Adding Virtue to Faith
In 2 Peter 1:5-9, the apostle Peter encourages believers to add certain qualities to their faith. These qualities are essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in the Christian life.
The Foundation of Faith
According to 2 Peter 1:5, "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;" (KJV). Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, and it is the basis for adding other qualities. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). However, faith alone is not enough. Peter emphasizes the importance of adding virtue to our faith.
The Addition of Virtue
Virtue refers to moral excellence, good character, and morality. It involves living a life that is pleasing to God and reflects His character. In 2 Peter 1:5, Peter urges believers to add virtue to their faith, which means that they should strive to live a life that is morally upright and pleasing to God.
The Addition of Knowledge
In addition to virtue, Peter encourages believers to add knowledge to their faith. Knowledge refers to the understanding of God's Word and its application in our lives. It involves having a deep understanding of God's character, His promises, and His will for our lives. In 2 Peter 1:5, Peter writes, "and to virtue knowledge;" (KJV).
The Addition of Temperance
In 2 Peter 1:6, Peter writes, "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;" (KJV). Temperance refers to self-control, which is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God. It involves having control over our desires, emotions, and actions, and living a life that is guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Addition of Patience
Patience is the ability to endure difficulties and trials with faith and hope. It involves trusting in God's sovereignty and Providence, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. In 2 Peter 1:6, Peter encourages believers to add patience to their temperance, which means that they should strive to be patient in all situations.
The Addition of Godliness
Godliness refers to a deep reverence and respect for God, which is reflected in our worship, obedience, and service to Him. In 2 Peter 1:6, Peter writes, "and to patience godliness;" (KJV). Godliness is essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in the Christian life.
The Result of Adding These Qualities
In 2 Peter 1:8-9, Peter writes, "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins" (KJV).
If we add these qualities to our faith, we will be fruitful and effective in our Christian lives. We will reflect the character of God and bring glory to His name. On the other hand, if we lack these qualities, we will be barren and unfruitful, and we will forget that we have been forgiven and cleansed from our old sins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2 Peter 1:5-9 emphasizes the importance of adding certain qualities to our faith. These qualities include virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness. By adding these qualities to our faith, we will be fruitful and effective in our Christian lives, and we will reflect the character of God. Let us strive to add these qualities to our faith, and let us live a life that is pleasing to God.
