The Need for Movement (part 2)

Today’s entry is a continuation of yesterday’s blog. To fully understand its context, you should first read yesterday’s entry before continuing on with today’s article.

In yesterday’s blog entry we saw that the purpose of our church involves far more than just evangelism. It is the need to see each of us continuing to move forward in our faith. Peter taught this need for movement in 2 Peter 3:18 when he exhorted believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” The word “grow” means “to advance or increase.” We are to continue to grow (advance, increase, move) in the “grace” and “knowledge” of Christ. “Grace” deals with the practical aspect of our faith…how we live. “Knowledge” deals with the intellectual aspect of our faith…what we know. Over the past 30 days, how have you grown in the way you live out your faith? In that same time period, how have you increased in what you know about God and His Word? This is what brings vitality to our walk with Christ. Peter earlier writes:

“Now for this 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, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

This describes in more detail this movement that we need. Notice that Peter says that our growing is something we must be “diligent” to do. The word “diligence” means to do something with great zeal or eagerness. When it comes to growing in our faith, we are to do it diligently. How eager have you been about growing in your faith? Peter says that we are to diligently “supply” things to our faith. The word “supply” literally described a choirmaster responsible for supplying all the parts needed for his musical group. What are these parts that we need to add to our faith?

 “Faith” - saving faith which is the foundation

 “Moral excellence” – virtue; one who excels in moral heroism

 “Knowledge” – divine truth that is properly applied to life

 “Self-control” – used to describe the self-discipline of athletes

 “Perseverance” – remaining strong under hardship

 “Godliness” – properly honoring and worshipping God

 “Brotherly kindness” – godly affection for others

 “Love” – self-sacrificial love always ready to serve others over self