Essential Virtues - intro

I have been reading such a good book lately - Jim Berg's Essential Virtues marks of the Christ-centered life. I am hoping to do several posts for you as I myself am learning so much and want to share with you. The book is written by expositing 2 Peter 1 (which is what I am also memorizing right now). "According to our Lord's divine power he has given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him, that hath called us to glory and virtue. He that lacketh these things has forgotten he was purged from his old sins." These are just words unto you break it apart and learn what God is teaching us. Jim Berg says The destiny of every believer is Christ likeness, the enemy of Christ likeness is sin, and the root of every sin is nourished by some theological error.
Through an intimate knowledge of Christ we will harvest the following virtues in our lives. This is Christ and Paul's desire for us. First it cures apathy/ barren. Barren means stalled, stuck, idle and therefore ineffective. Immature believers who are not advancing in their growth, often they have to be pulled or pushed along by someone else. Second it is the path to intimacy with Christ. We should think of Christ as our trainer and put in the time to know Christ -- our "health" depends on it. Third it is the key to discernment. If we aren't diligently cultivating the virtues of Christ likeness we will be taking on the likeness of the world. Forth it makes us "sure" of our salvation. If there is no desire to develop and no evidence of these virtues there is no saving faith. Fifth and Sixthly it is a requirement for stability (not double-minded) and it gives us a cause for expectancy.
This has been such a challenge to me in my living, purpose and confidence in dealing with others. I hope this small post challenges you to go read 2 Peter 1 1-11...and come back for part two.