How much "effort" does the Christian life require (2 Peter 1:5)?
2 Peter 1:5 NIV Make Your Calling and Election Sure: 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge.
2 Peter 1:1 - 21
JUB - 1 Simon Peter, slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those that have obtained like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you in the knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus.
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Shirley H
Supporter
I think that if we remember that its not all about me, it is ALL about God, we have a really good starting place. Jesus was and still is the greatest servant of all time. The more we read and study our Bible, the more we learn about the overwhelming love of God. We live in a complex world. Always be honest but not brutal. Whenever you have an opportunity to drop a nugget of truth, do it! You don't have to carry your Bible for all to see. Place the messages of the Bible in your heart! Never be ashamed of loving the Lord! Do not speak evil of anyone. At the same time, it's fine to disagree and submit a difference of opinion. Refuse to be someone who stirs trouble. Always speak to the Lord, asking His Help. Let Him know your feelings. He wants to hear from you! Obey authority. Live soberly. Remember, everyone was foolish at some time. Be gracious, yet firm in your resolve that now you are a child of the one true King. Do good whenever and wherever you can. Always remembering that it's not about you, it's all about Him. You will be fine, you will have setbacks, but talk to Him, he knows! After all, He created you, He walked on this earth! He loves you!
Donna Williams
Supporter
Dear Anonymous, please allow me to start by saying that the apostle is not talking about self-effort; in other words, not by our human ability, but in the power of the Spirit. The more we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, the more we will grow spiritually and take on His divine nature. I believe that it takes effort to die to our desires and to yield to the will of the Spirit of Christ. The more we yield to the Spirit, the easier it will be for these virtues to be manifested through us. We will be fruitful and productive, all for the glory of God!
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