In this sermon, we looked at Peter's call for Christians to continue pursuing godliness and spiritual growth even in the midst of persecution and suffering. Drawing from the spiritual reality that Christians are partakers in God's divine glory, Peter calls Christians to add to what we already have in Christ by pursuing and practicing Christ-like qualities. He reminds us that God is restoring us back to the "Imago Dei" (Image of God) of Eden. While this transformation doesn't happen instantly, we are invited to participate in what the Holy Spirit is doing in us by pursuing the Christ-like qualities of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. When we practice these things, we will experience them in increasing measure, and we are kept from being ineffective and unfruitful for God’s Kingdom.
