Dr. Lawrence Butler
The Bridge Church, Pembroke
As discussed in last week’s Bible study, both the Apostles Peter and Paul warn about a coming time when sin will be rampant (II Timothy, II Peter).
John added to their perspective by his own insight into sin when he told us the following: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (I John 2:16). Therefore, Christians must find a way to stay above the fray of sin and avoid its corruption. How can this be accomplished when it is so pervasive and so ingrained in human beings? We simply must be changed.
This occurs through faith in Christ through the righteousness of God, and the impartation of “divine power” (1:13). This allows us to become “partakers of the divine nature,” and to escape “the corruption that is in the world through lust” (v4). This is divine provision for the children of God during a time of apostacy. The best antidote to avoid sin is a holy life. It prevents the Christian from being caught in a trap of false doctrine and heresies.
The holy life is realized by the following 7-step method provided by Peter in verses 5-7. So now we shall examine these several spiritual characteristics. We are instructed to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. The word “add” was one that spoke of paying for the cost of necessary items for any occasion. It generally meant supplying more than needed, giving copious measures.
Virtue means that we hold in check our passions and lusts, thus showing a real energy in presenting Christ to the world. To virtue is added knowledge.
We are to continue to grow in our understanding of Christ through His Word. Doing so allows us to use the Word against Satan as Jesus did during His 40 days of temptation. Next we are told to add Temperance. This simply means to hold or control our passions and desires, especially those related to physical relations between people.
Patience is now introduced as a critical element to our overcoming faith. It is a willingness to submit to God when things are difficult, and a determination to wait on the Lord for help and deliverance.
Godliness may be understood as the placing within us the beautiful life of Christ, the “divine nature” (v4). The word for brotherly kindness is “philadelphia” which is made up of two words – the first meaning “to have an affection for (phileo),” the second being “adelphos,” meaning a brother. This fondness for our brethren should then be covered with charity, or “agape,” that divine love produced in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Paying close attention to these details will lead to a life hidden in Christ and not subject to falling (v10).