Qualities Of A God-Honoring Life
2Pet 1:5-7
The balanced life is a God-honoring one. (2Pet 1:1-7)
Background: Heresies had entered the church… believers needed to grow in grace & knowledge of Christ (2Pet 3:18) if they were to stand against the lies.
Much diligence & work would be required, yet they were totally dependent on God.
Scriptural standard for a Christian is holiness (1Pet 1:16)… to be like Christ. (Rm 8:29)
This divine nature (Christ in you) is demanded of all who claim to be Christians… the standard can’t be changed, anything less is not a Christian. (Rom 8:9)
Paradox: salvation is the work of God from start to finish, but we are to grow in grace & knowledge of Christ, & to make every effort to add Christian character to our faith.
The Lord calls us, implants divine nature, & gives us power in all things that pertain to life & godliness. But that is only one side… we are also exhorted to live godly lives.
The order presented by Peter in v.1-4 & then 5-7 is vital. We are not asked to do anything until we have understood what God has done for us in Christ. Therefore, first step of gospel is not to act, but by faith to receive new divine life.
This order & balance is important if we are to avoid the error of extremes.
Balanced truth: Everything we need for life & godliness has already been given to us… yet Divine power is increasingly manifested in & thru us as we increase our knowledge of God & Christ Jesus. Having been given all that we need for life & righteousness, nothing is more important than that we should give ourselves with all our energy to spiritual maturity & development of the God-honoring life.
Because God has given you precious faith (Eph 2:8-9) & all things that pertain to life & godliness… because of these precious promises, God now calls you to add to your faith eight Christian qualities… Eight qualities of life that God requires of all His children.
Make every effort… no labor too hard & no price to great in pursuing God-honoring life.
All things pertaining to life & godliness are given… therefore, add to your faith.
Christian life begins with faith in Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior & Lord.
Saving faith is essential… until you’ve placed your trust in Jesus Christ, you can not begin to please or honor God. (Heb 11:6)
Faith is the starting point, but it’s also channel thru which God’s blessings flow.
Add to your faith virtue (goodness or moral excellence). (2Pet 1:5)
Literal meaning of “virtue” is to fulfill your designed purpose. Our designed purpose is to be like Christ. (Rm 8:29)
We can only make progress as we seek goodness in humble dependence upon God… yielding our will to Christ in us, so He can live His life thru us.
3. Add to your goodness knowledge. (2Pet 1:5)
Our activity (goodness) must be enlightened & guided by knowledge of Christ.
Every believer should be involved in a personal Bible study, since it’s the best way to learn truth, & is the source of strength & guidance in our daily walk with God.
We grow in Christian character as our knowledge of God & of Jesus Christ increases.
4. Add to you knowledge self-control. (2Pet 1:6)
We are to control our desires & appetites rather than allow them to dominate us.
There are still lusts, & passions that wage war against our spirit. (Rm 7)
Indwelling H Spirit gives us power to exercise self-control.
5. Add to your self-control patience (perseverance). (2Pet 1:6)
Patience (steadfastness or perseverance) carries idea of having a positive, hopeful attitude even in bitter trials & sorrows.
The patient believer can be steadfast & even joyful in every situation because his confidence rests securely in God who is sovereign & good… all the time! (Rm 8:28)
We are God’s children headed to heaven which we shall enter after we have suffered a little while… let us not grow weary in well doing… (1Pet 5:10; Gal 6:9)
6. Add to your patience godliness. (2Pet 1:6)
Speaks primarily of reverence toward & relationship with God.
Godliness also involves respect & concern for others… that we strive to honor the Lord in every relationship.
7. Add to your godliness brotherly kindness. (2Pet 1:7)
Natural outflow of a godly heart is willingness to bear one another’s burdens & a helpful spirit.
We will promote the welfare of fellow-believers, & be helpful & loyal.
8. Add to your brotherly kindness love (agape). (2Pet 1:7)
Loving others like God has loved us… to meet their needs, to seek their best, to sacrifice for them, to selflessly serve them.
Meditate on 1Cor 13:4-8 & let it examine your life & faith.
The One who calls you is faithful… He will do it! (1Thes 5:24)
Expressing faith, self-control, patience, & brotherly love all the time seems impossible. Yet God wants us to be growing… He expects us to become more spiritually mature.
God did not bring you to salvation to abandon you, or leave you to try to develop godly qualities in your own human strength. He has given you the H Spirit to indwell you & develop these qualities… He is faithful & He will do it. (1Thes 5:24)
Therefore, give all diligence… get to work! Strive to develop godly qualities & you’ll be amazed at the way God honors your sincere & earnest effort.
In the Christian life you start with faith & you always end with love.
Without faith you can do nothing, but given faith, you must inevitably end with love, for God is love. May God in His infinite grace thus enable us to manifest these qualities in perfect balance in our lives.
04-26-09