SUPPLYING THE PROPS ON THE STAGE OF LIFE

Text:  II Peter 1:1-11,

Introduction

I. We are here concerned with the divine affairs, not merely the human.

   A. Here is the divine nature, of which we may share (verse 4).

   B. Here is divine power, through which we are given all things (verse 3).

   C. When we think of religion, of the Bible, of Christianity, of the church, let us always remember that we are on holy ground; here is involvement in the things of the Spirit, things eternal, things far beyond our merit, ability or understanding.

II. All the necessary things are graciously offered us by God. There is no bargaining with Him. The gap between the Creator and His creature is too great to be crossed from our side, and our sins have separated between us and God morally, so that only grace can even cross it from God's side.

   A. God has given us everything that pertains to life (as a principle, opposed to death) and godliness (as the righteous manifestation of life, pleasing to God). This is all freely given (verse 3).

   B. God has given us His great and precious promises (verse 4).

III. God's gifts are summed up in Christ -- there is no other avenue of spiritual blessing open to sinners.

   A. God's grace and peace are multiplied in Jesus to His people (verse 2).

   B. All that pertains to life and godliness comes through the knowledge and experience of Christ (verse 3).

Body

I. Because of God's gifts and provisions, we are to supply in our faith the qualities named (verses 5-7).

   A. "Supply" translates a word from which we get "choreography." It was used on the Greek stage for "providing" at the appropriate time, whatever props were needed for the play. God is telling us to bring to the stage of life whatever "graces" are called for on any specific occasion. We do not originate these: He provides them by His Spirit for He has given us freely all that pertains to life and godliness. Yet we are responsible to bring them forward for use at appropriate times as needed.

   B. These "graces" to be "supplied" are not discarded after use but all remain at arm's reach, so to speak, for each moment's need. We do not "add" one, then leave it, and "add" another.

II. Peter tells us what will happen if we do this, and what will happen if we do not.

   A. If these qualities are in us, and increase, they make us to be neither barren nor unfruitful in our relationship with Jesus Christ. They are, on the other hand, good "fruit" by which we may know that God is at work in us (see Galatians 5:22,23; Philippians 1:11).

   B. If we lack these things we cannot see afar off (literally, "myopic," near-sighted) and have forgotten our past cleansing from sin. What a pitiful state so nearsighted one cannot see the future, and so afflicted with amnesia that he forgets the past!

Conclusion

"Therefore," Peter says. Someone has remarked that when we see a "therefore" in the Bible, we should stop and ask what it is "there for." Because of all Peter has just said, we should make a proper response.

I. Be diligent (put forth effort) to make your calling and election sure. "Sure" to whom? Not to God, for He knows the end from the beginning (I Peter 1:2; Romans 8:29,30). Rather, "sure" to ourselves, for it is by such perseverance and fruitfulness that we may know we are truly among God's elect.

II. Those showing such diligence will not stumble fatally, though they might sin and be forgiven. They will rather "be supplied" an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God.

   A. This is the same "supply" used earlier. Just as we are responsible to bring to the stage of life whatever qualities are needed for the moment, so also God is responsible to provide at just the right time the abundant entrance into the heavenly kingdom.

   B. Here is confidence and certainty. Peter does not speak as though most Christians will never make it to glory and he is doubtful about the rest. We need not sacrifice biblical confidence in reaction to some who have asserted confidence without good reason.

   C. The believer will have an "abundant entrance" into heaven. Here is no "squeaking in by the skin of the teeth," as one man put it. If we were saved by our own merit, we would not get in at all! But we are saved by God's grace, based on the perfect work and atoning death of Jesus Christ -- and that calls for a red-carpet entrance! It is abundant, says Peter, and Jude adds that it will be with great joy (Jude 24).

III. Therefore -- here's what it's "there for" -- be diligent!

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