THE SEVEN SUPPLEMENTS

08/08/2023

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love" (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Faith is the starting point for all believers. And even though the responsibility for becoming stalwart with your faith belongs to you, the initial deposit of faith in any believer's heart is God's. Romans 12:3 tells us that God has dealt to everyone "the measure of faith."

But then, your faith requires certain supplements for you to be effective and fruitful, and the responsibility for adding these supplements to your faith is 100% yours. 

In today's theme scripture, we are drawn to the seven supplements of faith that can help us stay prepared and ready for the Lord, and the first one is virtue or excellence. Excellence can mean the application of yourself to precision. In essence, you back your faith with attention to details so as to preclude your faith from errors.

Next, you back excellence with knowledge. The knowledge referred to here is "gnosis" or general knowledge, knowing the nature of things and how they operate. You read books, listen to teachings, and just observe to learn. After knowledge, the Bible says to add self-control; the ability to rein in your emotions and predilections. You learn to hold your passions in and keep them in check. 

On top of self-control, add perseverance. Perseverance is stickability. You stick through situations and relationships without losing sight of the divine goal. Next, add godliness. Godliness is self-conduct in the holy and moral sense. Your conduct communicates your separation unto God. 

Next, after godliness, add brotherly kindness. Go out of your way to be kind to others. The Bible says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

Lastly, the scriptures say, add love. And the quality of love must be as Christ's. Ephesians 5:2 says, "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

The outcome, "For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:8). These seven supplements are the secret to a fruitful and productive Christian life. 

As you go about your business today, I want you to think about these seven. Ask the Lord to help you grasp the import of today's message, and one after the other, give the Holy Ghost the leeway to help you practice them in your life.

God bless you!

Faith-Filled Confession

I acknowledge the measure of faith I have received from the Lord. And on top of this faith, I add excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. I am fruitful and productive in my walk with the Lord, and there is no barrenness to my ministry. Glory

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Psalm 82-84; Romans 8:19-39

Prayer point

Psalm 67:2 T LB – Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind. 

Psalm 68:11 – The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. 

Habakkuk 2:14 – For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. 

At 6 am prayer time today, we will pray mostly in tongues of the Spirit, and pray specially for the work of churches and ministries around the world. Pray that they fulfill their God-given assignments, remain fervent and passionate about their work and calling, and are richly supplied with all they require. Pray that they are focused, fearless, bold, and inspired for ever-increasing impact of the gospel. Declare every opposition against them ineffective, and that through their work, the kingdom of God expands exceedingly, and is established in the hearts of men, and that the name of our Blessed Lord is glorified. Amen.