7 Qualities That Insure A Productive Spiritual Life

Status
Not open for further replies.

Rob

Regular Member
Feb 25, 2002
112
1
66
Visit site
✟320.00
7 Qualities That Insure A Productive Spiritual Life

2 Peter 1:1-11
1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 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.4 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.5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.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.9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.10 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,11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


3 key truths about Faith

1. Faith is the means to a Personal Knowledge of God, a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. (v 1-2)

I am not talking about blind faith. Faith in God is faith in reality. It is faith in truth. Everyone needs to work that out for themselves. There are Historical reasons to believe in Jesus. If you study enough you will discover these historical truths. Its not enough, however. Mere belief in the Jesus story doesnt get the job done.

2. Our faith should impact the Way We Live in this world (v. 3-4)

God has provided everything we need for a life of Godliness. He brings about changes and releases us from bondage.

3. Our Faith should grow, and result in productive, effective spiritual lives. (v. 5-:cool:

How is it that Faith is supposed to grow?

7 Qualities we should diligently seek to add to our faith:

1. Goodness- virtue, or moral excellence. (v. 5)
2. Knowledge- knowledge of spiritual truth. (v. 5)
3. Self-control -the Strength to live a disciplined life. (v.6)

Many want freedom. I sure did as a young adult. I didn't want anyone to tell me what to do. True freedom is when we are free of worldly lusts. Free to follow Christ

4. Perseverance - or patience. (v. 6)

We must abide under the will of God

****It should grow in times of trial.

James 1
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.


****It is essential for Christian Maturity.

James 1
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


5. Godliness - a quality of life seen in one committed to doing what pleases God. (v.6)

We must be devoted to God even when no one is watching not just on Sunday morning.

6. Brotherly kindness - or Brotherly Love. (v.7 )

Maturity and perseverance is expressed in our relations with others

7. Love - the greatest quality of Christian Maturity. (v.7)

We must love those who are hard to love. It goes beyond kindness.

If these 7 qualities are increasing in our lives, we can be sure that our spiritual lives will be productive and effective. For many accepting Christ did not result in an immediate and radical change. It happens over time. I accepted Christ about 2 years ago. I didn't immediately stop doing some of the things that I know now are wrong. I would hear testimonies and think I didn't measure up. That's wrong. Changes occur over time as we mature. I still have lots of things the Lord shows me I need to work on. They are things that wouldn't have occurred to me before some other sin was let go.

How?

1. By placing our faith in Jesus Christ and receiving Him as Lord
2. By nurturing our faith by study of Gods Word, the Bible.
3. By asking for the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives

This does not hinge on our hard work. Yield control and ask God to fill you with the spirit to live His way.
 
sorry i didnt post on this earlier but i just thought this was a very well thought out post.

I had posted this in another disscusion but it would also aply here.... The last mens conferance i was at teh speaker had said the Christian life (could also aply to non-Christians) is like a roller coaster. You have your ups and downs. it is hard to just go to the top. It could take a lifetime to do what Christ commands. BUT knowing he is there to guide you, he is there as your example of what to look forward to, he is there to help you grow. All you need to do is truly accept him and from the heart ask him for guideance.

a baby does not get up and run, a baby takes small steps, then larger ones later in life.
 
Upvote 0
Status
Not open for further replies.