4 Building Blocks of Developing Christlikeness

2 Pet 1:1-11

1 Cor 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

In verses 5-7, we are about to build a 7 story spiritual structure.

Building Block #1—Addition (vs 5-7)

1. Virtue—Determination or Moral Excellence
2. Knowledge—Discernment or Spiritual Understanding
3. Temperance—Discipline or Self Control.  Tongues, Tempers, Temptations, Tastes
4. Patience—Durability or Endurance, perseverance
5. Godliness—Dedication or Every action yielded to the Lord
6. Brotherly Kindness—Deference (Philadelphia)
7. Charity— Deeds for others (agape)

What does the number 7 represent in scripture?  Perfection or completeness.

Now, don’t pat yourself on the back if you have 3 or even 4 of these operating in your life.  We are to have all seven of them!   

Building Block#2-Anticipation (v8)

Fruitfulness (John 15:5, 8, 16)—Illus:  Prayer each day that the Lord would give us fruit from our labors.  We should have an expectation that Christ will bear fruit through us.  

Building Block#3-Avoidance (v9)

Forgetfulness—Have you ever forgotten that you were purged from your sins and have a new nature.  2 Cor 5:17--Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

Building Block#4-Assessment (vs10-11)

Making Your calling and election sure— 2 Cor 13:5--Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Peter wants us to enjoy the certainty of our salvation, and be so firmly established in our faith, that we cannot be shaken or taken by false doctrine.  Concerning election, how many professing Christians are not possessing Christians?  They haven’t assessed their calling and election.  Concerning calling, we need to be sure of whatever ministry we are embarking upon, and that it is God led. 

Note:  These things only happen through due diligence (10a).  Most Christians are operating in default mode, though.