Conrad Mbewe continues his series in 2 Peter 1 Christian, Grow Up! The focus is on a string of imperatives for spiritual growth that Peter delivers to all Christians. Of course the first step is to have faith. But on this foundation we must build with quality materials in order to mature as Christians. Peter commands us to add virtue to faith. Then to add knowledge to our virtue and temper our knowledge with self control. Peter now calls us to add steadfastness and resolve as we journey with Christ.
At each stage we are growing and developing – all the better to serve our heavenly father and persevere in our walk with Christ.
Steadfastness in the Face of Trials and Temptation
Temptations and trials will be present in our daily lives until the day we die. We never graduate from trials and temptations as Christians. There is no retirement as we fight the good fight. We must never give up and yield. We must be steadfast in the face of trials and temptation.
Steadfastness is a word that not only Peter uses, Paul uses it as well in 1 Timothy 6:11. Sometimes the root Greek word is translated as perseverance, patience or constancy. The opposite of ‘steadfast’ is to be uncertain, shaky, unreliable and faltering. Believers must not be wavering, unreliable and faltering in their Christian commitment and walk. There must be a constancy, an endurance, a persevering in their lives and Christian growth. Listen to Conrad Mbewe as he exhorts us to not give up in our service of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Text: 2 Peter 1:3-6
Date preached: 20 October 2019
Location: Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia
