THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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If we plant a tree, it begins to grow; if we set a post, it begins to decay.
There was an old farmer who, in the prayer meetings of his church in describing his Christian experience, always said: "Well, I'm not making much progress, but I'm established."
One spring when the farmer was setting out some logs, his wagon sank in the mud in a soft place in the road, and he could not get out. As he sat on top of the logs viewing the situation, a neighbor who had never accepted the principle of the old farmer's Christian experience came along and greeted him: "Well, Brother Jones, I see you are not making much progress, but you're established."
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2 Peter 1:5-8
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV
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How well are you established in the faith of Christ?
Are you established enough to be "diligent" in growth?
Peter says we are to be diligent to grow and continue adding the characteristics and traits of our Lord to our lives. Christians are "born again." We are "BORN TO GROW" in Christ: in His likeness, and for His glory.
First we are to add "virtue" or valor, properness.
Then add "knowledge" through Bible study as well as study of the world.
Then add "temperance" or self-control.
Then add "patience" or endurance, constancy.
Then add "godliness" or piety, holiness.
Then add "brotherly kindness" or genuine affection toward other Christians.
Then add "charity" or love, selfless giving.
In order to enjoy the fullness of the Christian life, we are to diligently add not only doctrine, but also doing.
When a tree does not grow, it cannot bear fruit.
At the point of non-growth, doubting and lukewarmness go hand in hand.
But at the point of growth, assurance and ministry are evident.
Determine to be diligent in your faith of Christ and to grow constantly toward His likeness.
Love ya,
Bruce