The call to, and benefits of growing in Christ.

 2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

 2 Peter 1:5to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

 2 Peter 1:5to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

 2 Peter 1:5For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 2 Peter 1:5For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Because we are saved, Peter encourages his readers to give all diligence in adding their faith. And then Peter lists, seven things to be added to our faith. Or, seven fruits of Godly character. 

The phrase giving all diligence, means, "to supply generously" The idea here is, that as we develop one quality, we will naturally exercise another quality. 

Virtue means moral excellence. And, the idea here, is that this is what we ought to be like, this is what we should be doing in our lives. 

Knowledge, means knowledge that is growing, and a practical knowledge or discernment. It refers to the ability within life to handle life in a successful manner. 

Temperance or self-control. Being a person in control of themselves. This is a very needed quality in our lives. 

Patience is having that ability to handle the hard and difficult circumstances of life patiently.  It's being able to handle the pressures and problems of life, and not give up. 

Godliness is a big word with a simple meaning. It means, god-likeness. It's when we do the things that are right and we make the right decisions according to the will and Word of God. 

Brotherly kindness, or loving one another. A genuine, and sincere love for one another. 

Love, is the kind of love that is willing to, and does sacrifice for others. 

So, that's what we are called to, and the benefits of adding to our faith are listed, as well as the consequences of not having these things added to our faith. 

Benefits......2 Peter 1:5For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Consequences......2 Peter 1:5For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

If we are growing, we will be fruitful and knowledgeable about the Lord. If we are not adding these things to our faith, we will not have hope as to where we are going, and we will forget where we have come from, and what God has done in forgiving our sins. 

In other words the growing christian can see heaven if you will, they know where they are going and are mindful of it, and it's never far from their minds that they are new creatures who have been forgiven by God. 

Thank You Father for Your grace, mercy and peace. 

Pastor Bob Grenier.