Simon Peter, having failed his Lord at a strategic time, lived to recover and become a powerful force for Christ and His church. In a thrilling letter to his brethren, those of “like precious faith,” he declares:
“His divine power has given unto us all things that pertainuntolife and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue,” 2 Peter 1:3.
The verses that follow provide us with the richest motivation to be loyal to the source of that “faith.”
Faith
The foundation upon which all the following qualities rest is the “faith” that comes from “hearing” God’s word, Romans 10:17. Without that faith no one can be pleasing to God, Hebrews 11:6, and none of the other qualities can prosper.
Virtue
The word “virtue” is defined as “moral excellence; strength of character.” This is the means by which our “faith” is made known to the world. Without virtue, genuine faith cannot be seen/known by our associates.
Knowledge
This is literally a “seeking to know; inquiry.” In Matthew 5:6 we read, “Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Without this, faith is lost and replaced with opinion.
“Theentrance of Your words giveslight;Itgivesunderstanding to the simple,” Psalm 119:130.
Temperance
This term includes self-control that requires the ability to discern good from evil. It is a learned quality of controlling one’s appetites/passions and then putting into practice that which is learned by knowledge.
The apostle Paul “kept” his body under control so that his efforts in preaching would not be compromised, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 9:27. Temperance here is not “dabbling in wickedness, but not going to extremes.” It is having the will to say “no” to Satan and his devices.
Patience
Synonyms for this term include “endurance, steadfast and perseverance.” This quality is attained by having a goal for life, determining to reach that goal, and doing what it takes to achieve the goal. When pressed by an opponent, “patience” does not give up, does not quit until the goal is reached.
Jesus told His disciples they would be tested and proved, even to the point of death, John 16. See also Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 1:3-9, and James 1:2-4.
So, possessing faith, virtue, knowledge, and self-control, we aresteadfast though tempted, threatened, and rejected.
Godliness
Words like holiness, inner piety, and goodness are often associated with this term. These are not just a facade or a fake religion, but true, genuine spiritual strength.
Jesus is the best example of godliness, for in His own words He stated that, in regard to God’s will, “I do always those things that please Him,” John 8:28-29. He was not boasting, for the Father gave Jesus His firm approval, Matthew 17:5. In Galatians 2:20 we see defined a godly man and attitude:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
When the world sees a true Christian, they will see a godly person, following in the steps of Jesus, 1 Peter 2:21-24.
Brotherly Kindness
In its English letters, the term is philadelphia, or love for brethren. In Romans 12:10, we read a similar description:
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
That “brotherly love” must not be pretended. As we read in 1 Peter 1:22, that love is to be “unfeigned,” a genuine love and concern for one’s brethren in Christ. Jesus said their love would be the means by which others would know they are His disciples, John 13:35.
Conclusion
What if these characteristics are not in someone? 2 Peter 1:8-11 says he will be “blind… barren…unfruitful…forgotten that he has been purged from all of your sins.” But “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.”
Let’s all work on these!
