“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
For if these things
“These things” are the chorus of seven character qualities of the previous verses. Every time the words “these things” occur they refer to the seven building blocks of Christian character.
When a Christian develops the seven sub-structures of his faith, he will be effective and productive. The necessary consequence of adding one characteristic to another, is fruit and productivity.
These seven qualities will cause the five effects in verses 8 and 9.
are yours
The words “are yours” implies possession and makes the point that the seven characteristics of the previous verses “belong” to Christians who grow. As these qualities increase in measure so does effectiveness.
The word “are” in this verse is a strong word “are.” This word “are” means to be identical with, to be in a state, normally with the implication of a particular set of circumstances. It carries the idea to exist, particularly in relation to ownership. This always involves a pre-existent state, prior to the fact referred to, and a continuance of the state after the fact. Thus in Philippians 2:6 the phrase “who being in the form of God” implies Christ’s pre-existent deity, previous to His Birth, and His continued deity afterwards.
The word “are” means that which is from the beginning. Something attaches itself to a person and thus belongs to him. The character qualities of verses five through seven are not spasmodic, here one day and gone tomorrow. All these qualities lie resident in every child of God.
Principle:
Character belongs to those who grow.
Application:
Any Christian can draw upon these resources whenever he chooses to do so. It is one thing to have these qualities “exist” in us and it is another for them to “super-abound” in us.
All these qualities lie resident in the child of God. Most of us have the potential to walk but must take the first few steps. The crawling infant may fear loss of balance and falling. Indeed, he may fall at first, but later when he gains confidence in balancing himself, he will discover the joy of walking and later running. First we have the beginning state (”are”), then we move to “super-abounding.”
God makes us fit for heaven. We were fit for hell; now we are fit for heaven. Are you fit for heaven? The only One who can rearrange your life is the One who first saves your soul.
“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” (Colossians 1:12).
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