Response to God's Promises

Are we grateful to God for what he has promised? If so, Peter argues, we should show it.  "Yes, for this very reason"  ( because God has given us very precious promises), we should make a real effort to act.  We cannot be content with merely being in the faith or with merely being acquainted with Bible truth.  That is not enough! Perhaps in Peter's day some in the congregations talked a lot about faith but got involved in immoral conduct.  Their behavior needed to be virtuous, so Peter urges:  "Supply to your faith virtue." -2 Peter 1:5; James 2:14-17.

After mentioning virtue, Peter lists six more qualities that must be supplied, or added, to our faith.  Each of these is needed if we are to "stand firm in the faith."  (1 Corinthians 16:13)  Because apostates were 'twisting the Scriptures' and propagating "deceptive teachings,"  Peter next lists knowledge as vital, saying:  "To your virtue [supply] knowledge."  Then he continues:  "To your knowledge [add] self - control, to your self-control endurance, to your endurance godly devotion, to your godly devotion brother affection, to your brotherly affection love." -2 Peter 1:5-7; 2:12, 13;3:16.

What will happen if these seven things are supplied to our faith?  "If these things exist in you and overflow," Peter answers,  "they will prevent you from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (2 Peter 1:8) On the other hand, Peter says:  "If these things are not present in anyone, he is blind, shutting his eyes to the light, and has become forgetful of his cleansing from his sins of long ago."  (2 Peter 1:9)  Notice that Peter changes from the use of "you" and "our"  to "anyone,"  "he," and "his."  Although, sadly, some are blind, forgetful, and unclean, Peter kindly does not imply that the reader is one of these. -2 Peter 2:2.

Next time: Strengthening His Brothers

The Watchtower, 1997