Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 157th. Edition.
Dear Children of God,
In today’s passage (2 Peter 1:5-7) we see what may be called
Value Addition Through Virtue Addition. We saw in the previous passage the centrality of a faith commitment. But we should not for even one moment imagine that once that commitment is made, we can rest on our laurels. No way! As we shall see later, that would be setting ourselves up for failure. No, we should build on that faith and add to it
Virtue (v. 5a). Virtue is also translated as goodness. Our thoughts and actions should be governed by a desire to do good to others and think well of them.
Knowledge (v. 5b). We should never be comfortable with ignorance. We should seek to know as much as we can about God and everything around us. At the time Peter was writing, a cult was growing that was putting almost magical significance to knowledge, but the knowledge that would be a preserve of an exclusive few. Peter is saying no, knowledge is available and can be acquired by every Tom, Dick, and Harry who goes after it.
Self Control (v. 6a). Self-control is the ability to take charge of one’s desires and passions. It is the ability to say no to urges whose satisfaction does not honor God. Some false teachers were saying that with their special knowledge, they were free to do as they pleased and so, following their passions and appetites was encouraged. Peter says no, the better you get to know God and the world around you, the more you will seek to be self-controlled.
Perseverance (v. 6b). There was adversity and persecution all around. When Christians are tried, remaining firm in their faith and not wavering in the face of opposition and persecution, is what perseverance is about.
Godliness (v. 6c). Godliness is the attitude that seeks to please God in everything, whether speech, actions, relationships, or responsibilities. Bad language, strife, dishonesty, corruption, and sexual immorality, to mention a few, are all evidence of the absence of godliness. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is evidence of godliness.
Brotherly Kindness (v. 7a) is also translated to brotherly affection. It is the love that people who are of the same blood have for one another. We should love each other as brothers and sisters.
Love (v. 7b). Love is the unconditional desire for the best for others. True love wants the best for the other person and is willing to make sacrifices for that to happen. There is no better demonstration of that than in the death of Christ for us sinners (Romans 5:8). So, friends, we’ve got our work cut out for us, don’t we?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.