INTRODUCTION
In our previous lesson, we outlined the summary of God’s investments in believers by virtue of their salvation according to Apostle Peter (2Peter 1:1-4).
However, believers must make intentional efforts to grow in their salvation (2Peter 1:5a), to avoid becoming liabilities to the kingdom of God.
▪︎ Salvation is a gift (John 4:10; Romans 3:24; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8), but it is also a blessing with privileges and responsibilities.
Reflection: How can a believer become a liability to the kingdom of God?
SEVEN CHRISTIAN VIRTUES FOR A FUNCTIONAL AND PRODUCTIVE FAITH (2PETER 1:5-6)
1. Virtue (Goodness)
Goodness is the quality of being morally good.
▪︎ It is the quality that makes a person friendly and skilful in the act of living.
▪︎ Good people are blessings to their world and God blesses them. Check Luke 6:35; Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 6:7.
2. Knowledge
Knowledge refers to the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject through facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.
▪︎ We cannot prove the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, till we know it (Romans 12:2b).
▪︎ It is not head knowledge but Holy Spirit inspired (Ephesians 1:18).
▪︎ Knowledge saves from error and misbehavior, and helps believers to focus on Christ.
3. Self-Control
The ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires, especially in difficult situations.
▪︎ Christian self-control is more than the ability to put emotions under control. It depicts the life that has come under the control of the Holy Spirit and is entirely submissive to Him, and ever willing to follow His instructions. Check Galatians 5:16; 2Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:8; 2:12.
▪︎ Self-controlled people separate personality from issues. They do not react to personality but respond to issues.
4. Perseverance
Perseverance is patience coupled with courage and hope.
▪︎ It is the ability to hold on without giving up under severe pressure, looking forward to a better future (Hebrews 12:2).
▪︎ Perseverance energizes faith. Look up Job 13:15.
5. Godliness
The quality or practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God and moral uprightness.
▪︎ It signifies a life devoted to God, characterized by reverence, piety and a commitment to living in accordance with His will and character (Titus 2:11-12).
▪︎ It means to live right before God and show practical love for fellow human beings, particularly the less privileged (James 1:27).
▪︎ This character will strengthen Christians’ testimonies in the marketplace.
Reflection: Discuss the thin line between righteousness and godliness?
6. Brotherly Kindness
Love of the brethren.
▪︎ It is the kind of love expected to flow within Christian communities. Where love is shown, others are taken care of, and there is concern and support for one another. Look up Acts 2:44-46.
▪︎ True brotherly kindness is a catalyst for Church growth. Check Acts 2:47; Psalms 133:1-3.
Reflection: Discuss how brotherly kindness can be improved in our church.
7. Love
This is God’s unconditional (agape) love for all.
▪︎ It is the nature of God which we inherited when we received Jesus into our lives (1John 4:7-8).
▪︎ This love is not self-centered but desires the highest good of the one that is loved, and it results in sacrificial action for the good of that person. Look up Romans 5:8; 1John 3:16; 4:9-11.
These virtues/characters are cultivated through our union with Jesus Christ as we grow in the Holy Sprit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The implication of adding these virtues to our faith is that, it results in increase in knowledge of Christ and translates into an effective and productive Christian life (2Peter 1:8).
DANGER OF NOT GROWING IN FAITH
Carelessness and failure to grow in faith may result in spiritual short-sightedness or total blindness, with the end product of spiritual bareness and unfruitfulness (2Peter.1:9).
Reflection: Briefly explain what you understand by being spiritually blind and being spiritually short-sighted? Read 2Corinthians 4:3-4; Mark 8:33.
CONCLUSION
God gives everything believers need to live a productive Christian life, but we must receive it and grow in it. God calls us, but we must live a life worthy of His calling (Ephesians 4:1). Read 2Corinthians 4:3-4; Mark 8:33.