Author: Charlie Garrett

Friday, 10 January 2020

For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8

Peter now sums up the words of verses 6 & 7. He has been noting specific traits, in order, so that believers will grow and be effective in their walk with the Lord. To do so, he begins with, “For if these things.” It is the eight traits he has named: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. It is these things he is referring to by saying, “if these things are yours and abound.”

The word he uses, which is translated as “are yours,” speaks of possession. If you, as a believer, possess them, not just in a fleeting way, but as permanent belongings, and if they abound in you as an individual, Peter says that “you will be neither barren nor unfruitful.”

The word “barren” does not convey Peter’s intent. It is a word, ergon – meaning “work” – which is preceded by a negative particle. This then indicates the opposite thought. Thus, it signifies being idle. Peter has been speaking of actively supplying one thing to another and so “barren” fails to convey the meaning. Instead of supplying one trait to the next to be a sound, vibrant, and active believer, he is idle. Hence, he will be unproductive and “unfruitful.” But if he does what Peter suggests, he will not be idle or “unfruitful.”

Unfruitful means exactly that, “without fruit.” To fail to apply Peter’s admonitions means that there will be nothing of value to show for the grace which has been bestowed upon the believer. With that in mind, Peter reveals what the benefit of paying heed to his words is by finishing the verse with, “in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Greek rather reads, “unto the knowledge.” As Vincent’s Word Studies says, “The idea is not idleness in the knowledge, but idleness in pressing on and developing toward and finally reaching the knowledge.” Each virtue which is supplied to the previous one is given by Peter with the intent that the individual will move forward in his walk, becoming more and more knowledgeable as he goes. It is Christ who has saved, and it is Christ who is to be emulated. But for those who fail to do as Peter instructs, their walk in their salvation will stagnate. This is so much the case that Peter will tell what the ultimate effects of such a stagnation will be as he continues into verse 9.

Life application: A review of the “things” Peter has mentioned and which, when they abound, bring about fruitfulness are –

Faith – The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Virtue – The quality of possessing valor, holy excellence, moral power, and fortitude.

Knowledge – Awareness, intelligent insight – seeing the truthfulness of things in the proper perspective.

Self-Control – Maintaining mastery over your temper, lusts, and other emotional and physical appetites.

Perseverance – Withstanding opposition to the gospel, and living faithfully and strongly in Christ even against the surging tides of antagonism.

Godliness – Having a pious, holy, and devote attitude in all ways and in all circumstances.

Brotherly kindness – Maintaining fraternal affection toward other believers in the Body of Christ and demonstrating that affection with one’s actions.

Love – Having a volitional rather than an emotional love, regardless of lesser feelings which war against the soul. This means to love and demonstrate that love deliberately.

If we exercise these qualities properly and in increasing measure, we will be “neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Isn’t this the goal that we should each aspire to as we live our lives in the presence of God?

Gracious and infinitely wise Creator, You certainly know our proclivities to falling short of the admonitions found in Your word. Be with us, sustain us, and help us to grow in all virtuous ways so that we will be sound and faithful followers of Jesus. Thank You for hearing our prayer and responding according to Your great wisdom. Amen.

Thursday, 9 January 2020

…to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 2 Peter 1:7

Peter continues with his three-verse instruction for the believer who has been called by God. As a reminder, this calling holds the promises he outlined in the preceding verses. To ensure those promises are not forgotten, he continues his list with the thought of supplying “to godliness brotherly kindness.”

A more literal translation would be, “the love of the brethren.” The state of reverence of the previous verse is logically and rightly then supplied with this next trait. If it were the other way around, a hint of perversion could easily be introduced into the conduct of the person. Without the trait of godliness, a love for the brethren could easily turn into an inappropriate relationship.

Even if the perverse sin of homosexuality did not arise, the term “the brethren” is inclusive of women, because the masculine stands for both genders when addressing an audience with both sexes. A person lacking godliness is prone to error by allowing a fraternal love to turn into an emotional love. This obviously means other than with the intent to marry. When this occurs, restraint is weakened, and temptations arise. Peter’s words are carefully following a proper path of conduct which is set to avoid such things. Now, with that path laid out in an appropriate manner, Peter finally finishes with, “and to brotherly kindness love.”

The love Peter speaks of here is agape, or the love which is centered on moral preference. It is the love that God prefers and can be, at times, termed divine love. It is a love of goodwill and benevolence. It is the love carefully explained by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13 which says that “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

With such love, a love that Paul also says “never fails,” there will be nothing inappropriate introduced into a relationship, and there will only be goodwill and pure intent. It is the highest aspect of the path which Peter has laid out for the believer because if it is properly set forth, it will perfectly emulate God who John says “is love” in 1 John 4:8.

With these virtues properly aligned and supplied one to another, Peter will next explain the benefits the believer will possess.

Life application: When godliness is pursued first, then our inter-personal affections will be rooted in Christ and demonstrate Christ-like attitudes, including kindness. This doesn’t mean that the unconverted world can’t show a similar kindness, but it will naturally be based on a misdirected attitude unless it bears the resemblance of Jesus.

From there, if we have a Christ-like brotherly kindness towards each other, then we can properly love without hindrance or pretense. The love Peter speaks of transcends brotherly kindness and enables a person to love volitionally, rather than emotionally. A deliberate choice is made in this type of love which says, “I will love my enemies and even put them ahead of myself.” In other words, we are to put others in the same position in our attitudes as God put us when He sent Jesus to die for us.

We were once enemies of, and towards, God, but He – in His great love for us – sent Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. This is the goal to which we should aspire as well, and it is something we need to work towards as we follow the steps Peter has laid out for us. May we endeavor to faithfully reach this high and favorable state!

Lord, help each of us to become the faithfully loving person You intend for us to be. You know the depths of our hearts and souls, and the limits we have that are placed there. Break down these barriers and give us the supernatural ability to overcome these limitations so that others, even our enemies, may see You there. To Your honor and glory we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, 8 January 2019

…to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 2 Peter 1:6

Peter continues to provide instruction for the believer who has been called by God. This calling holds the promises he outlined in the preceding verses. To ensure those promises are not forgotten, he continues his list with supplying “to knowledge self-control.”

Through reading and studying the Bible, through proper theological training, and through other such endeavors, knowledge is increased. From there, Peter says to supply to that reservoir “self-control.” The Greek word signifies dominion within. HELPS Word Studies says it is “proceeding out from within oneself, but not by oneself.” Thus, it is that which comes by the power of the Lord. Charles Ellicott says of this, “In other words, your discerning between good and evil must lead to avoiding the evil and choosing the good.”

Just because one obtains knowledge, it does not mean that he will rightly apply it. A person may be a great theologian, and yet he may be a pervert. Therefore, one must supply to his knowledge this self-control. And then to that, he is to supply “perseverance.”

The thought is obvious. We all have fallen inclinations. If we have a tendency to overdrink, and we have knowledge from the word that this is wrong, then we must display self-control in that area. But it is not a one-time thing. Rather, it is to be an ongoing process. We are to persevere in our state of self-control. Vincent’s Word Studies says it is “the heroic, brave patience with which a Christian not only bears but contends.” A believer is to effect the necessary changes in his life, and then to remain in that state.

At this point of development, Peter then says that we are to supply “godliness.” This is a piety towards God. The particular Greek word is never ascribed to God, but rather to people who would emulate Him. It is piety or directing one’s attention toward God in reverence. It is the word used by Peter in verse 1:3 when he said that “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.”

Because God has given us His divine power, then we are to appropriate that power to supply it to those characteristics which will cause us to increase in a proper way before God as we continue our lives before Him.

Peter will finish his list of these things in the next verse. After this, in verse 8, he will explain quite clearly why this must occur.

Life application: Self-control, restraining one’s temper, and guarding all of one’s physical appetites is basically the opposite of self-indulgence.

If we have knowledge without self-control, our knowledge would be useless. To understand it is wrong to over-indulge, but to do it anyway is to reject the knowledge. Then, as we exercise self-control, we supply to it perseverance.

This is a logical progression of thought. We have knowledge so let us use it to control ourselves; we have self-control, so let us exercise it continuously – with perseverance. Let us not falter from our self-control and step backwards, but rather we should heroically press on despite opposition of the world and of our own weak flesh. As we persevere, we work towards godliness.

Godliness is a condition of living a pious, devout, and holy existence. It would make no sense to desire this if we had no self-control. And even if we did at one point, unless we persevered in restraining our desires, we could never expect to live in a godly fashion.

As you can see, each step that Peter mentions must logically precede the following step as we march on toward living as God would have us live. Live for Christ; be filled with the Spirit of God; and press on in this attitude all the days of your lives!

O precious Savior, how hard it is to persevere in right conduct and self-control.  You know, O Lord, our weaknesses both in temptation and in endurance. Strengthen us as we walk through this life of trial and testing. Grant us the supernatural ability to live as You would have us live. We ask this so that You will be glorified in us. Amen.

Tuesday, 7 January 2020

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 2 Peter 1:5

The context of what Peter will now say must be considered. He will give a list of reasons for why a believer should grow in maturity, taking one step to the next, as he pursues the higher calling found in Jesus Christ. He will do this in order for the reader to avoid the embarrassing pitfall found in verse 9. However, the context of these verses is found in what he has just said.

He has spoken of the knowledge of God being the sphere in which we have “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, this was based on the “knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” It is these, then, by which believers have been given “exceedingly great and precious promises,” and Peter says, “that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Peter’s words of verses 1:2-1:4, as referred to, are the logical reason why he will now exhort his reader to take certain actions. Everything Peter has said is complete for the believer, as is evidenced by the use of perfect tense and aorist verbs. These things are past, and they are assured – “He has given,” “you may be partakers (aorist verb in the subjunctive mood),” “having escaped” – because of the work of Christ.

In Peter’s words is a reflection of what Paul says in Romans –

“Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:30

The things are accomplished in God’s mind, and are, therefore, done and behind in the believer, even if they have not yet been realized in the stream of time. With this understanding, Peter now says, “But for this very reason.”

It is for the reason that believers will obtain these things that we are not to squander our time in useless pursuits now. Rather, because these things are assured, a wise person will take advantage of this knowledge and use it for God’s glory and for his own personal attainment of a life which is holy before God. In order for this to be realized, he says, “giving all diligence.”

The Greek word signifies “quickly obeying.” One should quickly and with diligence give his very best effort to do those things which Peter will now lay out before us. There may be a path one could take which is good, but no matter how good it is, the one that Peter will lay out is the better. Therefore, the wise person will choose this better over whatever is merely good.

Peter next begins the movement of thought which will allow this to come about. He says, “add to your faith virtue.” This takes the reader back to his opening verse. There he said, “To those who have obtained like precious faith.” Since then, he brought in the things referred to in the intervening verses. But now, he returns to this principle tenet once again. However, the word “add” is not appropriate. There is not an additive force to the words, but rather an increase by growth. Each subsequent grace perfects the previous one. The word “supply” is appropriate. One should supply virtue to the faith he possesses.

Peter turns back to verse 3 here. Just as God “called us by His glory and virtue,” believers are to also exhibit virtue as well during their walk in faith. This walk, then, will be a walk which is fully supplied with virtue. In such a walk, Peter then says, “to virtue knowledge.”

Again, the knowledge is not additive, but supplied so that all of these will be become one continues action. One can display virtue in faith, but he may be lacking in knowledge while doing so. In such a case, his virtue may be misdirected. One could think of a zealot who runs ahead in the wrong direction. His goodness in sharing his faith is notable, but it is not explained properly. In other words, sound doctrine is lacking. Therefore, in order to perfect his virtuous walk of faith, he supplies knowledge. He reads his Bible, obtains proper training in theology, and is thus increased in proper conduct before the Lord.

Peter will continue with this list of qualities which are to be supplied, one to another, until they abound in the believer. He will then show what the results of being negligent in this will be.

Life application: Believers need an orderly development of their faith and practice so that they might become fruitful as believers in Jesus Christ. Faith is merely the beginning of our walk with the Lord. As the author of Hebrews says –

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

We can’t please God without faith. But equally as important is the fact that misdirected faith is wasted faith. Yes, Muslims and Buddhists, etc. have faith, but their faith is misdirected. What the Bible makes clear is that faith in Jesus Christ alone is what pleases God. From this launching point, virtue is to be supplied.

We are to strive for holy excellence with moral power as we progress in our faith. Next, knowledge is to be supplied. The Greek word signifies awareness or intelligent insight. In obtaining knowledge, we can then see biblical truths properly; the lens will come into focus for our doctrine and our lives.

Heavenly Father, though our faith be as small as a mustard seed, we ask that You increase it. And, O God, help us to exercise it in a way which is proper and honoring to You. May we increase this faith with virtue, and from there may our virtuous faith lead to a proper knowledge and understanding of Your word and Your great character. Amen.

Monday, 6 January 2020

…by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

Peter just spoke of “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” He then noted that this was “through the knowledge of Him who called us.” Continuing with that, he says, “by which.” The Greek reads “through which.” He is using the word “through” to continue this idea from verse 3. It is through the knowledge of Him that these promises “have been given to us.”

The knowledge is the medium in which these things are obtained. Without the knowledge, they are not available. This is important, because in the coming verses, he will explain the process of growing in this manner in order to obtain these “exceedingly great and precious promises.”

There is an article which is missing in the translation. It should say, “the exceedingly great and precious,” or maybe “His exceedingly great and precious.” In this, Peter uses a word for “promises” which is only found here, and then once again in verse 3:13. There is a difference between promises which are voluntarily made and promises which are given in response to a petition. The former promises are what Peter is referring to here. These promises focus on the result of God’s promises. Peter says that these are “exceedingly great and precious.”

He is heaping up superlatives because of the greatness of what God has promised His children. The word Peter chooses, translated as “precious,” was used by him in his first epistle to describe the blood of Christ which was shed.

With this understanding, Peter says that these magnificent promises are made “that through these you may be.” He again uses the word “through” to show that it is the medium by which these things come about. One travels through space to reach another planet. One moves through the hope of these promises in order to come to the realization of them.

His words, translated from the Greek verb which is in the subjunctive mood as “may be,” are better translated as “may become.” There is a process of growth which is being highlighted. However, there is no doubt in the end result of the matter. Saying “may become” doesn’t mean it may or may not happen. It is a way of saying that it will, in fact, happen. What Peter is referring to in this process of growth is found in verses 5-8. The end result of this is to be “partakers.”

Here the word Peter uses is defined by HELPS Word Studies. They say it is “properly, a participant who mutually belongs and shares fellowship; a ‘joint-participant.’” What is promised is something that will be realized in the believer in Christ. It is not something they will partake of in the sense of seeing, but in the sense of personally experiencing. And that partaking is “of the divine nature.”

Hebrews 12:10 says that believers will be “partakers of His holiness.” The outcome of what Peter speaks of is geared completely towards this end. Instead of being fleshly and earthly, we will be holy and partake of God’s divine nature. Paul says this also in 1 Corinthians 15:47-49 –

“The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. ⁴⁸ As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. ⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”

Peter continues with, “having escaped the corruption.” This is the great hope of the redeemed. We live in a world of corruption, death, pain, sorrow, tears, and so on. God promises us something far better. We shall partake of His divine nature, and in the process, we will cast off this world of corruption. The escape is made possible because of what God has done in Christ. By fleeing to Christ, the soul’s escape is made possible.

To emphasize the state of the world, and what brings that state about, he finishes with, “that is in the world through lust.” The Greek rather reads “in lust.” Lust is where the root of corruption feeds from. The believer anticipates glory and perfection, whereas those in the world feed off of lust and produce corruption.

However, believers are not immune from the effects of this world, and they can be swallowed up by it once again. For this reason, Peter will next begin a set of verses which will instruct on how to avoid this happening.

Life application: According to Paul, the process of what Peter speaks about here comes in different stages as we mature. God predestined us for salvation even before creation. He knew those who would believe in the message of Jesus from eternity past. Those whom He predestined, He called. When we were called, we began a glorious process.

After being called, we were justified. This is where we are declared “not guilty” of the offenses we have committed. Jesus took the punishment that we deserve at the cross. As God judged our sin in Him, it can never be judged again; hence, we are justified before God.

Once justified, we hopefully go through sanctification. It is both an immediate thing in God’s mind (we are sanctified – for example, see 1 Corinthians 6:11), but it is also an ongoing process in this life. As we grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Scripture, learn to live our lives in the Spirit, and are molded into the image of Jesus, we grow in sanctification.

Eventually, we will be glorified. This is the final state of the believer when we will be like Christ. This is what Peter means when he says we will be “partakers in the divine nature.” Although glorification is not something we can attain in this life, Paul speaks of it as already accomplished in the mind of God. We have every assurance that we will be carried through to this state.

If you are struggling in sanctification, ask the Lord to help you grow into His likeness. Make sure to study your Bible regularly and also to pray for guidance and wisdom as a faithful believer. These things will help you grow in Christ and will be added to the list of heavenly rewards you will receive when you face the Lord.

Lord God, sometimes we may not feel as if we are growing into Your likeness. In fact, we often feel we are slipping backwards. We know that You have saved us and that we are eternally Yours, but how unworthy of Your favor we feel! Help us to grow in You, give us wisdom as we study Your word, and may we be filled with Your Spirit as we open ourselves to You through our actions which are directed to You. May we become more and more like You. Amen.