Welcome to Defenders, the teaching class of Dr. William Lane Craig.

For more information and resources from Dr. Craig, go to reasonable faith.org.

As we close out our Defenders class, we've been thinking about the character qualities of a disciple of Christ,

listed in 2 Peter chapter 1 verses 3 to 11.

There is one quality that ought to be characteristic of our pursuit of all of these

virtues. Peter says to make every effort to cultivate these virtues.

That speaks of the biblical quality of diligence.

That is to say we are to be zealous, steady, and relentless in pursuing these virtues.

We need to be diligent in adding to our Christian faith these sorts of character

qualities that befit a disciple of Christ. Let's not miss the promise that goes with this

command in 2. Peter 1.8 and following. For if these things are yours and abound,

they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What a fantastic promise. If you want to live a life that is bearing fruit for Jesus Christ,

a life that is effective in carrying out the ministry that God has given you, then these character qualities are sufficient for that. Having these character qualities in abundance

will prevent you from being ineffective or unfruitful. They will guarantee a fruitful,

effective Christian life and ministry. Peter goes on to say, for whoever lacks

these things is blind and short-sighted and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Therefore, brethren, be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do

this, you will never fall.

What a promise.

Do you worry about whether you will persevere to the end?

Will I fall away and apostatize? Here, Peter says, this is the guarantee

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