Development of Faith

We find in 2 Peter: 1-11 four practical steps in the purpose of godly living through the development of our faith. Peter instructs us “for this very reason also, applying all diligence, 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, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7)

POSITION: (2 Peter 1:1) Peter addresses himself as a bond servant, one who voluntarily serves others. The Greek word used here is “doulas” which is translated bond servant of Jesus Christ. One who has been given their freedom; yet willingly gives his life to the service of the Lord.  

POWER: (2 Peter 1:2-3) Peter’s greeting of “grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” is his reminder to recall God’s favor towards humanity. This “super-natural” divine power should call us to a moral life of godliness and self-control.

PROMISES: (2 Peter 1:4) Peter explains God has granted us “His precious and magnificent promises”, and in so doing, the believer shares in the life of God by means of Christ Jesus and the Spirit living in him. (Romans 8:9, Galatians 2:20)

PURPOSE: (2 Peter 1:5-7) Peter affirms the purpose or (for this reason) what God has done for us as believers. Peter explains that we should diligently seek with all of our heart, strength and might to develop our faith and confirm our profession of faith by godly living.  

APPLICATION:
I. See yourself as God your Heavenly Father sees you – you are special in His sight.
II. Submerge yourself in the scriptures –set aside time to study God’s word.
III. Surrender yourself to the Spirit of God – everyday.

In verse 2 Peter 1:8 we are given the purpose for this letter to the church, “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”