One of the most influential passages of scripture that I haven’t written about in Interruptions is 2 Peter 1:1-11 (NASB95).
Why so important?
Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness… (v. 3)
I memorized this passage years back. Over and over, repeating in my mind about the power available, I asked, “How?”
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises. (v. 4)
None of us will accomplish anything worthwhile in life or godliness by our own effort. As you read through this passage in 2 Peter, consider what else is promised:
That by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. (v. 4)
They render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (v. 8)
For as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble. (v. 10)
For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. (v. 11)
The New Testament presents promises as obligations or guarantees with the only fine print of your faith expressed through intention. Taking this step, God’s Spirit will infill you with power so that you can have all that you need, become holy like Jesus, walk in a meaningful calling, never stumble, and have abundance.
Peter describes what your steps of faith should be in verses 5 to 7:
in your faith supply moral excellence,
and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
and in your knowledge self-control,
and in your self-control, perseverance,
and in your perseverance, godliness,
and in your godliness, brotherly kindness,
and in your brotherly kindness, love. (vv. 5-7)
A review: By steps of faith you are to grow in moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.
Those who are astute noted that I left “perseverance” out of the list. Why? As I have thought about walking faithfully and experiencing God working through me in my calling…
…the most important act of faith is perseverance.
Do not give up! Through commitment, trials and tribulations will challenge, but will also allow God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Now say, “Amen” 10 times and go do something extraordinary today.