Don’t forget! This weekend Pastor Steve Andres continued our RENEW series with a message about the aim of God’s saving work in our lives.
2 Peter 1:8
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.
After outlining the qualities that we should add to our lives for growth, we see that these qualities are not the aim, but only a means to God’s greater purpose for our lives.
1) The focus is on fruit.
From the beginning of the Bible, God’s aim has always been life and flourishing. After sin brought death, God’s plan to renew life was set into motion and was fulfilled in Christ.
John 15:8
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
God’s aim is to produce fruit through you, and when you start with faith and grow into love, you have created the conditions for life and flourishing.
2) The choosing is on purpose.
God’s election (choosing) is intentional and purposeful. Peter’s language shifts to usefulness and effectiveness because this is a part of God’s plan for us in Christ.
3) The obstacle is forgetfulness.
Some people are unfruitful because they are forgetful. When we remember the reason that God has forgiven us and rescued us, we can live fruitful lives today!
Thank God for giving us the POWER WE NEED, the PROGRAM TO GROW, and a PROMISE OF USEFULNESS!
