Until Jesus returns, there will always be spiritual counterfeits that try to defeat the truth. Second Peter’s message for us is that the best antidote for these heretical teachings and spiritual counterfeits is a firm grasp of biblical truth and growth in the personal knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The head and heart, then, must be united in this effort. The purpose of knowing truth is spiritual growth. Therefore, we need to know Christ not only in a theoretical way, but in an experiential and personal way.
Because of this importance of spiritual growth, Peter calls us to a high standard of godly living. He even says we must be found “spotless and blameless” at the second coming (2 Peter 3:14). He provides a picture of what that blameless life looks like in 2 Peter 1:5–7, listing eight essential qualities a follower of Jesus should strive to attain:
But how is it possible for us as sojourners in this world to be conformed to the image of Christ rather than the image of this world? What Peter calls for seems like an impossible task. However, we need to remember that this is Christ’s work in us, not our work in Him. As Christ gave His live for you, He also gives His life to you, so that He might live His life through you.
The holy living of a Christ-follower depends on Christ’s righteousness, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the new nature we have received. What was impossible, God has now made possible.
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Watch part 4 of the series on 2 Peter. This teaching normally takes place Monday nights but is being taught virtually during closings related to COVID-19.
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In the article below, Dr. Boa synthesizes material from several teaching sessions from his series Biblical Principles for Marriage and from portions of his spiritual formation text Conformed to His Image (primarily from chapter 18, “Holistic Spirituality”). Dr. Boa focuses on agape love as one of the five forms of loves (based on the different Greek words). After reviewing all forms, he gives reasons for why agape is the greatest.
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