Supplement: 2 Peter (Chapter 1)

The function of the divine nature (1:5-9):
In this paragraph Peter orchestrates a symphony of grace. To the melody line of faith he (Peter) leads believers to add harmony in a blend of seven Christian virtues which he lists without explanation or description. A carnal (flesh-ruled or old mind-set) Christian has spiritual myopia (defective vision), but a spiritual Christian is both effective and productive in his or her understanding of the Lord Jesus and his application of biblical principles to daily life.

The characteristics of the divine nature (1:5-7):
Peter referred back to the divine nature by beginning this new paragraph with the words for this very reason. The words make every effort translate a participle (“applying, bringing to bear alongside of”; “all diligence” or “all zeal”).

It takes every bit of diligence and effort a Christian can muster, along with the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, to “escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4) and to bring in alongside of his or her faith a complement of virtue. He should work hard at cultivating the seven qualities Peter listed in verses (5-7). As a Christian does so, he or she becomes more like Christ, participating more fully in God’s divine nature.

The word “add” is in the imperative. In ancient Greece the state established a chorus but the director, paid the expenses for training the chorus. Then the word came to be used of one who provides for, or supports others, or supplies something for them in abundance.
Faith in Jesus Christ is what separates Christians from all other people. Our trust in the Savior which brings us into the family of God is the foundation of all other qualities in the Christian life.

(1) To his or her faith each believer should add “goodness” (moral excellency, or virtue).

(2) Knowledge: comes not from intellectual pursuits, but is spiritual knowledge which comes through the Holy Spirit and is focused on the Person and Word of God.

(3) Faith, goodness, and spiritual knowledge are not enough for a Christian’s walk. We must also make every effort to practice “self-control.” This means to have our passions under control. In an increasingly rebellious society Christians do well to let the music of self-control be played in their lives.

(4) Believers living in the latter days, especially when surrounded by scoffers and false teachers, also need “perseverance.” It refers to constancy or steadfast endurance under adversity, without giving in or giving up.

(5) “Godliness” refers to piety, man’s obligation of reverence toward God. How unfortunate that the words “piety” and “pious” are no longer a part of our vernacular.
The first five virtues pertain to one’s inner life and his or her relationship to God. The last two relate to others. “Brotherly kindness”: a passionate practical caring for others.

Whereas “brotherly kindness” is concern for others’ needs, love is desiring the highest good for others. This is the kind of love God exhibits toward sinners.

Interestingly this “symphony” begins with faith and ends with love. Building on the foundation of faith in Christ, believers are to exhibit Christlikeness by supplying these seven qualities that apex in love toward others.

Christian growth results in spiritual effectiveness and productivity. Christians are to do more than merely possess these virtues. Effective and productive spirituality comes as these qualities are held in increasing measure. There is to be a growth in grace. A believer who does not progress in these seven areas is ineffective and unproductive (unfruitful) in his or her knowledge (full personal knowledge) of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately many Christians know the Lord in salvation but lack the “fruit” of the Spirit and are not advancing spiritually. They remain “infants in Christ” and still in need of spiritual “milk.” But as Peter urged, believers should “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Keys of Truth: 2 Peter (Chapter 2)

Chapter summary:
Peter predicts that false teachers will infiltrate the church, introducing "destructive heresies." What is more, many will actually follow them (2:1-3). But sacred history shows that God punishes the wicked and rescues the godly (vv. 4-10). Bold and arrogant, these "creatures of instinct" (vv. 11-12) revel in materialistic pleasures with absolutely no insight into the spiritual (vv. 13-16). Their appeal is to "the lustful desires of sinful human nature." The "freedom" they promise is a depravity that enslaves men to a corruption that we escape through Jesus Christ (vv. 17-22).

The believer’s personal application: Beware of those who promise pleasure rather than self-sacrifice.

TEXTUAL INSIGHT

“Characteristics of false teachers”:
In this chapter Peter sketches the character, motives, and appeal of false teachers who threaten the church from within. Their character is seen in their bold, arrogant contempt for authority and exploitation of others. Their motives are revealed in their greed and sexual immorality. Their appeal is to man's baser nature, with promises of a freedom that releases all restraint and results in captivity to sin. The false teacher appeals to many because he seems attractive, strong, and confident. Few resent the material prosperity he craves, for he seems to them deserving of God's blessing. And many respond to his promises of health, material blessing, and freedom from the ills that all human beings are heir to in this sinful world. What a contrast with the servant of God, who all too often seems weak and struggling. Rather than a life of ease, Peter calls Christians to servanthood and even suffering.

“Lessons from history” (2:4-10):
In each historic illustration God judged sinners—while at the same time delivering the godly. Let's not be too concerned about any troubles we experience here. It's what happens on Judgment Day that counts.