2 Samuel 8:1-9:13; Habakkuk 1:1-17; Romans 14:19-15:13
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8
In the preceding verses, Simon Peter exhorts us to add certain character qualities to our faith. He lists seven things: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. After we add these things to our faith, he challenges us to use higher math, saying these things should abound, literally be multiplied. If we lack these things, we are shortsighted, but if we practice these things, we will have an abundant entrance into glory (vv. 9-11). It all adds up! —Rex Trogdon
Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open, We shall tread the streets of gold. —Eliza E. Hewitt