2 Peter 1:8-11
I made some observations about verses 8 and 9 yesterday, but I wanted some of verse 10’s wherefore context here.
- For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
- Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
- For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Peter repeats several already-familiar themes in verses 10 and 11: diligence, these things, furnishing, and abundance. (If you haven’t read my previous three entries, you might want to start with the first one: Effects of Knowing Jesus.)
To avoid the idle worthlessness and blind forgetfulness that come from not abounding in “these things” (2 Peter 1:8,9), I must prioritize securing my vocation and election. I must also remember, though, that both of them are the work and gift of Jesus, who dwells in me.
2 Peter 1:5-7
virtue
knowledge
self dominion
endurance
piety
brotherly affection
charity
If I do “these things,” I will never fall! Vigorous stability and victorious strength come from faithfulness in “these things.” So let me treasure them, pursue them, and nurture them. Thus would Christ live His life in me (Galatians 2:20).
Instead of barely making it into Christ’s kingdom in minimalist mode, He will furnish…there’s that word again, masquerading in the KJV as ministered…He will furnish me with ample and generous entrance. Abundantly here reminds me of the grace and peace multiplied in verse 2.
spoudazo
G4704
“to use speed, ie to make effort, be prompt or earnest”
One more thing… Give diligence in verse 10 is the verb form of the Greek word translated diligence in verse 5. Notice the meaning of spoudazo in the box. Peter will use the term two more times in this book. Paul used it a few times also, among them these:
- endeavouring (Ephesians 4:3)
- study (2 Timothy 2:15)
- labour (Hebrews 4:11)
So, please, understand and interpret 2 Timothy 2:15 with the correct meaning of study! 🙂
OK, having digressed, let me get back to 2 Peter 1:10 with a question for you to answer below for my benefit: How do I go about making my calling and election sure?