THERE ARE MANY BOOKS AND MAGAZINES TODAY ON HOW TO HAVE SUCCESS, HOW TO BE PROSPEROUS, HOW TO BE RICH

1. The Key to this Biblical Passage is in v.3 - God's great gift- Life & Godliness v.4 promises
2. Though God gives us so much, we still have responsibilities- v.5-10, and it takes DILIGENCE
3. But the only way we can start is with God's wonderful provision in the light of current events and Biblical prophecy- we had better not wait to get started either!

I.- GOD'S GREAT GIFTS - II Pet 1:3

The only limit of these gifts is "according to His great divine power!" so don't hold back

A.- GOD HAS GIVEN US ALL THINGS PERTAINING UNTO LIFE - THIS MEANS ZOOLOGICAL & BEYOND THIS WORLD!

1. Creation is a part of God's great gift- Enjoy it, He created it for you- sin against it-lose
2. Your Physical Birth is a personal miracle-An accident or God? Ask a Dr. the odds- & thank God
3. But real life begins when you accept Jesus Christ as your savior & this is no accident either

B.- GOD HAS GIVEN US ALL THINGS PERTAINING UNTO GODLINESS, THIS MEANS MORAL, SPIRITUAL GLORY

1. When He saved you, he stamped His image in you! Made in the likeness of God -creation & Salvation
2. The inner stamp of God should produce an outer glow! Can people tell that you are of God?
3. The Inner Godliness is a gift; the outer expression takes you working OUT your Salvation-

C.- WE RECEIVE THESE MARVELOUS GIFTS THROUGH OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, v.3b,8b

1. Do you want to be Born Again- Do you want Godliness- the only way is through Knowledge of Jesus
2. The Bible was written- John 20:31 -to give you this knowledge-that you might believe & live
3. Paul's purpose of life- Phil 2:8 -to Know Christ; John 10:27 My sheep KNOW my voice-

The saddest words in the scripture- Matt 7:21-3- Depart- I never KNEW you! -Only Hell left

II.- OUR DILIGENT LABOR -  II Pet 1:54

Knowing Christ opens a life, but we must live it! it takes work, responsibility, faithfulness,

A.- GOD'S GREAT GIFT DEMANDS OUR RESPONSE, AND WE HAD BETTER BE DILIGENT IN THAT RESPONSE!

1. The word "Diligence" means to exert one's self- to make haste, earnest, business like way!
2. God supplies you with Faith- as a gift; but we must exercise that faith for it to grow
3. If you fail to exercise your faith- v.9 describes you! If you have no faith- Open your mind!

B.- WE CAN ADD TO GOD'S GREAT GIFTS, AND INDEED WE ARE EXPECTED TO DO SO DILIGENTLY!

1. Ad Virtue- Moral valor, courage, stability, determined to Obey God before He commands- virtue
2. Knowledge - Moral discernment- after deciding to obey- ask Him WHAT? Then look in the Bible!
3. temperance - Knowledge is power- Temperance is Self Control- not blasting! Keeping calm!
4. Patience - Wait upon the Lord- endure time while waiting eternity-God will bear you out!
5. Godliness -God-like-ness! Study God- become like Jesus in practice as well as in heart!
6. Brotherly kindness- Especially to the household of faith- practice this often to be strong.
7. Charity -This means Self-sacrificial love! God gives the gift of love! We exercise the gifts

To be faithful in adding these to your life takes a great deal of practice & exercise-

III.- THE SUCCESS OF THE ADVENTURE II Pet 1:8,

In an age of confusion and shock- the Horatio Alger story still works- Have courage to try!

A.- OUR DILIGENCE WILL MAKE US PROSPEROUS v. 8 IS AN ETERNAL LAW, OR PRINCIPLE OF SPIRITUALITY

1. Thank God for those who realize that they have slipped- v.8- for repentance brings new power
2. But if these great gifts are exercised- there is no way we can be unfruitful!
3. Psalms 1:2,3 tells us how to be a tree -by rivers of water, & whatsoever he doeth shall prosper

B.- IT IS GOD'S SUCCESSFUL WORK TO BRING US INTO THE KINGDOM OF HIS SON, V. 11 -A GLORIOUS ENTRANCE

1. God has ordained- and he will provide an abundant entrance- No slipping into back door of Heaven
2. Some may have great rewards, some few- but ALL will have so great salvation- Bride of Lamb!
3. And like an oriental wedding our entrance is "according to His Power" When God invites-he provides

C.- IT IS TIME FOR US TO MAKE SURE OF OUR PROVISION FOR EXERCISING GOD'S GIFTS! v.10

1. "Wherefore"-Diligence- powerful words telling us to be sure! Men went to Moon- easier heaven
2. But as a pilot checking off the preflight list- check your Salvation-& quality of life-(gas)
3. v.14 Peter knew he was soon to die! So he pled - I had hoped to see Rapture spared death- and now unless Jesus comes soon- we will all go the way of Peter! Will you prepare?

KNOWING HE SOON WOULD BE CUT OFF, PETER MADE HIS OWN CALLING AND ELECTION SURE, & SERVED FAITHFULLY

1. If you knew Russia's orbital Bomb would fall- today! would you make sure of your salvation?
2. If you knew Washington would capitulate-& we be governed by Russia-would you prepare-in S.S.
3. If you knew the Rapture would not come until this nation suffered like China-would you exercise and train your gifts for use & comfort during the tribulation of America?