You cannot live the Christian life apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament talks about people who have a form of godliness, but they deny its power (2 Tim. 3:5). That kind of religion is rather like the Volkswagen pulling the plane. It takes a great effort, but it’s ultimately futile; it will never fly! Jesus said “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
There is a kind of effort that is completely futile, but there is also a kind of effort that is wonderfully fruitful, and that is what Peter is talking about here: “For this very reason…” (v5). In the light of the gospel—because you participate in the divine nature and Christ has released you from Satan’s chains—you are in a position to act. Use the power that you have been given. Fire up these great engines and fly!
Why some Christians never seem to grow
Our title this morning is “Everything You Need For Growth,” and Peter’s message is that in Christ you have everything you need for a thriving, productive, and growing Christian life. But if God has provided everything we need for life and godliness, why is it that some Christians never seem to grow?
There are Christian people who never seem to make any progress. They don’t have much joy. Their lives don’t seem to lead to anything. Peter says that they seem “ineffective and unproductive in their knowledge of Jesus Christ” (v8). Why is that?
If you want to grow in the Christian life, Peter says that there are certain things you must do. There are certain things that you must pursue in the power of the Spirit and “if you possess these things in increasing measure they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v8).
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Thanks for sharing