For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

                                                                                                                 2 Peter 1:8 

Today, we look at another reason for believers to have godly attributes as a standard in their lives. Recognizing that God has already equipped us with everything we need for life and godliness, Peter now turns to the reality that these attributes will render us neither useless nor unfruitful. Stated positively, these attributes will render us useful and fruitful. A useful or fruitful life is an effective, powerful, and victorious life. It is a person who makes a significant impact for the kingdom of God. This is the reason for the existence of the church on earth. We are to be representatives to the love of God, salvation through Jesus Christ, and freedom in the Holy Spirit, which is the good news or gospel. So let’s consider three major truths that we should be communicating to the world.

(1) We are to preach good news to a world searching for meaning. 

And He (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

                                                                                                           Mark 16:15 

When we meet people, are we quick to tell them what we have discovered in Jesus? It would be impossible to share the gospel with someone else if we have not first experienced that good news in our own lives. But for those of us who are partakers in salvation through faith in Jesus, it is our privilege and responsibility to share this amazing truth with others. I would like to say that all Christian messages spoken today can fit into the category of “good news” but that is sadly not the case. There are plenty of discouraging philosophies out there, but the gospel is a message of hope, courage, and love. In order for us to be useful and fruitful, we must share the good news. As scripture reminds us, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things” (Romans 10:15).

(2) The gospel always brings forgiveness and freedom. 

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him (Jesus) forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him (Jesus) everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

                                                                                                                   Acts 13:38-39 

As born again believers in Jesus Christ, we enjoy forgiveness for all of our sins and a spiritual freedom that those seeking to be justified by the law fail to obtain. Often, I hear Christians express an apprehension to share the gospel with others. At the core of this hesitation is a sense that they do not know what to say. In order to alleviate this dilemma, I recommend we all familiarize ourselves with the message preached in the 1^st century church. In this discourse (found in two verses), Paul is expressing the true knowledge about Jesus by revealing that forgiveness and freedom are found only in Jesus Christ and for those who call on His name (Romans 10:13) and place their trust in Him (John 3:18), both forgiveness and spiritual freedom become realities. Again, it would be impossible for us to share the message of forgiveness with others unless we have experienced it in our own lives. But when we know that we are forgiven by God, it frees us up to offer that same forgiveness to others. The same is true with freedom. Unless we ourselves are spiritually free, we cannot effectively express that to anyone else. It was for freedom that Christ set us free (Galatians 5:1). That reality experienced in your life will bring about the ability to share that truth with others.

(3) Finally, the gospel is a message of reconciliation with God.

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us…

                                                                                                2 Corinthians 5:18, 20a 

As we share the good news of forgiveness and freedom, we are, in effect, preaching the message of reconciliation with God. Again, the ability to be an ambassador for Christ would require one to be in a relationship with Christ, having already been reconciled. If we do not know that we are in right standing with God, we fail to meet the criteria of engaging in the “ministry of reconciliation.” However, those that are trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross for their reconciliation, they are fully equipped to make the appeal for others to be reconciled as well.

Peter assures us that God has already given us everything that we need for life and godliness and reminds us that having godly attributes as a standard in our life will provide opportunities for us to be useful and fruitful. As we consider these attributes, keep in mind the message we are to be taking to the world. Proclaiming good news, forgiveness, freedom, and reconciliation are the foundations for the church’s existence. Let’s live lives that are effective, meaningful, and build up the kingdom of God!