2 Peter 1:1-11

2 Peter 1:1-11

It may seem odd that in days of hardship and persecution, Peter would write that disciples “have been granted everything pertaining to life and godliness.” While 1st Peter spent a great deal of time warning about persecution, 2nd Peter is going to warn about false teachers. But whether trouble comes from within or without, the disciples have all they need. At our baptism we are fully forgiven or justified. In the life that follows, we work out, with God, what that means in terms of daily living, thinking, and being. This process is called sanctification. It is how we grow into what we have already been declared to be; we become partakers of the divine nature. In other words, we began to act and look and live like Jesus. Beginning in verse 5, Peter lists character traits that are to develop, and he advises that we do so with “diligence.” That word means “quick obedience”; there is no place for spiritual procrastination. We are, too, in our faith, supplied with these beautiful characteristics. The word “supply” means to supply to overflowing. It was used to describe the patron of the arts or a citizen who outfits a ship for war. We don't develop these traits in ways that will just get by but rather in such amounts that there is more than enough for the need.

First is “moral excellence,” or, more precisely, virtue. This is descriptive of anything good or wholesome but carries the special nuance of courage. We are to add to virtue knowledge. In verse 2 we see the “knowledge of God.” This refers to precise knowledge or perhaps correct doctrine. But here in verse 5, knowledge is more general; it carries the idea of practical knowing. To this we add self-control, which means to dominate oneself, to have a firm grip on one's own will, mind, emotions, etc. We all have self-control in some occasional moments, but Peter says we all have to have self-control in every moment. To this we add perseverance. Perseverance means to remain behind and wait, to not move. To stay at the post assigned to us. It means doing what we ought as long as we remain, and we remain as long as needed. Next we add godliness literally means “to give God His due” or to fulfill our religious or spiritual obligations and commitments. Living a life of proactive holiness. To our duties to God we add our duties to our fellow man, namely, brotherly kindness or care. These are practical duties. Finally, we add love, the selfless concern and action for others.

When we live this kind of life, we are useful for the Lord, we have clarity and insight, and we move into the Kingdom life God wants for us.

“Lord, help me be useful for You and Your Kingdom. AMEN”