martyred is not in debate.

The point I want us to see in this Part 1 of the series is Peter’s motivation for writing the preceding verses.  It’s quite simple really, “since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon.”  I’m not going to be alive for long.

Peter considers it “right,” to remind them of their duty as believers to never grow stagnant, to continue to be conformed to the likeness of Christ.  I won’t get into some long discussion on salvation.  Suffice it to be said that the presupposition I hold and I believe Peter held is well stated by D. Bonheoffer, “Only the believing obey, only the obedient believe”.

Not questioning the faith or willing obedience of his audience Peter wants so “stir,” his audience up.  He wants not only to awaken those who may be dozing but he desires to incite, excite, and stir up all those to whom he writes, which includes you and me.

To say these are Peter’s last words would surely be silly.  But to say that this is his last and lasting admonition would probably be safe.  His end is near – his concern is for the Body and all its parts.  If he has to condense his desire for them, his pray for them, his expectation of them, this is it.

Read the passage.  In it, through Peter, the Holy Spirit provides us with a clear and exacting list of qualities of those things necessary for our growth and effectiveness.  How can we not fall to our knees in both repentance and supplication?  Repenting our laziness and distraction from them and crying out to the Lord for both the conviction, will, energy and opportunity to do what is commanded here.

Peter says,

“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.”

And then writes,

“And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”  (2Pe 1:15)  ESV

I hope and pray you will consider following this series.  I pray that His Spirit will convict and energize you to diligently seek to follow Peter’s admonition which is also an imperative from the Lord.

The next two installments will address why we don’t and why we should.