2 Peter 1:8-11

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Does the sequence matter?

These Things

There are many personal benefits we receive after participating actively in the Christ-centered life by diligently adding the following graces to our faith: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (2 Peter 1:5-7). Peter wishes for us to be fruitful and abound in ‘these things.’ I encourage you to study and meditate on ‘these things.’

Benefits We Reap

·        Not barren; we won’t feel hopeless or helpless.

·        We will have a greater intimacy in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.

·        Not Blind – We will have greater spiritual discernment.

·        We will have greater assurance and security in our walk.

·        Never fall – We will be like the man who built his house on the rock and like the man of Psalm 1. We will have stability and strength. Matthew 7:24-27; Psalm 1:1-3

·        We need not hide from Jesus, but we look forward to His coming. We desire for Jesus to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

·        Note that if you refuse or ignore ‘these things’ that instead of blessings you may receive the opposites.

Conclusion

In this depraved world, we counter the evils of our day by seeking the likeness of Christ. It is easy to become apathetic. Instead, let’s diligently put on the Christ-centered life. Remember that all these graces are available to you. You have the divine nature within you; however, there is that phrase ‘giving all diligence.’ These graces don’t develop automatically. We participate with God. God wants you to reap the benefits that He has for you!