BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH
TEXT: 2ND PETER 1:5-10
There is no doubt that the recipients of this Epistles already had faith in Christ that is saving faith. Their faith was pure and genuine, not fake or counterfeit, it was tried and strengthened, not weak or shallow, and it was steadfast, not wavering. And their faith was not inferior to that the devil and their faith were, not inferior to that of the Apostles.
There are nine important positive traits associated with the fruitfulness productivity and abundance. All scripture affirm that genuine faith produces good fruit. Faith without works, faith without good deeds, and faith without character is dead. Those who profess such faith are like trees with much leaves but with no fruit.
THE FOUNDATION OF GROWING FAITH: 2ND PETER 1:5, ROM.1:17; JUDE 20, 21; LK. 17:5; ACTS 26:18; THESS 1:3; ROM 4:20-21, EPH 6:16; GAL 2:20; COL 2:5-17.
The strength of the foundation determines how strong the building will be. Romans 16:17 –the knowledge of GOD and his word strengthens and increases faith.
IDENTIFYING SOME CHARACTERISTICS FOR A GROWING FAITH, 2ND PETER1: 5; PHIL4:7-9; RUTH 3:10-11; PROV 31:10-31; ROM 12:9-21, TIM 6:11-12.
To grow in life and in ministry, we must keep growing in our faith. We must keep growing in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love and being diligent.
FOLLOWING AFTER GROWING KNOWLEDGE: 2ND PETER 1;5, 3:18; EPH 4:11-13, ISA 50:45. And besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue.
FAITH: Is the belief in something for which there is no proof. It is also a belief in GOD, Mark 11:23; John 5:4.
VIRTUE: Is the quality of doing what is good and right and avoiding wrong, a virtuous person is full goodness, righteousness and strong morals, ROM 12:9; 1ST TIM 1:5.
KNOWLEDGE: Is the condition in which you are aware of facts and realities that are true, important and relevant, JAMES 3:13. Knowledge bring light and assurance produces and increase faith, what we know will be of great assistance to our progress and victory.
TEMPERANCE: Temperance is character or habit of avoiding excess and living in moderation. It helps people accept and enjoy privilege at the right time. Temperance turns a person into a great understanding, PROV. 14:29.
PATIENCE: To be patient is to be steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity, to wait until the day of harvest HEB:6-12.
GODLINESS: Is the quality of being like GOD. GOD is love, GOD is light and GOD is his word. When you are GODLY, you will have godly sorrow and godly fear, HEB. 12:28, 2ND COR. 11:12.
BROTHERLY LOVE:Is the love that a person has for a brother, in the LORD or blood brother, when something affects your brother, it must affect you, GEN 13:8; JOHN 3:16.
CHARITY: Charity is the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another. But GOD love with agape love, 1 COR.13:8. (Build your faith on the true foundation of faith)
