Author’s Note: Interested readers can find all previous volumes of this series here. News Flash: The first 56 volumes are compiled into a book titled “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible.” More details at the end. Now back to our regular programming.
Thanks for joining our study, especially if you are a first-timer. Today we will focus on passages in 2 Peter 1: 3-8. If you are striving to become a better person (and who isn’t?), consider embracing these verses as you would a self-help manual.
Peter, often known as St. Peter, was one of Christ’s apostles and mentioned in all four gospels. Catholics acclaim him as the first pope. Peter is thought to have been martyred in Rome by Emperor Nero sometime between A.D. 65 and 68. Tradition says he was crucified, and some believe upside down. Thus, the words Jesus speaks in John: 21:18-19 are often interpreted as a prophecy of Peter’s crucifixion.
In today’s lesson, Peter describes the virtues that will lead to a successful life as a believer in Christ Jesus. We are urged to lead lives of virtue, but first, let’s define its meaning. Merriam Webster says virtue is “conformity to a standard of right, particular moral excellence, morally good behavior or character.”
If you do not profess to be a believer in Christ but act in this manner, know that you exemplify virtuous Godly behavioral traits and should consider connecting with Jesus through prayer because He has called you to Him.
Now, let’s read what Peter writes about what Jesus has given us:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1: 3-8).
Note that in some translations such as the English Standard Revised and New King James, “virtue” appears instead of “goodness” in verse 5: “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge...”
Peter’s passage teaches that Jesus wants us to live our best life, which means having faith in Him. However, faith requires moral excellence, good character, and also knowledge of Him and His teachings. So then, filled with faith and knowledge you will be more inclined and motivated to exhibit self-control and self-discipline — behaviors that help keep sinful temptations and behaviors at bay.
Living in accordance with the teachings of Christ will not be easy. There are always man-made and natural obstacles, and why Peter mentioned perseverance as a necessary Godly trait.
Also written is Godliness — an overarching understanding of His power and glory — compared to you, a mere mortal. Godliness is relational awareness that should positively impact every aspect of your life and being.
Then, once filled with faith, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and Godliness, you are predisposed to show love for your family, your neighbor, and humankind.
Peter’s lesson describes a progression of thinking and behavior that does not come naturally. In fact, Christians believe the power to be virtuous or ethical comes from God, not from within ourselves — for His glory, not ours. Therefore, we must aspire to embrace and develop such traits to be effective and productive followers of Christ and moral leaders in His kingdom on earth.
These passages in 2 Peter were discussed this week during a Zoom prayer call with a group of National Prayer Breakfast attendees in my state. One of our members — Cal Dunlap, a retired Navy lieutenant commander — is involved with an international ethical training project conducted by the nonprofit ACCTS.org. (Association for Christian Conferences Teaching and Service.)
The ACCTS mission statement reads as follows: “To assist in the development of Christian leaders in the armed forces of the world and in the establishment and growth of military Christian fellowships.”
Cal asked our group, “What does 2nd Peter 1:1-8 say about life, faith, and virtue? How does that relate to military and police leaders around the world and the important decisions they must make?”
He explained that biblically virtuous behaviors are addressed in an international ethical training project with ACCTS. The ethics training team is developing programs in a ministry that includes Bible studies and other compatible lesson plans. The team includes Christian leaders in uniformed service from ten countries. They, in turn, provide Military Christian Fellowships in 150 countries with online tools to help young leaders with ethical decisions in their different cultures.
Later, Cal and I discussed his ethics ministry as it relates to Peter’s passage. In a follow-up email, he wrote: “The Bible indicates that virtues flow out of faith associated with the Christian gospel or ‘good news.’ Thus, the biblical view of Virtue Ethics is found in the message of Jesus, the ultimate Virtue Exemplar. The bottom line is a biblically virtuous person will make a virtuous decision.”
Of course, that statement applies to those in and out of uniform. A virtuous person will live a virtuous life and strive to be Christ-like in all they do. The light of Christ will shine on them, through them, and around them for others to notice and emulate.
Strive for faith and knowledge with the virtues of goodness, self-control, perseverance, Godliness, and love for all. Then, your life will reflect Christ in you, the hope of glory! Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a media producer and conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her new book, “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible,” reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study.
Myra is also Executive Director of SignFromGod.org, a ministry dedicated to Shroud of Turin education. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com or Twitter @MyraKAdams.
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