Contemplation #172
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lrod Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8
Peter knows that it is very possible to know Jesus and yet be ineffective and unproductive. He is not speaking about simply possessing intellectual information, though that is a real danger in our "information age." He wasn't afraid of people knowing about Jesus and yet not knowing him. The apostle is warning against a relationship with Jesus which is sterile . . . discipleship without transformation. The possibility he saw was that though God "has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him" (2 Peter 1:3) we could still be sterile in this knowledge unless we are growing. The danger is complacency.
Contemplation #173
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. 2 Peter 1:10
Has anyone ever been eager to do that which is burdensome? We are eager to do that which we desire, which is exciting and enjoyable, good and helpful. There is good that is difficult and which we do not approach with excitement. Jesus was not eager to go to the cross. However, this matter of growing in our knowledge to be changed more and more into having these virtuous qualities is a matter of joy. The prospect of escaping the corruption in this world (1:4) and receiving a rich welcome into the kingdom of Jesus Christ (1:11) should make us eager to do all that confimrs our calling and election by God.
Contemplation #174
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
Peter ends this letter on the same subject he began: growing in our relationship with Christ. We know that the actual nature of knowing Christ implies growing, just as James argues, what should be obvious, that faith implies doing something. We can no more know Christ and not be continually involved in being changed than we can believe and do nothing out of faith. Both are nonsensical impossibilities. Peter wants us to grow in the merciful working of God and in our connectedness with Christ. These are works of humble submission on our part, and active pursuit of what God gives us freely.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lrod Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8
Peter knows that it is very possible to know Jesus and yet be ineffective and unproductive. He is not speaking about simply possessing intellectual information, though that is a real danger in our "information age." He wasn't afraid of people knowing about Jesus and yet not knowing him. The apostle is warning against a relationship with Jesus which is sterile . . . discipleship without transformation. The possibility he saw was that though God "has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him" (2 Peter 1:3) we could still be sterile in this knowledge unless we are growing. The danger is complacency.
Contemplation #173
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. 2 Peter 1:10
Has anyone ever been eager to do that which is burdensome? We are eager to do that which we desire, which is exciting and enjoyable, good and helpful. There is good that is difficult and which we do not approach with excitement. Jesus was not eager to go to the cross. However, this matter of growing in our knowledge to be changed more and more into having these virtuous qualities is a matter of joy. The prospect of escaping the corruption in this world (1:4) and receiving a rich welcome into the kingdom of Jesus Christ (1:11) should make us eager to do all that confimrs our calling and election by God.
Contemplation #174
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
Peter ends this letter on the same subject he began: growing in our relationship with Christ. We know that the actual nature of knowing Christ implies growing, just as James argues, what should be obvious, that faith implies doing something. We can no more know Christ and not be continually involved in being changed than we can believe and do nothing out of faith. Both are nonsensical impossibilities. Peter wants us to grow in the merciful working of God and in our connectedness with Christ. These are works of humble submission on our part, and active pursuit of what God gives us freely.
posted by Greg at 8:14 AM
<< Home