Last week we discovered, like a baby, that we have everything we need in order to grow and mature in our faith. This week Peter takes that a step further, stating that matuity takes our cooperation. In order words we must allow the Holy Spirit to help us grow and mature.

The key can be found in verse 5, “must make every effort”. This means that we are to make every effort to grow in our faith.

Peter list some virtues that we are seek. This list does not contain all of the Christian virtues, nor is it a progressive list. All of these virtues grow as we grow in one.

1. Virtue—basically means excellence and/or the fulfillment of something.
2. Knowledge means to have full knowledge or knowledge that is growing. The key to this type of knowledge comes from obedience to the will of God.
3. Self-control. This might be said to be connected with our emotional side.
4. Perseverance (patience) Patience relates primarily to the pressures and problems of life.
5. Godliness means God-likeness means he who does what is right because it is right, and because it is the will of God.
6. Brotherly kindness. We should practice a sincere love for one another, instead of just pretending.
7. Love is agape type love, or love for one another in spite of the differences we have.

But how can I know if I am growing in my faith or not? Peter gives us three test.

1. Frutifulness. The opposite of this the word translated useless means to be ineffective.
2. Vision. A person has to become a Christian before they can see, but after our eyes are opened, it is important that we increase our vision and see al that God wants use to see.
3. Security. It is not our profession of faith that guarantees that we are saved; it is our progression of faith that gives us assurance.

But what if I have not made every effort? Then you have a choice to make this morning.