The Power Of Focus (III)

As we conclude our series on the power of focus, we explore how growing in the knowledge of God, and exercising our faith to apply the principles in His Word, positions us to experience all that He has prepared for us in Christ Jesus. Faith is the key to appropriating what grace has already provided, and according to 2 Peter 1:1, we all ”have obtained like precious faith … by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Apostle Paul reaffirms this truth in Romans 12:3, teaching us that God has given each of us the measure of faith. However, the extent to which we exercise that faith determines how much of the God-kind of life we experience.

Apostle Peter emphasizes that a fruitful Christian life begins with growing in the knowledge of God. He writes, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (vs.2). Saints, this multiplication of grace and peace is not due to the absence of problems, but comes as we abide in God’s Word, even amidst challenges. James 4:6 reminds us that God gives more grace to the humble – those who accept and act on His Word. So, as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain divine insights that bring clarity and peace, enabling us to walk boldly regardless of circumstances. Peter continues, saying, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (vs.3). Yet, many believers struggle to see these blessings manifest in their lives. Philemon 1:6 provides the key, urging us to acknowledge, vocalize, and consciously walk in the reality of God’s promises, saying: “that the sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good thing that is ours in Christ Jesus.”

Church, acting on God’s promises enables us to partake in His divine nature – again, this depends on our knowledge, revelation, and convictions. Peter writes, ”by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature …” (2 Peter 1:4). Meditating on Scripture brings revelation, building our convictions and allowing God’s Truth to manifest in our lives. As Psalm 119:130) declares, “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” When the Word finds free expression in our hearts, it brings light that propels us into new seasons in the spirit realm. However, beyond knowledge, the Word urges us to intentionally apply diligence and consistency to our faith to lay hold of God’s promises, saying, “For this very reason, adding your diligence to the divine promises, employ every effort in exercising your faith” (vs.5a). Passive Christianity leads to stagnation and frustration, but active diligence – living out the principles of God’s Word – brings tangible results; it allows us to see the promises of God fulfilled in our lives.

And as we exercise our faith, we become spiritually mature and develop virtues such as self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (vs.6-7). These qualities are essential for a victorious Christian life. So allow the Word of God to cultivate these virtues in you. Don’t remain stuck in old habits or mindsets – no! Let the Word have its way in you, to renew and transform you, shaping your character and actions to reflect Christ the more. “For if these qualities are ours and increasingly abound in us, they will keep us from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs.8). But “he who lacks these things is spiritually shortsighted, even to blindness, seeing only what is near to him” (vs.9). So saints, let us remain committed to doing the Word, faithfully applying its principles, so we do not stumble or fall short (vs.10). Let us diligently prepare our hearts to receive and act on God’s Truth, remembering that the fruitfulness of the Word depends on the condition of our hearts – whether the seed yields thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or a hundredfold depends on the ground (Matthew 13:3–23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:4-15). Let us prepare our hearts to be fertile ground, ready to receive the Word, allowing it to take root and produce a harvest that glorifies God and empowers us to live victoriously.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us everything we need for life and godliness. Help us to diligently apply Your Word, grow in faith, and develop the virtues that reflect Your divine nature. Teach us to focus our hearts and minds on Your promises, so we can experience the fullness of the grace You have freely and abundantly given. In Jesus’ name, Amen.