2 Peter 1:8: For If These Qualities Are Yours And Are Increasing, They Keep You From Being Ineffective Or Unfruitful In The Knowledge Of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:8

[8] For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

There are so many "Christians" who live their lives as if they do not know Jesus Christ at all. They are what the Apostle Peter describes as ineffective and unfruitful. They live with a basic assumption that salvation is something that happened years ago, and they can now coast their way to glory. There is no daily devotion to the Lord, no reading of his holy Word, and no sharing of the Gospel with the lost.

Let's consider the question, "Should Christians have to do anything after their salvation experience?" The answer, if we are to consider Peter's words, would be a resounding yes! In fact, he tells us that we should have a set of qualities, and they should be increasing. This does not allow for standing still in the condition that we are in. Rather, it implies that we need to be growing in our faith.

Let's go back to the previous verses that list the things that should supplement our faith. Virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love are all qualities that ought to be added to our faith and, they ought to be increasing. So many people who claim to know Jesus Christ have not supplemented their faith with any of these things. They do not even know God expects them to.

Who's to blame for this lack of growth in the lives of Christians? Some blame could be placed at the feet of Pastors who are unwilling to challenge their parishioners with a message that encourages them to be actively growing in their godly character. Ultimately, however, the blame is placed at the feet of each one of us. God has given us his holy Word. He has instructed us to supplement our faith with these qualities.

Are you actively working with the Lord to supplement your faith with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love? Will you ask the Lord to help you? Will you commit yourself to obedience to his holy Word? Will you submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit?