True and False Christianity

1.) Make a strong and concerted effort in the Christian life (2:5a; 10a). “For this very reason, make every effort… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election…”
* How is this relevant?

#1- These statements tells us that we need to work hard in our sanctification.

#2- These statements confront hypocrisy.

#3 These statements serve to highlight the differences between sanctification and justification.

2.) Make a strong and concerted effort in developing Christlike Character (2:5b-7). “…to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”

3.) Make a strong and concerted effort because it keeps you from being ineffective and unfruitful (2:8). “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

4.) Make a strong and concerted effort because if you don't, it means you are nearsighted and blind (2:9). “For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.”

5.) Make a strong and concerted effort because if you do, it indicates the likelihood that you are born-again (2:10b-11) “for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom o