Introduction

‘For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ 2 Peter 1:8

The spiritual additives listed Peter in his second letter which are also known as the Christian graces are not just to be possessed by Christians as sterling qualities but must be possessed in substantial quantities (i.e. increasing measure).

This is particularly important to prevent spiritual barrenness and ineffectiveness in our knowledge of Christ. Peter’s closing remarks in 2 Peter 3:10 shows that these qualities are not meant to be imbibed one after the other in a chronological fashion, but they all are to be developed at the same time and Christians are to increase or grow in them.

Alluding to Paul’s advice to the Ephesians, one can logically conclude that spiritual ineffectiveness and lack of productivity may be associated with foolishness.

However, Paul admonished these Christians to understand the will of the Lord, therefore displaying wisdom. God expects his children to make the most of every opportunity. This is not different from saying that we should be productive. We must be effective in our application of the knowledge of Christ, Ephesians 5:16-17.

In line with the gospel of John, the fruitfulness of God’s people depends on remaining in Christ. Christ truly says that He is the vine and we are the branches. If we remain (or continue to stay) in Him, and He in us, we will bear much fruit.

We need to recognise that we are incapacitated apart from Christ. We will be productive if we retain God’s word in us. This is completely important. We therefore need to make diligent efforts in living spiritually viable lives as we constantly grow in the knowledge of the Lord and in His grace.

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.’ John 15:1-7

Prayer

Gracious everlasting Father, we appreciate your grace in our lives and we humbly pray that You enable us to be effective in our lives of service unto You and unto one another.