Malawi Gospel Music -Patience Namandigo-Mtendere.
2 Peter 1:5-11 (KJV)
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Preconditions to Receive the Prosperity Promise of God
03.365 (02.08.2009) Faith (Photo credit: hannahclark)
Today’s scripture reading presents us with a challenge: a Biblical list of things to do. Lists can cause your eyes to glaze over, but when reading the Bible we have to remain alert and willing to learn. The list today consists of words that we see often: faith, virtue, self control, patience, godliness, knowledge, brotherly kindness and charity. These are listed as preconditions for receiving the prosperity of God. There is much talk about the prosperity of God nowadays, but today’s verse tells us that the prosperity of God is no random act. At first glance, it seems like we know what all these preconditions (“faith, virtue, etc.) mean. But do we? Today’s devotional is the beginning of a series that will examine these words one-by-one to see how they apply to the concept of God’s prosperity.
Faith
In today’s bible study list we are given the names of graces that we are to add to our lives in order to be prosperous and to not fall. Graces are supernatural gifts given unto us by God that allow us to live the Christian life in synchrony with the word of God. The first grace given here is faith. We are told to add specific graces to our faith. Please note that these statement are not suggestions, they are commands (“add to your faith…” not think about or consider adding!). Faith is the foundation upon which all the other graces are to be added.
According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary (Strong’s), the word faith (as it is used here) means: “moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstract constancy in such profession; by extensive the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself.” We are to take hold of the Gospel truth itself, and rely upon Christ for salvation. This is essential, because: “without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) This means that we can’t just worship any God and expect to get the results promised in the Bible. The word faith here is not general, it specifically means that we are convinced of the truthfulness of God and reliant upon Christ (alone) for our salvation.
Virtue
After faith comes virtue, which means “valor, excellence and praise (Strong’s).” This implies that the principle of excellence is one of the first things to be established in building our graces. The resources of the Lord are not only to be used: They are to be used in excellence. Our works are not only to be done, they are to be well-done and praise worthy.
Knowledge
Knowledge as it is used here means to “know.” It also means “science (Strong’s).” This implies the wise use of critical thinking skills and the ability to reason. Knowledge in many ways provides the tools for bringing ideas into reality. By it, survival is sustained, families, organizations and societies are built and thrive. But knowledge alone does not confer self- control, godliness, concern for others or love. All of these factors are necessary for Christian growth and the establishment of the will of God on Earth.
Temperance
Temperance is self control. Knowledge itself does not confer godly wisdom. Knowledge without temperance allows desire to run amok and feed bad habits that become addictions.
Patience
Patience means a “cheerful endurance.” When we cheerfully endure, we are less prone to impatience. Impatience is a tempting ground for taking things into our own hands. When we do this, we show a lack of faith. This is dangerous, because without faith we cannot please God. Trying to do the will of God our own way is rebellion. This is sooo NOT a good thing!
Today, be thankful to God for His provision, and pray to receive and be willing to cultivate your faith, excellence, knowledge, temperance and patience. Make sure you name them one-by-one, and remain watchful for their presence and growth in your lives!
Tomorow we will cover godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. So be patient, and tune in tomorrow.
May today’s lesson enlighten and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
Verneda
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The music video of Patience Namandigo-Mtendere was uploaded on Youtube.com by kapolo09. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used for educational purposes only.
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