Category Archives: The Effective and Productive Christian

Text: 2 Peter 1:5-8 Whenever I read this passage of scripture I am reminded of a time when I was going through 2 Peter 1 in a bible study. I challenged the group to memorise the chapter. As an added incentive I promised to bake a cake for the first person to do so. EventuallyContinue reading “Faith | Part 1”

In our last study we saw that in this passage Peter is describing the portrait of an effective and productive Christian (vrs 8). The virtues that will produce a well-rounded, fruitful Christian life are outlines in vrs 5-7. Peter is encouraging us to intentionally add to our faith a whole range of qualities. “ADD TOContinue reading “Goodness | Part 2”

In our last two studies we have been examining the portrait that Peter paints for us of an effective and productive Christian. Eight characteristics are highlighted. We have already examined faith and goodness (moral excellence). Today we turn to knowledge (gnosis). In vrs 3 Peter makes an astonishing statement. His divine power has given usContinue reading “Knowledge | Part 3”

No Christian wants to live a fruitless life. We long to hear the words of our heavenly Father saying, “well done good and faithful servant.” Last time we saw from vrs 3 that we have every divine resource at our disposal to live a godly life.” In vrs 5-8 the secret to living effective, productiveContinue reading “Self-control | Part 4”

This morning we come to yet another character trait which we need to add to our faith to ensure that we remain fruitful Christians – perseverance. I have long admired William Carey, the Baptist missionary to India towards the end of the 18th and the in the early years of the 19th century. He wasContinue reading “Perseverance | Part 5”

In this short series we have yet to consider a revolutionary phrase. In vrs 3, he has said that in Christ we have all the resources that we could possibly need to live a godly life. Then in vrs 4 he says, through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, soContinue reading “Godliness | Part 6”

We have been examining a series of character qualities which we need to lavishly add to our Christian faith. Faithfulness in this endeavour will ensure that we are effective and productive Christians. Of course, it all too possible to fail to diligently add these qualities. In vrs 9 Peter spells out the implications for suchContinue reading “Brotherly kindness | Part 7”

Today we come to the end of this devotional series. We have seen that there are two paths available to us as believers. We can either generously add to our faith all the character traits outlined in vrs 5-7 and live a fruitful Christian life (vrs 8). Or, as vrs 9 says if anyone doesContinue reading “Love | Part 8”