2 Peter 1:2-4

The knowledge of Him. A knowledge that gives, and is itself given. The Word which was in the beginning with God, and was God became flesh, and His glory was beheld. That glory – full of grace and truth as the only begotten of the Father – and that virtue – the excellent strength of character which valiantly tread the path to the cross – call us to salvation. This glory and virtue by which we are called bestow great and precious promises upon us. Promises that speak of the divine nature that called us, and an eternal place in His abode. A place which only houses the divine nature, a nature of which we can partake through the knowledge of Him.

This knowledge does not promote slothful recline, but diligent action. It is a knowledge in the fullest sense – a knowledge that does. The knower is not to simply know, but participate. And so, the promises given motivate growth. Only then can the call and election to partake of the divine nature be consummated by graciously provided entrance into the everlasting kingdom. He did not proclaim, “It is finished” that we may rest, rather, that we may be born and grow. Upon that life dedicated to growth, then, is rest provided in the end. Until then, we must add.

2 Peter 1:5-7

“Add to your faith virtue.” Faith is not simply belief, but trustful action. It is that which lacked in the children of Israel when they first stood before the Promised Land (cf. Hebrews 3:18, 19). In order for that faith to remain firm and waiver not, moral excellence must be supplied. There must be courage to live faithfully in a perverse world. We must, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

“To virtue knowledge.” To practice such moral excellence, one must be learned in the revelation of God’s will. What must we be brave and strong about? “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17).

“To knowledge self-control.” It is one thing to know, and another to consistently do. Our obedience is to cover all facets of life. This takes temperance. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). When temptation knocks on the door, control of self is vital.

“To self-control perseverance.” The need to control self does not arise once in a lifetime, but continually. Our need for endurance in the Christian life is fundamental. “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

“To perseverance godliness.” In order to persevere in being pleasing to God, He must be at the forefront of our thoughts. In everything we do, and everywhere we go, we must be pious before our Creator. While society lives as if there is no Holy One in our midst, we must revere Him daily. “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:12).

“To godliness brotherly kindness.” Such circumstances of insufficient godliness should inspire affection in us toward those with a like mind. Our brothers and sisters in Christ should be dear to our hearts. We are “members of one another” (Romans 12:5) and should care for each other accordingly.

“To brotherly kindness love.” The realization of the “common salvation” (Jude 3) and “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1) we share makes us aware of what the rest of mankind is missing. It is with this understanding that God moved to action for us – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Thus, we realize the goal of our growth – to be like God. This love extends to the entire world.

“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:8-9).