II
Peter 1:3-11
(Verses 3-9)
His divine power has granted to us all things
that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who
called us to his own glory and excellence, by which
he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them
you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from
the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to
supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and
self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection,
and brotherly affection with love. For
if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being
ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is
blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
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Qualities
Of Faith That Lead To Being An Effective Follower Of Jesus Christ
· Virtue
(ἀρετήν): moral goodness, developing habits of doing what is right
· Knowledge
(γνῶσιν): informed thinking, mental openness to transforming ideas that are inspired
in faith and rationally perceived.
· Self-control
(ἐγκρατειαν): Emotions and actions guided by knowledge and virtue that are derived
from a trust in God and God’s truth
· Steadfastness
(ὐπομονήν): Commitment to live or die by what is true and good regardless of
what pressures there may be to conform to the world
· Godliness
(ἐυσβειαν): An outward expression of pious living derived from an inward spirit
of well-being through knowing God and one’s self
· Brotherly
Affection (φιλαδελφίαν): A heart-felt and spontaneous care for others (brothers and sisters) in the
community of those who are seeking to follow Christ
Love (ἀγαπην): Having total goodwill to all,
but especially the community of Christ, with clear conscience and an "unoffendable" heart
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(Verses 10-11)
Therefore, brothers, be all the more
diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these
qualities you will never fall. For in this way
there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
