Beyond Belief

In the opening four verses the apostle's focus has been in what God has done for us and given to us in salvation, listing seven divine gifts that every believer has been blessed with: Faith, righteousness (v.1), grace, peace (v.2), life, godliness (v.3) and the divine nature (v.4).

But when we come to verses 5-7, the focus shifts to the responsibility of the believer to actively apply himself with all his strength to the process of sanctification and there are seven graces or virtues listed that we are to add to our faith.

Faith in Jesus Christ is not the conclusion of our salvation, but the beginning, like a seed that has germinated which then grows into a mature tree that is strong, beautiful and fruitful.

I. THERE IS AN ARDENCY THAT WE MUST PROMOTE IN OUR LIVES (5)
II. THERE IS AN ADVANCEMENT THAT MUST PROGRESS IN OUR LIVES (5-7)
III. THERE IS AN ABUNDANCE WE MAY POSSESS IN OUR LIVES (8)