THE CHRISTIAN GRACES - INTRODUCTION

Text: II Peter 1:5-11

Introduction:
 I. Beginning a series of lessons on these qualities of character that 
    Peter says must be added to or supplied in our faith, sometimes 
    called "Christian Graces".
II. Today's lesson will be introductory to the series, for I am confident 
    that we will study these lessons with a far greater sense of urgency 
    if we realize the importance that Peter attaches to these things.

Body:
 I. Comments on verse 5.
    A. "And besides this" - "For this very cause" (ASV).
    B. "Giving all diligence" - "Adding on your part all diligence" 
       (ASV) - Could be translated "bring in along side."
    C. The phrase "For this very cause" suggests that we must look 
       back to previous verses to find the connection - verses 3 
       and 4.  These verses suggests that God has done four things.
       1. Given us all things pertaining to life and godliness.
       2. called us to glory and virtue.
       3. Given us exceeding great and precious promises.
       4. Made us partakers of the divine nature.
    D. Then, "for this cause" - because God has done this for us, 
       we must "add on our part" all diligence.
    E. It's a God's part - man's part proposition.
    F. The thing we are to add on our part is diligence in supplying 
       these qualities to our faith.
       1. "Diligence" is zeal, fervor, earnestness.
       2. This is not something we do half-heartedly.

II. Verses 8-11 compares those who add these qualities with those 
    who fail to add them.
    A. Verse 8 says:
       1. "If these things be in you and abound".  Observe that here 
          is a word suggesting that this is not be half-hearted.  
          Diligence and abound 
       2. You will neither be barren (idle - ASV) nor unfruitful.
       3. Expressed positively, you will be useful and fruitful.
       4. Do you want to be useful to the Lord?  Making your life that 
          which will contribute in His Cause?
       5. Do you want to be fruitful?
          a. We think of being fruitful in terms of converting others 
             - not limited to this.
          b. Galatians 5:22-23.
       B. Verse 9 tells of those who lack these things:
        1. They are "blind" - they are blind to their true condition -                  
           Reminded of the Laodiceans - Revelation 3:17-18 - One of the 
           great problems in the church is that people are baptized; 
           maintain a degree of faithfulness, just enough to salve 
           their consciences, think that they are all right, when really 
           they have done little to add on their part these qualities,                  
           certainly have not done so diligently and abounding; and they 
           are blind to their real condition.
        2. They are short-sighted - Another problem - Lord offers heaven,
           but reaching heaven requires faithfulness, diligence; 
           persecution, self-denial, self-discipline; and along comes 
           the devil offering far less - a bit of pleasure, a quick 
           dollar, something appealing to our pride - its offered now, 
           and we take the present pleasure rather than heaven…
        3. Forgotten he was purged - Can you imagine it?  Most people 
           rejoice when they were baptized - hard to imagine that 
           one-day they might forget.
    C. Verses 10 and 11 return us to those who do add these things to 
       their faith.
       1. Observe that he repeats word "diligence".
       2. "Make calling and election sure."
          a. Can a person know he is saved?  Can he be sure?
          b. Yes it is possible - This verse tells you to make it sure.
             Paul did - 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
          c. How some may think they know and be mistaken - I know 
             4 + 4 = 8; if someone comes along thinking he knows 4 + 
             4 = 9, he is mistaken, but that doesn't mean that I don't 
             know 4 + 4 = 8.
          d. In same way, one can be sure of his salvation - 1 John 2:3 
             - Obey gospel, and add these qualities, be faithful - Make 
             your calling and election sure.
       3. Add these things, you will never fall (stumble - ASV) - cannot 
          mean "never sin" - but what a difference between those who 
          live for the Lord daily, walk in the light, constantly 
          repenting and turning to the Lord for forgiveness - and those 
          who have rebelled, unfaithful, living unrepentant of their 
          life of sin.
       4. An abundant entrance into heaven.
    D. Adding these things or failing to add them as the case may be 
       might be is the basic difference between those who will go to 
       heaven and those who will go to hell.
       1. Hear and know of people falling away - Why have they fallen 
          away?
       2. Might do well to keep a chart, occasional evaluation.

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