"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 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 1:3-8 (NIV)
Simon Peter, the Apostle of Christ, writing to the Gentile Christians in the area of Asia Minor directly, and to all Christians indirectly, to instruct them in how to defend themselves against the false teachers. The believer cannot be indifferent but must make maximum effort escape the dangers of sin and false doctrine. They must exercise their Christian characteristics to accomplish spiritual growth in order to be effective and productive in their Christian walk and work.
Good Christian behavior does not happen by accident, it requires a conscience effort. God has given us all that we need to do His will. However, we must choose to exercise these gifts, and make an active effort to behave in a Christ-like manner. According to John MacArthur, "We add to those by our diligent devotion to personal righteousness." Knowing what is right and not doing it, is a sin of omission.
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