Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control. perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 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. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9. According to Peter, Faith without obedience matters in the christians life.
Many profess faith but struggle with obedience. There are also those who believe we are covered by grace and continual obedience is not necessary. This is known as antinomianism, meaning against the law. You can learn more about this topic at GotQuestions. Obedience matters. Let’s talk about why and how applying scripture is the process that leads to and informs our obedience.
God’s Gift and Promises are the Foundation and Beginning of Faith
Before we talk about the importance of application we must know where faith begins. It is a free gift, not earned, by our good works but given by the power of God. So, to those who have received faith by the righteousness and divine power of God apply all diligence. By the power of God we are given precious and magnificent promises (2 Peter 2:3) these are the foundation and beginning of our faith. John Piper says this about divine power, The mark of sonship is divine power. And the mark of power is godliness; which means a love for the things of God and a walk in the ways of God.”
Through Christ we are empowered to share in the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in this world. This is the beginning of faith—but it does not stop there. You and I must surrender our wills, supply and practice what God gives. “Faith is not just giving mental assent to truth but includes a surrender of one’s will to that truth which results in a conduct in keeping with that surrender. Precept Austin
True Christian faith requires practicing the word of God. The result will be spiritual growth through our obedience.
Why True Christian Faith Requires Daily Application and Obedience
Faith that does not intentionally learn what is pleasing to the Lord through the study of His word and then diligently apply it, Peter calls useless and unfruitful. Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:16 a true disciple is known by their fruit. James tells us that faith without works is a dead faith.
Fruit is a product of the inner working of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Applying what we learn from the Holy Spirit leads to obedience. True Christian faith always leads to obedience to Christ, showing that faith is not just belief but faith in action.
The Call to Diligent Application
Look back at the precious gifts and promises received from God and move forward in diligent application. We walk in the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. A Christian is called to remember and make every effort to be diligent in applying and walking in God’s truth.
Peter lists a ladder of growth qualities that will be evident in the life of a believer who responds to God’s command, develops, cultivates and builds into their lives. Here is the list that require intentional application, Faith → moral excellence → knowledge → self-control → steadfastness → godliness → brotherly affection → love. These qualities are the character of God we are building in our own lives,
Faith Without Obedience: The Danger
Peter reminds us that if anyone lacks these qualities they are blind or short-sighted and forgotten their purification from his former sins. (2 peter 1:9) James also reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Faith that never moves into obedience is no faith at all. Peter warns us to make certain of His calling and choosing you.
The danger of hearing God’s Word without applying it is that it creates spiritual pride (“I know so much”) or apathy (“I’ve heard it all before”). But true faith expresses itself in a growing, obedient walk with God that transforms our character and produces love.
Practical Application for the Christian Life
So how do we move from hearing to doing? First, rely on God’s promises. You are not left alone and expected to grow and change in your own strength. God has given you everything you need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3) You have a checklist in 2 Peter 1:5-8, use this list to check your heart. Are these qualities increasing in your walk? If not pray and ask God for strength.
Apply the scriptures daily. You cannot just study, you must put into practice what God gives and requires.
Faith is more than what we know or say—it is what we live. God has given us His precious promises, but He calls us to apply them with diligence, so that our faith produces fruit and reflects Christ. The challenge is simple yet life-changing:
When faith is marked by obedience, the Christian life becomes fruitful, and unshakably secure in God’s promises.
