What is the meaning of 2 Peter 1:5? For this very reason Peter has just reminded believers that God’s “divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” and that, through “precious and magnificent promises,” we become “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Because God has already supplied the resources, we respond. The phrase ties our responsibility directly to God’s prior provision—much like Paul’s call to “work out your salvation” because “it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:12-13). Our growth is rooted in grace, not self-effort alone. make every effort Diligence is commanded. Scripture never presents spiritual maturity as automatic. • “Run in such a way as to take the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). • “Let us show this same diligence to the very end” (Hebrews 6:11). • Jude urges believers to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). While salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), discipleship demands intentional choices—time in the Word, prayer, fellowship, obedience. The indwelling Spirit empowers the pursuit, yet we must actively cooperate (Galatians 5:25). to add to your faith virtue Faith is the foundation. Trust in Christ unites us to Him (Romans 5:1). But Peter says faith should not stand alone; we “supplement” it with virtue—moral excellence, courageous goodness, the kind of character that reflects God’s holiness. • Philippians 4:8 lists qualities that shape virtuous thinking. • Paul tells Timothy to “pursue righteousness” (1 Timothy 6:11). True faith transforms behavior; James insists, “I will show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:18). Virtue is evidence that saving faith is alive. and to virtue, knowledge Moral excellence must be guided by truth. Knowledge here is practical, relational understanding—knowing God and His will. • “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). • Paul prays that believers be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom” so they may “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:9-10). • Peter closes his letter urging, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We cultivate knowledge through Scripture, sound teaching, and daily obedience; doctrine and duty grow together. summary Because God has already granted everything needed for godly living, believers are called to diligent growth. We start with faith, express it through virtuous character, and deepen it with ever-increasing knowledge of God. In doing so, we live out the very life Christ secured for us and bear the fruit that confirms our calling. |
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