Peter concludes this list of Christian graces with the highest and most comprehensive quality: “add…to brotherly kindness love” (2 Pet. 1:7). This is the pinnacle of spiritual growth. The word used here is agape—a love that seeks the highest good of others. It goes beyond affection for fellow Christians and extends to all people, including enemies (Matt. 5:44). It is the fullest…
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Let's Go Back to the Bible
Posts by David Sproule
Does your work have you busy? Maybe now more than ever? Nothing wrong with having a job (2 Thess. 3:10). But what if my work dominates my schedule and keeps me too busy and distracted to actively serve my Lord, which is my whole purpose in living? Does the schedule of your kids’ activities and hobbies have you…
The present tense verb in Greek indicates ongoing, continuous or habitual action. Three of those verbs are used in one verse to describe the activity of the devil. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil WALKS ABOUT (present tense) like a ROARING (present tense) lion, SEEKING (present tense) whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). The…
As spiritual growth continues, Peter turns our focus outward: “add…to godliness brotherly kindness” (2 Pet. 1:7). Up to this point, the qualities have emphasized personal development and devotion to God. Now the emphasis shifts to how we treat others—especially fellow Christians. “Brotherly kindness” is the Greek word philadelphia, meaning “love of the brethren.” It describes the affection, care and concern that Christians…
When God looked down at His “servant Job,” His evaluation of this man was that he was “a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8). Job wasn’t perfect. But he cared deeply about the ways of God and walking faithfully with Him. As such, this man proclaimed, “I have made a covenant…
Brother Dowell Flatt taught Greek at Freed-Hardeman University. I loved that man. He was such a precious soul. I remember him emphasizing to his Greek students to never think that knowing Greek elevated us above anyone else. He told a story about teaching against the sin of racism and quoting James 2:9, “If you show partiality, you commit sin.” Someone…
As we grow in faith, discipline and endurance, Peter next instructs us to “add…to perseverance godliness” (2 Pet. 1:6). Godliness refers to a life that is centered on God—a reverent, devoted way of living that seeks to please Him in all things. The word carries the idea of a “God-ward attitude,” where one’s conduct flows from a deep respect for and devotion…
Do you remember that Bible character who heard the gospel proclaimed, learned of God’s simple plan of salvation, recognized the requisite place of baptism to obtain forgiveness, and then said, “I know I need to be baptized. I plan to do it really soon, within the next week or two”? Oh? You don’t recall that in reading the…