Perhaps no other scripture passage summarizes better what it means to live and grow as Christians, than the one we find in 2 Peter 1, verses 1 to 11. The apostle Paul here is addressing gentiles as “those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ” (v 1). The word “obtained” in this passage is used with the meaning of having received something without one’s own effort – much like sitting under a tree and finding that a ripe fruit has fallen into your lap. Under the old covenant, the gentiles had to associate with Jews in order to be blessed, and it was difficult for them to come under the favour of God. But in Christ, salvation is as free to them as it is to the Jews – there is no difference.

Paul reminds them here that they have received this saving faith and yes, it is precious, but to this faith, there are things that should be added. In verses 5 – 7 we are given a list of 7 things to add on to faith, and we are instructed to do so “giving all diligence” (v 5). This means making every effort, giving all we have, to do it. Let’s take a look at the 7 important things every Christian must diligently add on to his or her faith.

1.Virtue

This is moral excellence, or goodness. It is a characteristic of a person (cf. Proverbs 31:10). Virtue stems from convictions in our hearts, things that we know we won’t compromise on. There will always be an opportunity to do wrong. But a strong conviction will mean that no matter what, we won’t fall into that wrongdoing. For example, if you have a conviction about gossip being sin, no matter how enticing it may be, you will stay away from it.

Are you diligent at your workplace? Your convictions will define the way you live. Our goals, devotions, hobbies, entertainment, etc. whether we are alone or in the company of others, will all be defined by our convictions.

Our convictions should be based on the Word. King Solomon instructs, “Do not go” to those being enticed by sinners (Proverbs 1:10-15). That’s a conviction for anyone pursuing moral excellence.

A virtuous person is a person of emotional maturity, of character. He or she is driven by Word-based convictions and not by emotions.

2.Knowledge

The word used here is “gnosis” referring to textbook knowledge as opposed to experiential knowledge. Ephesians 5:17 exhorts us, “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of God is.” A Christian is not supposed to live in ignorance and foolishness, but is to pursue knowledge and wisdom.

A living Christian is a growing Christian. God has made us alive, who were once dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1). Jesus’ words of rebuke to the lawyers of that day make it clear that knowledge is the key to the Kingdom (Luke 11:52).

3.Temperance

Temperance refers to self control; having a grip of oneself. Imagine being in the midst of a rushing river. If a rope is thrown for you, you would hold on to it, not allowing your body to slip away with the current. There are so many things we could lose ourselves to. Having temperance means having a grip on ourselves in the midst of what could otherwise overpower us and cause us to slip away.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul compares the discipline of the Christian life to that of an athlete. An athlete is temperate and disciplined as he maintains a strict control over his diet, sleep, exercise etc. So also the Christian life involves discipline and self control. A sportsman does it for a perishable crown, but the Christian for an imperishable one.

4.Patience

To be patient is to stand still, to have endurance. It is to be able to bear a weight and keep standing even under it. Our culture is one of impatience. But a mature Christian does not give up. Jesus said, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13).

Being patient doesn’t mean being stoic or passive. Rather it is active patience that comes from faith and belief in what God has promised, even when circumstances point to the contrary. Abraham was old and hadn’t yet received the promise of having a child. Joseph dreamed that his brothers would bow before him, but instead they beat him and put him into a pit. Job, a righteous man, suffered many afflictions. All of them needed patience. It is faith – based patience, rooted in the promises of God.

5.Godliness

Godliness is piety, fear of God. We cannot play games with God, or hide from Him. Living faith within us expresses itself outwardly as well. Godliness is devotion in action, the fear of God seen in our outward lives.

Godliness is religious fear, not a fuzzy or emotional feeling. In the Bible, godliness is always associated with character.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 tells us that developing godliness is an exercise. Just as having a consistent routine at the gym will show results, having good spiritual routines and disciplines will cause an outward expression of godliness.

6.Brotherly kindness

The Greek word for this is ‘philadelphia,’ which refers to the love which Christians have for each other as brethren. We cannot love God and hate our brothers (1 John 4:20).  Romans 12:10 exhorts, “Be kindly affectionate to one another in brotherly love.” In Matthew 18 we read about the servant who was forgiven much but did not himself forgive a smaller debt. The marks of a true Christian are love and forgiveness.

Paul stated that the love in the church of the Thessalonians was well – known (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Hebrews 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.”

7.Charity / Love

This is “agape” love that extends beyond brethren, into the unbelieving world. It is not enough to love and to greet only those who are good to us. Matthew 5:44 – 48 tells us to love our enemies, even those who spitefully use us.

To conclude, Paul states that failing to add these 7 things to faith leads to unfruitfulness (2 Peter 1:8). At the time of judgement, there will be rewards – positive and negative – for each one of us according to the way we have lived our lives (1 Corinthians 3:12-16). The Christian walk is not a day’s affair, but a steady upward progress. Let us identify areas in our lives where we can grow and add to our faith what is needed for fruitfulness.

Message Summary By Ms. Karuna Varghese