What if we follow Peter's instructions?

This week we are searching for the results of adding those supplements to our faith....what if we follow Peter's instructions -- what happens?

Yesterday we studied verse 8, where Peter noted that we would be fruitful for the Lord. Awesome! Now let's move on to the next result:

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. (II Peter 1:8-9)

OK, let's turn that around and see if it's more plain...."whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind," becomes "if you have these you are clear-sighted and not blind." Hmmmm, got it! Peter says those supplements, in increasing measure (in other words, spiritual growth) will guarantee spiritual discernment!
I'm stoked, how about you? (Grin)
Many people have no spiritual discernment. They are blind to spiritual things, and are easily led astray.

....to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-15)

Peter is saying that when these things: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and love are active in our lives, we will be able to see the tricks, traps, and temptations of the devil.

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,    turning a person from the snares of death. (Proverbs 13:14)

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8)

We'll be able to help others who have fallen into the devil's traps, too:

...and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (II Timothy 2:26)

We'll be able to see the needs of others and not be blinded by our own selfish interests:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

We won't ever be blind and in spiritual darkness again! God will be our guide.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;I will turn the darkness into light before them    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;    I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16)

Father, as we grow in you, increase our spiritual discernment!