2 Peter 1:5-8, “For this reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Peter knew he was about to die and stated in 2 Peter 1:14 that Jesus had made it clear to him, yet he had peace. What would you tell your family and friends if you knew your death would happen soon? What essential things do you want those in your influence to understand and learn deeply about living for eternity? Growth as a Christian doesn’t just happen. “But whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated passion of your life, and find your way to say it and live for it and die for it. And you will make a difference that lasts. You will not waste your life.” John Piper. I want my children, grandchildren, and nieces to know this; it is all here in 2 Peter 1:5-8.
Trials in life test the reality and depth of our experience of our faith in God. It starts there. The ESV uses the word “effort” in 2 Peter 1:5. The LSB uses “diligence.” Remaining steadfast in my faith takes diligent effort at times. The term “virtue” is used in the ESV, and the LSB uses “moral excellence.” So, Peter says that the first quality in one’s life to be effective and valuable for the Lord Jesus Christ, is living out your faith, which takes effort. The next to develop and maintain is one’s behavior showing high moral standards – “virtue.” One of the signs of being a Christian is living with moral and ethical excellence. Having high moral standards; purity is a requirement.
It all starts with our faith. The entire list of essential qualities that completes or enhances and builds upon your faith are:
- Virtue – moral excellence; morally good behavior or character
- Knowledge – gaining personal knowledge of God and discernment
- Self-control – maintaining a balanced life; using self-restraint
- Steadfastness – perseverance; passionate patience
- Godliness – living above the petty things in life; righteousness
- Brotherly affection – loving despite our differences; kindness; gentleness verses harshness
- Love – seeks the highest good for others; unconditional devotion
I learn something new about God and His love and faithfulness through every painful trial. Trials in life test the reality and depth of our experience with Christ.
As we apply these seven action items of qualities building upon each one: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, we will become more useful in serving others for Christ and being used by God. We will have benefit, be effective, valuable, and fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
James 3:13 states, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
So, what if you don’t see good conduct in someone that has proclaimed to be a Christian? Peter states in verse 9 their situation: “For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.” My prayer is for my family members to not fall into that pit in their lives where there is a lack of fruit seen in their Christian life. Trials can bring on discouragement which we all have to fight against. We have an anchor that holds us in the hands of God by His divine power. That gives us hope and peace.
When my celebration of life service takes place, I have requested 2 Peter 1:5-8 be the focus of the sermon preached. That is the subject I want expounded upon – the seven qualities Christians need to be influential and successful for the Lord Jesus Christ. That is my request and desire.
Listen to Phil Wickham new song, “THE JESUS WAY”