2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfast-ness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. Are you growing in Christ? Do you strive to […]

2 Peter 1:5-6 (ESV) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfast-ness with godliness, Godliness has to do with having the right attitude toward God. Vine says that godliness “denotes that piety which is […]

One essential characteristic of growth, whether personal or spiritual, is consistency. Peter adds this to the list of things we must implement in our lives in addition to faith. 2 Peter 1:5-6 (ESV) 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with […]

Is it your goal to grow in Christ? Growing as a Christian is not something that happens by acci-dent. It only takes place when we set our minds to do so. The failure to determine to grow will result in being a babe in Christ far too long (Hebrews 5:11-14). Peter helps us to grow […]

We all know that faith is essential to the salvation of our souls. Without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith alone, however, is not enough. In order to reach our full potential in Christ, we must continue to grow spiritually by supplementing our faith with other important characteristics (2 Peter 1:5-7). […]

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (ESV) 1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, Is there anything more powerful in our possession than prayer? Through prayer, we have direct access to God and His power (Hebrews 4:16). In times of weakness, we should […]

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. If there was ever any doubt about the importance […]

Philippians 3:1 (ESV) 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. There is tragedy all around us. The local news is fraught daily with bad news. Death and drugs seem to be in the headlines on a regular […]

Ephesians 6:10 (ESV) 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. As Paul closes his letter to the church at Ephesus, his final exhortation is to put on the armor of God. We can break down this exhortation in two parts. First, Paul encourages us to be strong. This […]

When closing a section of writing, or even at the close of an epistle, Paul would often use the words, “Finally, brethren.” That would usually be followed by a few succinct, yet very important, words of exhortation or admonitions. This week I want to look at five of those closings. Let us begin with what […]