Remind One Another

Excellence, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. It is with these qualities, according to the Apostle Peter, that we are to make every effort to supplement our faith. Furthermore, if these qualities are ours in increasing measure, they will keeps us from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8). Another way to say this is that if we strive to supplement our faith with these qualities we will, by God's grace, be effective and fruitful in the knowledge of Christ. This is a word of encouragement for us as we live for our beloved Savior!

Peter continues by warning us that the person who lacks these qualities is blind and shortsighted, forgetting that he has been cleansed from past sins (v.9). So, what must we do? Be diligent (make every effort) to confirm our calling and election because if we practice these qualities we will never fail (v.10).
Another word of encouragement for us as we live for our beloved Savior! Persevere. Press on.

The trouble is we often forget. We get mixed up in our priorities and we need help getting back on track. And so, as believers in the Lord Jesus we follow the example given here by Peter, namely, to remind one another of these qualities (v.12) and to stir one another up by way of reminder (v.13).

In the strength that God supplies, may we regularly remind one another.

- Pastor Blake