THE SECRET OF (RECIPE FOR) FRUITFULNESS

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Today’s Reading:

2 Peter 1:1-21

“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in

the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”. (v. 8)

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Just like the statement “As simple as A.B.C; the passage before us, gives us in simple highlights what guarantees a life of fruitfulness. I am tempted to list them as revealed (an open Secret) in the passage for emphasis. It is impressed here to tell us that all about good living and fruitfulness is not just ‘Faith’. We are told and admonished that with all diligence (goodness) we should add our faith…2 Peter 1:5.

The reason for failure, whether as a student, apprentice or even worker, is failure to abide by the rules and regulations that lead to success in that very particular vocation or engagement.

The recipe for this is an open – secret as listed in today’s passage; simply a set of rules or methods by which something can be done successfully.

Apostle Peter writes “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith Virtue, to Virtue Knowledge; to Knowledge Self – Control, to self –Control Perseverance, to perseverance Godliness, to godliness Brotherly Kindness and to brotherly kindness Love. For if these things are yours and abound you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ –(2peter 1:5-8”.)

As a Child of God, Spiritual growth or fruitfulness does not come automatically but there is a procedure through which one must ascend. It is time that you are born again and a lover of Christ but are you satisfied with the present level of your Christian faith? Are you a baby who is being fed on milk and water or an adult who should be depended upon by others?

This is how to go about it: That you strive to do all things possible as a workman who is not ashamed or weary to add faith, goodness to goodness, knowledge to knowledge, Self-Control to Self – Control, patience to patience, devotion to devotion, kindness to those in faith with you and even those outside the fold. Then above all, add Love.

A careful look at the Seven (7) elements that bring fruitfulness as listed by Apostle Peter through the power of the Holy Spirit shows that the Lord is addressing our Character and lifestyle.

There is no part of the Scriptures that admonishes us to cover up for our Character – deficiencies with religion. The charge from this passage is not that we must do it with hard work that our character must match our faith. By this only we can be seen as Successful and fruitful Christian. Can you beam the Search light upon your life if those elements are in your faith? Do not postpone it, examine it now and make amends; Again, never underestimate what you stand to gain if you follow the Christian recipe for Spiritual growth (Romans 6:1-23; 8:1-13; 12:1-21; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:5-10). It will greatly help you.

NATHANIEL OGUNDAYO

Prayer:

1. Lord Jesus, let your Holy Spirit guide me to steadily grow in my Christian life in Jesus name. Amen.

2. My Promised Land, hear the word of the Lord, vomit every giant in you, in Jesus name.

3. We bind and cast out all the hindrances of the plan and purpose of God for the Church, in Jesus name.

4. Let all forces of darkness hindering the will of God in this nation, be rendered impotent, in the name of Jesus.

5. Satanic captors, assigned to capture this nation, go into the captivity of no return, in the name of Jesus.