2 Peter 1:5-11 "Demonstrating growth in the Christian faith"

Purpose of spiritual growth (5a) - “For this very reason…”Through God’s great and precious promises we:Participate in the divine nature, and;Escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desired We should work hard with urgency and diligence to live life in a way that pleases God in participation with Him. How is that?

Practice of spiritual growth (5b-7) - Better translated “With and by your faith supply goodness…”CharacteristicsFaith - the faith referenced in v1Virtue (goodness) - moral excellenceKnowledge - applied knowledge, wisdom (of moral excellence)Self-control - self-control, especially of one’s sensual desires (cf v4)Endurance - patient steadfastness, unswerving (stay the course despite difficulty and trial)Godliness - reverence, piety towards GodBrotherly affection - brotherly/familial love for fellow believersLove - sacrificial, pious love for God and His churchCF 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (love), Galatians 5:22-23 (fruit of the Spirit), James 3:17-18 (wisdom from above)

Promise of spiritual growth (8-9)If present - Lit., “These things in you…”Growing - multiply and increasing, which is a sign of salvation and the presence of the Holy Spirit.Not idle nor unfruitful - not like a field left fallow/unworked, barren As to knowledge of Christ - this is the goal of growth, increased knowledge (though experience and discipline) of Christ. This cannot be gained through the world.If not presentBlind - Not “...will be blind…”, but “...is blind...”. He cannot see the things of heaven, though he may see clearly the things of the world. Short-sighted - Lit., closing his eyes. He cannot see the things afar off, i.e., heaven. Forgetfulness of purification of former sins - their lifestyles still resembled that of the world.

Perks of spiritual growth (10-11)Be diligent in making sure (certain, firm) your:Calling - Invitation to salvationElection - Chosen by God for salvationCf Romans 8:29-30Practice them to keep from stumbling - this is not that our salvation is confirmed by works, because we just saw it is by God’s calling and election. Rather, this is to grant us courage (make sure) that we are among God’s chosen people because His Spirit is working within us.Rich entrance into the eternal kingdom of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - better translated: “The entrance shall be richly bestowed or supplied…”. The word “receive” (NIV) is the same as the word “add” (v5). According to Ellicott’s Commentary, Peter seems to be saying “‘Supply these graces, and an entrance into the kingdom shall be abundantly supplied to you’ — ‘abundantly,’ i.e., with a warm welcome, as to a son coming home in triumph; not a bare grudging admission, as to a stranger.”We only enter heaven because of Christ and He is our great reward.