[199 words]
Because Christians have these resources (the power and the promises) Peter urges the importance (make every effort) of the goal (growth to be more like Jesus) and spells out the steps towards it: love, brotherly kindness, godliness, perseverance, self-control, knowledge, goodness and faith.
Faith must express itself in action (goodness) and this experience deepens our knowledge of God. Knowing him will deepen our knowledge of ourselves and where we need to exercise self-control. This in turns calls for perseverance, which is developed by keeping in view the worthwhile goal of v.4–godliness. This attitude toward God facilitates a new openness to our fellow Christians (brotherly kindness), and this in turn blossoms into unreserved and unrestricted love. Christians thus face two staggering possibilities. On the one hand, we can work to develop these qualities in increasing measure in our lives, and thus find a deepening experience of the Lord leading a fruitful Christian life. On the other, we can ignore this provision, but this response is shortsighted, even blind, as it overlooks the wonder of the fact of our salvation.
In this way Christians will be kept from failure in this life and be welcomed enthusiastically into the Lord’s kingdom (Matthew 25:21-23).
via Plymouth church of Christ
Plymouth, FL