Category: Growing in God

2 Peter 1:6 (NKJV) 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

As we work our way through the various attributes that God has said we should have, let’s start today with self-control.

There are many sides to being self-controlled, but the biggest factor here is self-discipline.

Without discipline, there is no self-control, plain and simple. It doesn’t matter what area of our lives we talk about, if we have no discipline, self-control will be non-existent.

This is a really big deal, especially when it comes to the fleshly desires that come against us. The flesh is strong and can be very hard for some of us to overcome.

Without the Holy Spirit leading us, the flesh will win almost every time. So, it’s imperative that we not try to conquer the flesh by our own strength, because we will fail badly if we do so.

And, referring back to the knowledge that was discussed in yesterday’s devotional, it’s that knowledge that helps us better understand what it takes and what it means to be disciplined and self-controlled.

Now, let’s move on to perseverance!

Some may think of perseverance simply as patience. But there is a much deeper meaning than what we see on the surface.

Perseverance might also be called tenacity, determination, resolve, commitment or staying power.

You see, it means much more than just being patient.

It indicates a willingness to fight vehemently to do what is right and true. It means taking whatever stand is necessary to do the right thing, even if it means enduring pain, anguish, even to the point of denying one’s self in order to make the “righteous decision”.

This requires a decisive desire to follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings, and His leading, and not deviate from it, no matter how badly our flesh fights us.

And as we wrap up today’s devotional, let’s talk about godliness.

Most people have at least a rudimentary understanding of godliness, in that it means displaying traits inspired by, or shaped by God. Godliness in its most basic form is an outward display of piety or behavior that could be construed as righteous by others.

True godliness goes much deeper, and is impossible without an understanding of God, and the willingness to be disciplined and self-controlled.

It means to live reverently, loyally and obediently toward God. He has equipped us more than sufficiently to be able to live godly lives, even so as to be able to overcome whatever temptations come our way to entice us.

Tomorrow, we will continue with verse 7 and more.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

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

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV) 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge…

Because of the many things that God has blessed us with (grace, mercy, His many promises, and so much more), Peter urges us to “give all diligence” to various things to walk out our faith in Christ.

What does he mean by “giving all diligence”?

It means that we need to make it a priority, putting forth every possible effort to make it happen.

The walking out of our faith in our daily lives can’t be indifferent or halfhearted. It needs to be deliberate, done on purpose, with a heart longing to please God.

Think about it.

If what we do isn’t done in complete sincerity, why do we bother? Why do we even make the effort if it isn’t in our heart to do so?

Some may say, “because we know it’s what we’re supposed to do”.

But if that’s the case, and we know it’s what we’re supposed to do, why do we only do it “just because”?

It’s so very important that we get our hearts right with God and align them with His will and purpose for our lives. Anything less is only lip service, and does nothing to bring honor and glory to the One who breathed life into our lungs and put the very beat in our hearts.

Some may say that this is harsh and legalistic. But what does God’s word say?

Revelation 3:16 (NKJV) 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

That’s some pretty serious stuff right there! And knowing that God says what He means, it can be a wake-up call for us to start getting serious with Him.

Tomorrow we will take a look at the rest of verse 5, and then move on to verse 6 and 7.

More to come…

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!