By God’s grace and His provision in the cross, believers in Christ have escaped from evil and sin, but how do we continue in the Christian life? The Apostle Peter described a progression toward Christian maturity and consequences if we do – or don’t – persevere. Alistair Begg helps us understand Peter’s teaching and challenges us to keep growing in our faith, resisting disobedience that can lead to doubt and ineffectiveness.
8For if these qualities6 are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10Therefore, brothers,7 be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Series: Growing In Grace
Other messages in: Growing In Grace
The Apostle Peter sent his second letter into an environment where false teaching was on the rise and moral carelessness was beginning to take root among the people of God. To oppose these challenges, he reminded his readers of the Gospel truths they already knew – truths that provide the necessary basis for growing to Christian maturity. These same truths are vitally important to 21st century Christians: we, too, must study to deepen our knowledge of God's Word, relying on its authority and sufficiency to guide our beliefs and behavior. We, too, must guard against false teaching and error, and we too must look forward to Christ's sure return.
We invite you to join Alistair Begg in remembering anew that by God’s divine power, He has given believers everything we need for the commencement, the continuance, and the completion of the Christian life. Such truth is, as Peter described it, truly a “great and precious promise.”
