Writing to Christians, Peter said the following.
When one becomes a Christian, he or she must begin to take on the characteristics of the Lord. Peter says we are to “be partakers of the divine nature,” 2 Peter 1:4.
In the following verses, he gives a plan for moral development. He identifies eight specific characteristics that we must wear. Some see these as rungs in a ladder or as progressive steps. However, Peter does not seem to be giving any specific order.
The Christian is to set aside sinful desires and actively seek the attributes that Peter describes in 2 Peter 1:5-7. The importance of this is seen in the words, “giving all diligence,” 2 Peter 1:5. The Greek text suggests the idea “to work alongside,” suggesting we must fully cooperate with God using all diligence in developing each characteristic.
Faith is basic. It is faith that brought us into the family of God.
Hence, it is fundamental and basic from which all other characteristics spring. Without faith, one would never become a child of God. But the Christian is not to stop at faith alone. James warns Christians that faith without works is a dead faith, James 2:17 / James 2:26.
Faith must be more than belief in certain facts; it must result in action, growth in Christian character, and the practice of moral living. Peter’s list of actions does not come automatically; they require work.
They are not optional; all of them must be a continual part of the Christian life. We don’t finish one and start out on the next one, but we work on them all together.
God empowers and enables us, but he also gives us the responsibility to learn and to grow. Faith must go beyond what we believe; it must become a dynamic part of all we do, resulting in good fruits and spiritual maturity.
Next, Peter says, “add to your faith virtue,” 2 Peter 1:5. The word “virtue” can also be translated as goodness. It signifies moral excellence. To put it simply, it is purity.
We have been forgiven the guilt of past sins, but this does not remove the temptations to sin that come after one becomes a Christian. So we must give careful attention to developing a good moral character and not fall back into our old ways.
This involves courage in a world where we are surrounded by evil. It is not always “politically correct” to stand up for what is moral. The world ridicules right living. Paul wrote, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” We must have the moral courage and determination to live a life that is pure and moral, regardless of what others may say about us.
To goodness, we are to add “knowledge,” 2 Peter 1:5. This is a knowledge that leads to wisdom and discernment, enabling believers to live godly lives.
Bible study helps us here. Faith in and knowledge of the Lord lead to spiritual growth. Without this knowledge, a Christian is “ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:8. Such a person will be barren and unproductive and cannot make a difference in their world. Neither will he nor she be able to persevere to the end of life.
To knowledge we are to add “self-control”, 2 Peter 1:6. This refers to mastery over sinful human desires in every aspect of life. Peter has explained that believers are saved so they can grow to be like Christ. God wants to reproduce His character in His people. But this demands discipline and effort.
Self-control is reaching the point where we can say no when powerful temptations inside of us scream yes. It is a long, steady course in learning to channel natural appetites toward God’s will. Don’t give in, don’t give up. Be in control.
Peter proceeded to admonish us to add “perseverance”, 2 Peter 1:6. This is the ability to be steadfast. The KJV uses the word “patience.” This is to keep on, keeping on.
It is standing firm, willing to endure any suffering or evil without giving up your faith. This word is often used in the New Testament to refer to steadfastness in the face of adversity and hardships in life.
Don’t ever give up. The Lord has promised he will be with us until the end of the world, Matthew 28:20.
To steadfastness we are to add “godliness,” 2 Peter 1:6. Godliness is not to be confused with goodness. As used by Peter, it means an awareness of God in all of life. It involves humble reverence and respect for God. It gives recognition to the truth that “in Him we live and move and have our being,” Acts 17:28. We know we must lean on Him.
Prayer and worship are essential to accomplish this. They result in a close relationship with God and a lifestyle that exemplifies Christ.
Another characteristic is “brotherly kindness”, 2 Peter 1:7, which is a translation of the Greek word “Philadelphia.” It refers to a concerned caring for others.
With non-Christians, this referred to a relationship in families. Peter extends it to include the family of God. It is warm-hearted affection for brethren. It will put others before self.
Finally, we are to add “love,” 2 Peter 1:7. This is the Greek word “agape”, which is the highest form of love. It is more inclusive than brotherly kindness. Love refers to self-sacrificial love. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated in saving us, “in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” Romans 5:8.
Such love among believers will allow us to love the unlovable. It will not allow the weaknesses and imperfections of others to stand in the way of showing love to them. It is a strong commitment and loyalty to serving God and man at any cost.
After naming these eight characteristics, Peter proceeds to say that if these things “abound” in us, we can be effective in his kingdom, 2 Peter 1:8. These qualities ought to be a part of every believer’s life.
However, it is not enough simply to have each of these qualities, but it is the responsibility of each person to abound in them. If we are lacking in these things, Peter says that we are blind and not able to see well, 2 Peter 1:9.
This is spiritual myopia. Myopia is short-sightedness, the inability to see things distinctly. There are many cases in the Bible of spiritual myopia. Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom.
He could not see the dangers that awaited him. The rich man neglected Lazarus. Demas could not see that the world could not satisfy his real needs. The prodigal son was unable to see the dangers that awaited him in a “far country.”
The Christian cannot afford to take the Christian life lightly. Peter admonishes, “Be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble,” 2 Peter 1:10.
That little word “if” is so significant. Our salvation is conditional. One is forgiven of all past sins when he or she has been baptised for the remission of their sins. But future forgiveness depends upon the kind of life that we live as Christians.
Peter says we can be assured of salvation provided we abound in these characteristics, 2 Peter 1:8. We will never reach perfection in any of them, but we demonstrate that we are making an effort to walk in them.
Be sure to make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:10-11. Don’t flirt with sin but “be partakers of the divine nature.” Then you will be given a great welcome in heaven, 2 Peter 1:11.