Add to Your Faith

Introduction:

Most of us here today would say that addition is the easiest part of math.  God’s Word speaks of the importance and necessity of addition.                        Read II Peter 1:1-9.

Text: II Peter 1:1-9

Body:

I.             The Gifts of God  (Verses 3-4) 

·         God has provided blessings for the Christian by His divine power.  These could not be obtained by man’s power.  These blessings come through “knowledge of Him who called us.”  (II Thessalonians 2:14)  This word (knowledge) works in believers so that they may become more like God, His glory and His virtues.  (I Thessalonians 2:13) 

·         These blessings (gifts) are all we need in this life. They are called “precious” and “great.”  (II Timothy 3:16)  The purpose of these blessings is said to be so that we might partake of the diving nature and escape the corruption that is in the world.  By availing ourselves of these promises (forgiveness, peace, and the promise of eternal life. . .) we get to share in God’s holy character.  (II Corinthians 3:18) 

II.           The Foundation of Faith  (Verses 5-7) 

·         Because of these wonderful promises, Christians are exhorted to be diligent in adding to their faith.  “Adding to your part” (ASV)   Man has a small but absolutely essential part in his salvation.  (Philippians 2:12)

·         Faith must be the foundation and source from which a Christian’s growth comes.  Note:  Hebrews 11:1-6.

·         There are several aspects of faith.

1.   Body of beliefs  (Acts 6:7, Acts 16:5)

2.   Acceptance of those beliefs  (Romans 1:17, Romans 10:17)

3.   Belief that something will happen because God said so.              (James 1:6-8) 

III.          The Benefits of Adding  (Verses 8-9) 

·         Not barren – Not idle or ineffective

·         Not unfruitful – Will produce good works, both physical and spiritual  (John 15:2, 8)   Adding to your faith brings benefits to others and advances the work of the Kingdom.  (Colossians 1:5-6, 10)

·         Adding to your faith keeps one from being spiritually blind (one who can only see things of the world and not things of a heavenly nature).  (Colossians 3:1-2)  This one has forgotten that he was cleansed when he was baptized; because he no longer thinks about it.  (Acts 22:16)

Conclusion:

This text should cause each of us who has been cleansed to remember our baptism as well as the promise that if we continue to confess our sins, He will continue to cleanse us of our sins.  (I John 1:9) 

Bobby Stafford                                                                                                

August 4, 2013