2 PETER – Chapter One

Part One

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

 

CHAPTER 1 – Grow in Christian Virtue

 

In this first chapter of 2 Peter we should remember that Peter is desiring to exhort (build up or encourage) those followers of Christ he is writing to in their faith and Christian walk. Christians at this time were living under the rule of the corrupt Roman Empire and surrounded by decadence and debauchery. Moral corruption was a constant pressure on their commitment to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They needed to know how they could continue to grow in grace and avoid becoming defiled by the sinful society they lived in. Does this sound like the same issue you and I face today? I think so. As we progress through this first chapter, notice how Peter gives a warning to remain pure and holy (1:2-4). Notice how he reminds followers of Christ of what they already knew (1:12-14). Today as Christians we know a LOT, but often we fail to put it into practice. We need Peter to remind us today, just as much as he reminded the followers of Christ in the first century, of the calling we have as God’s children, to live pure and holy, manifesting the gift of the Spirit and loving those that come into our lives. Peter also assures Christians that as long as they practice the precepts they have been taught and walk with the Spirit, they will never stumble (1:10). We need this encouragement today as well.

 

“1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:”

 

Peter identifies himself not by a single name, but with two. First his birth name, “Simon” and then the name he was given by Jesus when he confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, “Peter,” (Matthew 16:16-18). This illustrates that Peter wanted it to be clear that he was given a new identity when he accepted Christ as his personal savior.

 

When he calls himself a “bond-servant,” (In Greek the word for bond-servant is “doulos”) he is identifying with all those Christians to whom he is writing. He is stating in essence that he is a “slave” who belongs to Christ. The concept of being a slave to a master was very much understood in Ephesus and in the Roman Empire. Many readers of this letter were very likely slaves or knew people who were slaves. Peter is stating here that when he accepted Christ as his Lord and savior he became a slave to His authority and will. He had been bought with the precious blood of Jesus on the cross. Peter is the Lord’s property as are all followers of Christ. The great price of Jesus’ death on the cross paid for him and all who call Jesus Lord and Savior.  When Peter calls himself a “doulos” it means that he is inalienably possessed by God and belongs to his Heavenly Father. It means that Peter is utterly at the disposal of God and all his so-called rights are surrendered to God. It means that he owes an unquestioning obedience to God. It means that he must be constantly in the service of God. It means for Peter and us as followers of Christ, that we cannot either deliberately or unconsciously, compartmentalize life into the time and activities which belong to God, and the time and activities which we can do what we like.

 

The Christian is a person whom at every moment time is spent in the service of God. Peter willingly embraced the lifestyle of a “doulos” or “bond-servant” and used this term to describe not only his ministry but his very life as a follower of Christ. In Peter’s day such a term described someone no better than an animal that could be bought or sold and used by their master for whatever task they determined. While socially this was demeaning, spiritually it portrayed a life of honor; for it meant such a person had complete submission to obey his or her master no matter what the cost. Since a “doulos” was a possession of their master. Any Christian is in essence, a possession of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. We belong to God. We are to be constantly at His disposal to minister to others. In Philippians 1:21 Paul states “For to me, to live is Christ…” Our motivation in life is to be the same as Paul and Peter, one of serving God in all areas of our life. In the ancient world the “doulos” was to obey their master without question and the law of their master was their only law. Today as followers of Christ we are to view ourselves in the same manner. God’s will and pleasure should be the law of our life. Whatever we think, say and do should focus around God’s Word applied to all aspects of our life. . This is not oppressive for God’s law is motivated by love and God’s will for our lives is what is best for our well-being, be it physical, mental or spiritual. In the ancient world the slave was always owned by their master, there was no vacation from such a position. Our standing before our Lord and Savior is the same. There is never a vacation or down time for the follower of Christ or a “doulos.” To be a “bondslave” is to assume an attitude of homage and obedience to the one who owns you, Jesus Christ. It also implies that there is a responsibility to discharge a mission, a mission to live like Christ in all areas of life through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

 

William Barclay in his commentary on 2 Peter describes what it means for a Christian to identify him or herself as a “doulos.”

 

“To call the Christian the “doulos” of God means that he is inalienably possessed by God.

 

To call the Christian the “doulos” of God means that he is unqualifiedly at the disposal of God.

 

To call the Christian the “doulos” of God means that he owes an unquestioning obedience to God.

 

To all the Christian the “doulos” of God means that he must be constantly in the service of God.”

 

But Peter also shares that he has a special position granted him by the Savior. He is also one of the apostles chosen by Jesus Christ which made up the foundation of Christ’s church on earth. This carries with it an authority and responsibility to teach, encourage, admonish and guide other believers in their Christian walk.

 

John MacArthur in his commentary on 2 Peter states, “Peter, in presenting himself in these terms, sets a pattern for all in spiritual leadership: the submissive, sacrificial anonymity of a slave, combined with the dignity, significance, and authority of an apostle.”

 

In this verse Peter again identifies with his readers by stating that he is writing to “those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours.” In essence he is stating that they all have the same common bond, the same faith in God, the same faith in Jesus as Lord and risen Savior. Therefore they all have the same calling, to live holy and pure in a perverse generation. There is a singularity to the Christian faith. We share a common belief in God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Our faith as a Christian is in our Heavenly Father who both chose us to be His own, sent His Son to pay for our sins and gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit to live within us once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. No matter where we live, we have a common bond because of our common faith with all followers of Christ.

 

This faith that is held in common by all Christians is supplied by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Here we see the concept that Jesus was part of the divine Trinity. Peter states that the faith all Christians possess is made possible by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. This informs us that Jesus was not just a mere man or simply a good teacher, but God in the flesh. It emphasizes the fact that Jesus, while living as a man, was also God. Jesus gave up His glory to be born as a human in order that He might live and then to die for our sins. The precious faith we have been given and express in our lives was given to us and made possible for us to have by the “righteousness” of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. This righteousness is pure holiness. Christ’s sinless life was completely holy and without sin, it was righteous by His Heavenly Father’s standard. Peter here shares that the deity of Jesus Christ is an established fact because the righteousness spoken of is from God, who is also Jesus Christ. The concept of God being Triune (three-in-one) is difficult for us to comprehend, but we must remember that God is unique and His complex nature is beyond our understanding. God exists as Father, Son and Spirit. While each is completely God in the truest sense of the word, each is also different in how they function within the Trinity.

 

Peter identifies with those followers of Christ he writes to by stating that he as well as his readers (including us) “have received a faith of the same kind.” Peter is stating here that whether you are Jew or Gentile, we are all as followers of Christ called by God, saved by Jesus Christ, and equipped with the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life. This is all made possible by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We are all heirs of this great spiritual heritage. We are all members of the family of God. We have all received the same grace and peace “in the knowledge” of God and Christ. (2 Peter 1:2)

 

The word “Savior” in verse one is used by Peter because he is making a plea that his fellow Christians grow in their faith because each and every Believer belongs to a God who saves. The word “Savior” in reference to Jesus is found sixteen times in the New Testament, five of them in 2 Peter. Jesus as “God and Savior” was a common term accepted and used by Christians in the first century.

 

Peter in the next four verses gives us a magnificent and comprehensive description of Jesus Christ.

 

He is the Christ of Power

 

He is the Christ of Generosity

 

He is the Christ of Precious and Great Promises

 

He is the Christ Who Makes Us Share in His Divine Nature

 

He is the Christ by Whom We Escape the World’s Corruption

 

“2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

 

Peter encourages his readers with words of blessing; “grace and peace” and as if in an open prayer asks for these dual blessings to be multiplied in their lives. He infers that the knowledge of God is what “multiplies” or increases these blessings.

 

The Greek word for “knowledge” here is “epignosis” and does not refer merely to intellectual or theoretical knowledge but to “heart knowledge” that comes about by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and receiving the Holy Spirit as a seal verifying their relationship with God the Father. Christian knowledge of Christ comes from a personal relationship with Him. We know about God through the scriptures, but we also have a close and intimate relationship with Him as well in our soul, mind and spirit. As this relationship grows deeper as we mature as followers of Christ; the grace and peace we experience increases as does our personal knowledge of who He is. Our knowledge of God fosters an ever-deepening personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well as with the Holy Spirit and our Heavenly Father.

 

Three godly characteristics of the Father, Son and Spirit are mentioned by Peter which grant to us “everything pertaining to life and godliness.” These are God’s “divine power,” “godliness,” and “excellence.”

 

A very important point is made in verse 3. Peter states that it is by God’s divine power that we are “granted” “everything pertaining to life and godliness.” Sometimes we feel with our own dedication, commitment and efforts we are the ones who empower our spiritual lives. While our obedience and dedicated response to the Spirit’s leading and instruction is necessary. The true power that changes us and renews us is the power of God by the influence of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16, Titus 3:5) and the instruction of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (Psalm 119:11, Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 2:15). God provides everything we need to grow spiritually, all we need do is respond to the Holy Spirit and live out His Holy Word in our lives. God’s Holy Spirit is constantly inviting us to respond and participate in our spiritual growth. Everything we need to live victoriously with purity is provided. All we must do is respond and participate in the process of sanctification, becoming more holy, more like Christ each day.

 

Peter once again mentions that the true “knowledge” of “Him” who called us is the core to our relationship with our Heavenly. The knowledge we have of loving, serving, worshipping, praying to and obeying God in our relationship with Him is what empowers us and sustains us. This is the “true” knowledge with which we worship Him (John 4:24), which makes us free from sin (John 8:32, which the Holy Spirit guides us in (John 16:13), which sanctifies us (John 17:19), and which purifies us when we obey it (1 Peter 1:22).

 

Peter ends verse 3 with the phrase “Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” It is an amazing fact that God called you specifically to Himself and He did this out of His love for you, but also out of His glorious exceptional character. He deemed it necessary, because of His divine love for you, that you specifically, be a part of His spiritual family and He called you to respond to the invitation to live with Him forever in Heaven. Your eternal life began when you accepted His Son, Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. It continues as you worship and obey the Holy Spirit who was given to you at your conversion, and it will continue for eternity as you dwell with Him in Heaven.

 

“4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”

 

Peter has given us the motivation and actions of God through His Son Jesus Christ that make it possible to have a relationship with Him. Now he tells us the benefits of this unique and holy personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ. He grants us the extremely precious and magnificent promises that He will uphold by His divine and perfect character. A promise of God has three purposes; it reveals an ideal to pursue, it kindles an ambition in life to live up to and it inspires a hope to encourage us along the way. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 speaks of these promises;

 

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”

 

What are these promises?

 

Forgiveness of all our sins – past, present, and future

(Ephesians 1:7-8, Colossians 1:14).

 

Spiritual adoption by God the Father

(Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:5).

 

Spiritual strength by the Holy Spirit

(Ephesians 3:16).

 

Comfort through suffering and hardship

(2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

 

Provision of our needs

(Philippians 4:19).

 

Hope of Heaven when we die

(Colossians 1:5, Hebrews 12:22-24).

 

Bodily resurrection when He returns

(1 Corinthians 15:51-54).

 

Reigning with Him in His kingdom

(2 Timothy 2:11-12).

 

And there are many, many more promises as well!

 

In essence we can live life abundantly because of what Christ has done for us and in us (John 10:10).

 

The Greek word for “promises” is “epangelma” and the emphasis of this word is on the actual things promised. Peter uses this word to help us focus on the magnitude of the promises God has granted to us. We should be gloriously overwhelmed by such godly promises.

 

Peter also tells us these promises are “magnificent” or as some translations state “exceeding.” This descriptive word pulls our attention to the massiveness and intensity of the promises of God. John Phillips in his commentary on 2 Peter states that “The promises of God are blank checks drawn on the bank of heaven, signed by the Lord of glory, and given to us so that we can fill our name, our need, and the ‘now’ of our present emergency. For what more could we ask?”

 

Peter next shares what these promises given to us accomplish in our lives as we respond to them;

 

We “become partakers of the divine nature.” The word “partakers” reminds us as followers of Christ that we have something in common with all other believers, the divine nature that is given to us at our conversion when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. While we instantly become a child of God and become “partakers” of the divine nature, we are also aware that the sinful flesh still resides within us. But despite this, we also know God gives us the Holy Spirit at the moment of our conversion to help us overcome the lust of the flesh and its desires. This act of God granting to us the “divine nature” enables us to escape the sinful corruption of the world as the rest of the verse sates.

 

Before we were followers of Christ we were driven by our sinful nature. Our sinful nature determined our appetites in life. It also influenced our behaviors and actions. It motivated us to choose our environment, where we spent our time in fleshly actions. It also determined our associations with others as we chose friends who had similar sinful desires. When we “become partakers of the divine nature,” when we accept Christ as Lord and Savior; our new godly nature, with the help of God’s Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to determine good appetites to pursue. It also influences us to live in a godly manner in how we behave. It also gives us discernment in choosing environments that are positive and appropriate for a follower of Christ to be found it. Our divine nature also influences who we associate with in social situations. This means we gravitate towards fellowshipping with other Christians, but it also means we seek to minister to and evangelize those who do not possess the divine nature. Our example to live by is Jesus Christ who lived holy and pure, but also reached out to those who needed salvation and eternal life.

 

We “escape the corruption that is in the world by lust.”

 

When we accept and live out the promises of God and seek to become like His son Jesus Christ, we live pure and holy. We partake of God’s divine nature. When this is done on a moment by moment basis as we live in the power of the Holy Spirit; the second promise is fulfilled. We escape the sinful polluted corruption that is in the world around us that is caused by the lust of the flesh (1 John 2:16-17). The Greek word for “corruption” here is “phthora.” Paul uses this word to describe the condition of a corpse (1 Corinthians 15:2 and to depict the condition of creation under the Curse of sin (Romans 8:21). The word carries the idea of destruction by means of corruption. Peter here uses it to describe the effect of human lusts on society.

 

Most of us have seen the movie, “The Great Escape” starring Steve McQueen. It is the true story of WWII prisoners attempting to escape a from a Nazi prisoner of war camp. Unfortunately very few made it out alive and others were recaptured. But God’s promises and the gift of His divine nature enable ALL who come to His Son Jesus Christ for salvation to escape the spiritual prisoner of war camp that is dominated by sin, ruled by Satan and filled with the corruption of the world. No one is recaptured or put to death that has not honestly submitted to God and accepted His Son as Lord and Savior of their lives. When we respond to God’s grace and forgiveness in His son, we are truly and eternally forgiven and free!

 

Charles Swindoll states in regards to this passage, “These two are the positive and negative aspects of putting to use the provision God has given us, relying on the promises that accompany salvation. That is, as we put away the lust that causes corruption, we increasingly partake of the divine nature. We become, quite literally, more and more like Christ in both our inner beings and our outward actions. What has been once-for-all declared by grace through faith- our righteousness before God – becomes progressively manifest in our everyday lives – our righteous behavior before God and others. The former is called “justification” (when we are declared righteous); the other is called “sanctification” (when we are made increasingly more righteous).”

 

Since we have received such exceedingly magnificent promises and because of God’s divine power we have been granted everything that we need to live a godly life what now are we to do? In verse 5 Peter will tell us how this “righteousness” becomes a part of our lives.

 

“5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.”

 

In the previous verses of this chapter we have learned that God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to live as we should as followers of Christ and we also know we have His promises that form a foundation for our spiritual lives to be built upon. One thing must be added to these godly resources in order for us to keep in step with the Spirit and live as our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. It is necessary that we apply “all diligence” to how we think, act, behave and live.

 

These seven godly traits mentioned come from applying all diligence in how we live our faith. These are not sequential traits that we master one at a time at the exclusion of the others. They are godly traits that are developed and matured all together at once. Some may grow in depth and quality differently than others, but they are all intimately associated with each other and each one influences the others in spiritual ways as they are manifested.

 

William Barkclay states, “we must bend all our energies to equip ourselves with a series of great qualities.”

 

Michael Green shares regarding the reason for the diligence we are to show in our lives of a Christ-like character is that, “because of our new birth and the precious promises and the divine power offered us in Christ we cannot sit back and rest content with ‘faith’. The grace of God demands, as it enables, effort in man. We are to bring into this relationship alongside what God has done every ounce of determination we can muster.”

 

John Phillips writes in his commentary on this verse that, “We must not only believe, but also behave…we must have a belief that behaves!” Often we claim as Christians to know what we believe, but we stop there, we don’t allow spiritual truth to impact our lives. We fail to apply spiritual knowledge to daily living. This hinders our relationship with God and also quenches the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. These godly actions and behaviors when manifested will demonstrate that we not only believe as we should, but we also act like we should as followers of Christ.

 

The Greek word for “diligence” is “spoude” and infers a speedily dispatch of action or an eagerness with great earnestness to apply oneself to a task or goal.  How does Peter’s use of the word “diligence” instruct us in how to respond to his Holy Spirit inspired instruction? We are to; with eagerness, great care, quickness and dedication, seek to be about the business of living a holy life by applying what the Holy Bible instructs us to do and what the Holy Spirit convicts us to express in our daily service to God as we demonstrate our love for Him.

 

Peter tells us that we are to apply “all diligence” to the foundation of our Christian life which is our “faith.” Faith is the essence of our lives as followers of Christ. It is the solid foundation upon which we build our relationship with God. It is the taproot that is responsible for our spiritual growth. It is our spiritual identity as a child of God. Our faith is made possible by God’s grace and mercy and in Jesus’ sacrificial offering on the cross for our sins. Our faith and eternal destiny are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit who is given to us at the moment of our conversion (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, 4:30). Upon this godly foundation of faith, which is made possible by the power and provision of God, we are to build seven godly traits. Following are several visual aids that may help illustrate this biblical truth.

 

Out of our commitment to Christ and our love for our Heavenly Father the Holy Spirit empowers us to apply diligence in our faith from which blossoms a spiritual flower reflecting our purity and holiness, our “Christ-likeness” if you will. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 states, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him (Christ) in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” Each petal of this spiritual flower illustrates the spiritual reflection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as the Holy Spirit that lives within us. Such Christ-like traits (our spiritual witness) are observed by others as we serve God and people as Jesus Christ would. As we diligently pursue living out our faith, these godly traits will be perceived by others as we become more like Christ. In the process; God is glorified, people are attracted to the Lord and loving ministry takes place.

 

Another illustration might explain this spiritual truth in different way. While we are not saved by works, God does require us to respond to His Word by living it out in our lives. Paul in Philippians 2:12 states, “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed…work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Notice in this verse that God is at work in us as we work out our faith. Peter in his letter tells us that we are called to apply diligence in our faith and this diligence is expressed in seven behaviors or actions as we live out our faith. This diligence which we apply is the spiritual “work” we participate in with our Heavenly Father as we allow His Holy Spirit to teach and lead us in our lives. The diligence we apply affects our relationship with God, as well as with those around us. The seven “cogs” in the illustration reflect how our salvation is “worked” out in our lives through spiritual expression of our faith. It involves both an increasing moral and spiritual purity as well as outward acts of love and compassion.  These spiritual “cogs” lived out by the diligence we apply in our faith as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, are the godly traits Jesus expressed as He ministered on earth. Peter is encouraging us to apply diligence in our faith so that these spiritual traits will grow in effectiveness and maturity. The power that sustains and motivates our faith comes from God as we respond to His calling on our lives with obedience. This enables us to work at and live out these seven spiritual expressions of; moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.

 

Both illustrations show us that diligence must be applied to our faith or our spiritual life will not blossom with love for others or manifest spiritual godliness. It is also true that if we do not apply diligence to our faith the godly spiritual expression God wishes us to manifest within our heart, mind and soul and outwardly towards others will be lacking. Thus we see that while God grants us precious and magnificent promises and through His divine power makes available everything pertaining to life and godliness, unless we apply diligence to our faith, our relationship with God will suffer, our spiritual ministry will be hindered and our spiritual life will be stunted.

 

Let’s look at each of these seven qualities that we are instructed to add to our foundation of faith. You might call them the SEVEN HOLY CHARACTERISTICS OF A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST!

 

Moral Excellence (Virtue/Goodness): As Christians we must not only believe rightly, we must also behave rightly; and this is what moral excellence is. It is the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. It could also be called virtue. It implies moral fortitude in the midst of temptation or courage in the midst of a fearful circumstance. It is the ability (from our internal motivation and commitment) to do what’s right and appropriate even if we have to take a stand alone. The Greek word used for this word is “arête” which can mean; properly, valor, excellence or manliness. It can also refer to “praise” in the sense that when we demonstrate moral excellence we bring praise to God in how we not only live outwardly, but especially in how we think inwardly. The challenge here is a high calling. Many times we respond outwardly in a morally excellent way, but sometimes the motivations for such behavior are not motivated by our spirit responding to the instruction of the Holy Spirit. The true test of demonstrating moral excellence is what lives within our heart and mind on an ongoing basis. Moral excellence is something we should meditate on constantly and is reflected in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”  

 

Knowledge: As Christians we must not only behave with integrity, but we must also be informed as to how to live in such a way. This comes with spiritual knowledge gained from Holy Scripture and through the illumination and explanation provided by the Holy Spirit who lives within us. It is spiritual knowledge that is acquired by learning through applied effort, as well as continual persistent experience. This knowledge we are to both possess and express refers to what might be called “practical” knowledge. Knowledge acquired through keen observation and experience. The Greek word here Peter uses is “gnosis” which he also uses in 1 Peter 3:7 to reflect the “understanding manner” or “according to knowledge” with which a husband is called to live with his wife. The Apostle Paul uses this same Greek word for how we are to “know” Christ in a deep and personal way in Philippians 3:8. As we apply diligence to our faith and grow in spiritual knowledge we grow closer to our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ our Savior and the Holy Spirit who resides within us. This spiritual knowledge that matures in us as we grow spiritually in faith is the knowledge of God spoken of in Romans 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

 

Self-Control (Temperance): As we progress down this list of holy traits of a follower of Christ we come to “self-control.” The Greek word used here is “egkrateia” and means “temperance” or “self-control.” As Christians we must not only be taught spiritual knowledge, we must also be temperate in our inner thoughts and outward actions. In other words we must be temperate and act with self-control. Spiritual knowledge and wisdom do not guarantee purity in our lives. King Solomon is such an example. In 1 Kings 3:7-13 we see King Solomon ask for wisdom; which God grants to him. But we see later in Solomon’s life that knowledge and wisdom do not guarantee spiritual maturity and godliness. Solomon wandered from his relationship with the Lord through the influence of his many wives and their pagan religions. Solomon lacked self-control and thus wandered away from his relationship with his Heavenly Father. As we learn and respect God’s Word and keep in step with the Spirit living within us we grow in moral excellence and spiritual knowledge. This develops our self-control as we come more and more under the control of the Holy Spirit and are filled with His presence. We should never let anything control us except Jesus our Lord, God’s Holy Word and the Holy Spirit who lives within us. A pure and righteous life is one which reflects balance and holiness. This is becoming more difficult in the world we live in today as moral boundaries erode; opportunities for sinning against God proliferate, and society encourages selfish indulgence. A practical example of expressing “self-control” is for instance, not partaking of a second helping of cherry pie when you are convicted to watch your weight. Tough situation!

 

Perseverance (Patience): As Christians we must not only express self-control and other Christ-like spiritual traits, we must also persevere in practicing them. As followers of Christ we are not to be a spiritual “flash-in-the-pan,” we must persist in modeling ourselves after the life of Christ, through the application of scriptural knowledge and wisdom, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. “Hupomone” is the Greek word Peter uses here for “perseverance” and it means “cheerful endurance” or “hopeful constancy.” It also refers to “remaining under” whatever we may experience in life. As we grow in our faith due to the diligence made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit; we increase in our ability to persevere in our commitment to Christ. We develop a godly patience to endure a trial, a storm of life or a hardship due to the fact that our faith in God is central to our lives. This is a reflection that our relationship with God is growing by leaps and bounds both in stability, as well as in how freely we trust in God despite our circumstances. Charles Swindoll states regarding this spiritual trait, “It requires a firm footing on the foundation of faith, a clear focus on the pursuit of hope, and an unparalleled patience.” A Christian who is persevering in their faith is someone who has learned how to submit to the good, acceptable will of God which can be found by following the instructions in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” The follower of Christ who is growing in perseverance is able to deal with the outward temptations presented to them by Satan and his demons as well as by the surrounding world. They are also able to overcome and endure any inward inappropriate enticements from their sinful flesh as well.

 

Godliness: As Christians we must not only persevere in being good we must also be godly or devout in our thoughts and actions. The Greek word used here for “godliness” is “eusebeia.” This word also means “holiness” or “piety.” Godliness is living your life in such a way that it is continually, no matter the circumstances or influence, pleasing and acceptable to God. This concept of godliness is like the two sides of a coin; that might represent our heart, mind and soul. One side reflects the right attitude and perspective toward God Himself; one of submissive and worshipful reverence and love for Him. This demonstrates the quality of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. The other side of the coin would reflect the loving, honoring and respectful attitude we have towards others. It reflects the servant’s heart we have towards those we come in contact with, a gracious and merciful attitude. This demonstrates how we are living like Christ and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit who lives within us. These two sides of the coin that represent our heart are spoken of in the two greatest commandments our Lord and Savior spoke of in the following passage,

 

Matthew 22:36-40

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, ” ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  “This is the great and foremost commandment.  “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’  “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

 

Brotherly kindness: As Christians we should not only be godly, holy or devout, we must also be helpful and kind to others. Here Peter uses the Greek word, “Philadelphia” to describe the quality of how we minister to those around us in thought and deed. The word conveys the idea that we treat all people in our lives as if they were members of our own family. We bear their burdens. We relate to their pain showing compassion and we rejoice in their joyful moments with them. We willingly listen to their opinions, feelings, ideas and suggestions with respect. This does not mean we endorse everything they say and believe, but we are willing to hear them out and respond to their thoughts in a respectful and truthful manner. Often people reject the gospel because well-meaning Christians fail to listen with love to the opinions of others. When people experience brotherly kindness in conversation and actions, they are more willing to receive the truth of the gospel.

 

Love: As Christians we should not only show brotherly kindness to others we must also demonstrate love in the same manner that Jesus did. This love is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 13. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit manifested in our lives as we keep in step with the Holy Spirit. It’s not a product of our feeling; it is a choice we make as a follower of Christ. Romans 15:2 speaks of this love as seeking to please your neighbor for his own good and edification. This last and most important part of the seven traits a follower of Christ will manifest when they apply diligence to their faith is “agape” love. The Greek word here “agape” denotes a special type of love that seeks the highest and best good for others. This love is the preeminent virtue emphasized and persistently taught in Holy Scripture. It is a predominant trait of God that is expressed throughout scripture. It is the core of the greatest commands (Matthew 22:36-40) to love God and to love others. “Agape” love is unconditional devotion expressed without reserve. Our Heavenly Father demonstrated this type of love when He gave His Son as an offering to pay for our sins on the cross (Romans 5). Jesus Christ willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice of love to pay for our sins (John 3:16). No greater love exists. Christians are commanded to love God and others in this manner.

 

Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines “agape” love as follows;

 

“Agape love indicates the nature of the love of God toward His beloved Son (John 17:26), toward the human race generally (John 3:16; Romans 5:8), and toward those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21). Agape love conveys God’s will to His children about their attitude toward one another. Love for one another was a proof to the world of true discipleship (John 13:34-35). Agape love also expresses the essential nature of God (1 John 4:8). Love can be known only from the actions it prompts, as seen in God’s love in the gift of His Son (1 John 4:9-10). Love found its perfect expression in the Lord Jesus. Christian love is the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus in the believer (Galatians 5:22). Love is like oil to the wheels of obedience. It enables us to run the way of God’s commandments (Psalms 119:32). Without such love, we are as nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3). Such Spirit-inspired love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8) but always flourishes.”

 

Charles Swindoll says about “agape” love, “This kind of love seeks the highest good for others, putting their needs above self; it means unconditional devotion…Peter, marks this kind of love as the highest Christian virtue.”

 

1 Corinthians 13:13 states, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

 

Warren Wiersbe says of these seven qualities of the Christian life, “It is impossible for fallen human nature to manufacture these seven qualities of Christian character. They must be produced by the Spirit of God…When God produces the beautiful nature of His Son in a Christian, it is God who receives the praise and glory…As the image of Christ is reproduced in us, the process does not destroy our own personalities. We still remain uniquely ourselves.”

 

The responsible, dedicated, diligent follower of Christ knows that God has called them through His free mercy and unmerited grace to be a child of God, but they also understand that they must make every effort to live obediently as they keep in step with the Spirit and walk as Jesus walked. When this takes place we will see in verse 8 of 2 Peter Chapter 1 the rewards of such dedicated service and worship.