divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with selfcontrol, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11
This is an incredible passage of Scripture that powerfully explains truths about sanctification and the fruit Christians produce. Peter starts his second letter by exalting God for granting Christians everything they need to live and grow in godliness. In God’s incredible divine power, He has given us what we need to live pleasing lives before Him and grow in Christlikeness. The Bible is the source of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and it offers the precious and great promises we need to grow in His likeness. It is through this knowledge of Christ that we escape from the corruption of the world and all its temptations.
Faith in Christ Jesus fuels this knowledge, causing us to grow in very specific ways. When Christians grow in the characteristics that Peter lays out here, they can be assured that their ministry in Christ will not be in vain. We are called to imitate God’s own character, and the fruit of this character is seen in our lives. The promises of God in His word assure us that we will grow in practical ways.
So what are the fruits of sanctifying growth? They are virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These characteristics should define the life of every true believer. We should look for these in our lives and pray that the Lord would increase these fruits in our relationships. The Word of God equips us to grow in these ways. It teaches,