v. 3 His divine power has given us . . .
• “flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to Spirit” John 3.6 • “And I will ask the Father, and he will
give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth . . . you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14.16-17
v. 3 His divine power has given us
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
2 Corinthians 1.22-23
Participate in the divine nature v.4
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5.21
Make every effort to add v.5
“he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,
but because of his mercy.” Titus 3.5
Characteristics of non- participants“make every effort to add” v.5 (1) They are barren. There is no spiritual vitality, they are influenced by someone or something other than Jesus.
“unproductive” v.8 (2) They are unfruitful; that is, their meager knowledge of Christ does not produce fruit in their lives.
Characteristics of non- participants
“nearsighted and blind” v.9(3) They are blind, lacking spiritual insight, spiritually “near-sighted.
By their fruit you will recognize them. Every tree that does not bear
good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will
recognize them. Matthew 7.16-21
Connecting Today & Tomorrow
For if you do these things, you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. vv.10-11
One thing I will multiplyLove brotherly kindness godliness perseverance self-control knowledge goodness faith