2 Peter 1:5-6 (NKJV) 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
The verses in 2 Peter 1:5-9 are a massive directive for the life of a believer. Yesterday we looked at the first part of verse 5. Today we will finish verse 5 and begin to dig into verse 6 as well.
“Add to your faith” is a seemingly innocuous phrase that doesn’t appear to carry much weight. But let’s look more closely.
The very first implication of this phrase is that, in addition to our faith, we need to add something. So, just having faith alone isn’t enough for us to be effective as a follower of Christ if we wish to bring glory and honor to God.
Bringing glory and honor to God is, after all, why we are here!
It’s also important to note that the Greek word used for “add” was meant to indicate giving lavishly and generously, not simply out of obligation.
Peter listed several different attributes indicative of moral excellence.
So, what is it specifically that we need to add to our faith?
First off, virtue. Let’s check this out more closely.
Virtue, in its most basic form means goodness, righteousness, morality, uprightness, holding a high ethical standard, etc.
But what did its Greek text mean? It literally meant the God-given ability to perform heroic deeds!
Over time, it also came to refer to a high quality of life that makes someone stand out in a way that represents excellence. This is not a haughtiness of attitude, but virtue demonstrated in the way a person carries out their life.
The next addition to our faith is knowledge.
Knowledge is something that God’s word urges us to get more of over and over again.
This is pretty straight forward, referring simply to getting understanding, truth, correct insight, and the proper comprehension and application of God’s word in our lives.
This is why it’s so important that we study and learn His word regularly, not sporadically or haphazardly.
It is nourishment for our spirits, making us strong and potent for the kingdom of God.
Join us tomorrow as we move into verse 6 and examine more of the attributes that Peter tells us about.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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