2 Peter 1:6 Meaning: Virtue, Knowledge, Self-Control, Steadfastness, Godliness
Growing in Knowledge and Self-Discipline
A Life of Increasing Knowledge
As we consider what it means to live for the honor of Christ, we have already seen that the Christian life requires effort, beginning with faith and leading to good works. Now, we turn to our second point: the Christian life is also a life of growing in knowledge and self-discipline.
Peter exhorts believers to supplement faith with virtue and virtue with knowledge. Why is knowledge essential? Because without it, we cannot know God’s will or discern what pleases Him. Without knowledge, how can we walk in obedience?
Many people have zeal without knowledge. We often see this in new converts—freshly saved, full of enthusiasm, and eager to serve Christ. Yet, without knowledge, they may act impulsively, doing things simply because they have seen others do them, without understanding if those actions align with God’s Word. Even when their actions are correct, they may do them with the wrong spirit, lacking a biblical foundation.
This kind of zeal without knowledge has harmed the church. Consider the effects on worship—how often have believers with the best intentions introduced human innovations rather than worshiping as God has prescribed? They mean well, yet they ultimately dishonor Christ by neglecting what Scripture teaches.
Thus, we must understand that ignorance is dangerous. From the very beginning, God gave knowledge to Adam and Eve in the Garden. Why? Because ignorance makes a person vulnerable to deception. The same is true today. God grants knowledge in regeneration, opening our blind eyes, but Peter urges us not to stop there. We must continue to grow in knowledge, being transformed by the renewing of our minds and bringing every thought captive to Christ.
And where do we seek this knowledge? In the Scriptures. Just as a lawyer immerses himself in law books and a historian in historical records, the Christian must live in the Word of God. The Scriptures make us wise unto salvation and equip us for every good work.
A Life of Self-Discipline
Peter next groups three qualities together: self-control, steadfastness, and godliness. These characteristics define a disciplined Christian life, but knowledge must come first.
Why? Because self-discipline must be informed by knowledge. We do not discipline ourselves according to personal preferences or worldly wisdom but according to God’s revealed truth.
Let’s examine these three qualities:
1. Self-Control
In Peter’s day, the word for self-control was often associated with athletic training. Think of an athlete preparing for a competition—he follows a strict diet, abstains from harmful substances, maintains a rigorous exercise schedule, and ensures proper rest. He denies himself certain freedoms for the sake of a greater goal.
The Christian life requires this same level of discipline. Self-control means refraining from all that does not honor Christ. Sometimes, it even means abstaining from lawful things if they might lead us into sin. A self-controlled life is a life of discipline, order, and focus on Christ.
2. Steadfastness
Self-control is difficult to maintain, which is why Peter adds steadfastness, also translated as perseverance or patience.
Living a disciplined Christian life is not easy. We face temptations, trials, illnesses, afflictions, and opposition from the world. Some trials come by God’s hand for our sanctification; others come from the world’s hostility toward Christ.
Without steadfastness, we grow weary and lose heart. But perseverance strengthens us to press on, trusting that God will sustain us through every hardship.
3. Godliness
Added to these virtues is godliness, which refers to a heart devoted to glorifying God in all things—in what we think, say, and do.
Too often, we chase after earthly things, turning our backs on Christ in the process. Instead, we must fix our affections on what strengthens our souls. Godliness means living with a constant awareness that we are in God’s presence, seeking first His kingdom and trusting that He will provide for our needs.
A Life of Love
Finally, in 2 Peter 1:7, Peter concludes with:
…and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
The ultimate fruit of a disciplined Christian life is love—love for our brothers and sisters in Christ and love for all people.
True knowledge and self-discipline must lead to love. If we pursue knowledge but lack love, we become proud. If we practice self-discipline without love, we become harsh and rigid. But when these virtues are rooted in love, they reflect the very heart of Christ.
Conclusion: Striving for Maturity in Christ
Peter’s exhortation is clear: the Christian life is a life of effort, knowledge, and self-discipline, all culminating in love.
We must not be content with a shallow faith or a passive Christian walk. Instead, we must make every effort to grow in knowledge, practice self-discipline, and live with steadfast devotion to Christ.
Let us, then, strive for maturity, pursuing Christ with diligence, that we may live a life that truly honors Him.
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