Gods Procedure for Bearing Spiritual Fruit 2 Peter 1:5-8 In order to bear fruit, we must follow Gods procedure for fruitful Christian living. Todays text describes exactly what it takes to neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (v.8). First, we must live a life of faith that results in virtuous living (v.5). Faith and virtue, however, must be accompanied by knowledge (v.5). This knowledge refers to practical wisdom that, as one writer explained, enables its possessor to discern between right and wrong in facing the duties of life. As we live a life of faith and virtue, we gain knowledge from Gods Word-knowledge that leads us to exercise discernment. The false teachers in the apostle Peters day boasted in knowledge, but their knowledge contradicted the way of truth (2:2). According to Peter, the cure for false knowledge is a correct knowledge that is characterized by proper discernment and the application of truth. Next, the Lord commands us to add to our knowledge temperance, or self control (v.6). When we possess discernment combined with the desire to do what is right, our thoughts and actions will be marked by temperance. To temperance we must add patience (v.6). Patience, in this verse, implies persistence, endurance, and consistent godly living. This term means to stay, abide, remain under, emphasizing the idea of steadfastness, constancy, and fortitude. False teachers will always attempt to undermine the believers faith (3:1-4), but we need to persevere even amid great confusion and conflict. When we exercise faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, and patience, we are producing spiritual fruit according to Gods prescribed manner.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:58:19 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015