An Apostle's assertion - continue in him.

An Apostle’s assertion – ‘Continue in Him’

2 Peter 1verse 1 to 11

The Apostle assumes his readers are believers, that is, they are Christians, now he makes an assertion – Continue in Him, it is an imperative, an order and command in the present tense, a daily experience. It is not just concerned with the future to come, it is also concerned with now. We shall not be more secure – we cannot lose him now. This is how you are to live in the here and now. Some translate it as walk in Him.

Continuing in Him (verse 6) – A picture of a road or way that is Christ.
a) He is the way to life. To become a Christian is an act of God’s grace, we must continue in Him. It is like being on a road – see Matthew t verse 13, it is a narrow or compressed road that leads to life. It is hedged about with the commands of God. The hedge protects us from distractions of this life, they are there for a purpose.
b) He is the way to deal with sin. We can see how Jesus dealt with temptation . Jesus had been 40 days without food and he tempted by Satan, he used God’s words to rebut Satan. Jesus was tempted all of his life. He was most tempted by those closest to him – Peter who tried to deflect Jesus from his path. Jesus said to him - ‘get behind me Satan. Hebrews 4 verse 14 tells us Jesus can help us deal with temptation.
c) He is the way to obedience. He always obeyed his father even unto death. We kick against this but Jesus never did, we need God’s grace to do this. What happens to us is the will of God and we need his grace to obey him.
d) He is the way to worship. Jesus is the way into the presence of God. Hebrews 10 verses 19 to 25 tells us this. We can draw near through his blood.
e) He is the way to humility. He is the way to humility – Philippians 2 verses 5 to 11. We should not boast save in the blood of Christ.

Developing in Him (verse 7) – two pictures, Foundations and Progress.
a) Being rooted comes from agriculture. Foundation comes from building. The images are intertwined. Tall trees need big roots, we need to put down deep roots. We are confirmed in him by the Holy Spirit, we follow after Jesus Christ. We believe in him and trust in his name. We must learn abut Christ and be fixed on him. We must dig down and lay careful foundations.
b) Progressing in Him – growing up in terms of maturity and fruit. It is a continuing action, it is and will continue to happen – go on being rooted in him. 2 Peter 1verses 3 to 9 tells we need to possess Christian virtues in increasing measure, they become part of us. When a plant is cared for and bears fruit it is very satisfying. People in the world know the value of godly people who are growing to maturity. What sort of fruit do we want? That of godly life? Galatians 5 verses 22 to 23 shows us this clearly. Are we developing in Christ?

Abounding in Him (verse 7) – the overflowing nature of true Christianity.
a) Filled to overflowing with Christ – who would know you are a believer? Abounding means overflowing. Who would know that we are a Christian? Is it apparent to others? 2 Corinthians 1 verse 5 shows Paul going through tough times and he knew Christ’s comforts were enough for everyone – it overflows to all.
b) Filled to overflowing with thankfulness – who would know that you are eternally satisfied? This shows our state of mind, is it a word that applies to us? Or do we overflow with misery and complaints? Do we thank God for allowing us to go through bad times – we grow through these when we overflow with Christ. Does the Apostle’s assertion hit home to us tonight?