“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:8
I love prison chapel worship services. My prisoner friends enthusiastically worship the gracious God who rescued them from their sins. Worshiping with them is like a preview of heaven.
During one service, I saw Russell sitting in the back, looking confused. He stopped me after the service and said, “I don’t get it. What’s with these guys? We’re in prison, for Pete’s sake!” I showed him 2 Peter 1:3-11, my “go to” passage when explaining what it means to be a Christian.
Salvation is a gracious gift of God’s mercy. By His divine power, God gives sinners His great and precious promises so that we can escape the corruption of the world—living in it but not being ruled by it. Doing so, we participate with Him in the divine nature.
I explained to Russell that what he was seeing are men grateful for God’s grace, making every effort to walk in godliness. They are filled with His Spirit, growing in increasing measure in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Are you growing in these, too?
During one service, I saw Russell sitting in the back, looking confused. He stopped me after the service and said, “I don’t get it. What’s with these guys? We’re in prison, for Pete’s sake!” I showed him 2 Peter 1:3-11, my “go to” passage when explaining what it means to be a Christian.
Salvation is a gracious gift of God’s mercy. By His divine power, God gives sinners His great and precious promises so that we can escape the corruption of the world—living in it but not being ruled by it. Doing so, we participate with Him in the divine nature.
I explained to Russell that what he was seeing are men grateful for God’s grace, making every effort to walk in godliness. They are filled with His Spirit, growing in increasing measure in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Are you growing in these, too?
Scripture Focus
2 Peter 1:3-11
Insight
When our lives exhibit the qualities of a grateful, growing Christian, others take notice. What qualities will people notice about you today?
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 13
- Psalm 52
- Luke 16
