(Part Two)
2 Peter 1:6 KJV
[6] “and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;”
In this verse, Peter continues to encourage the saints to add to their faith. He instructs them to begin adding to their faith by having moral excellence and spiritual knowledge. Now he is emphasizing the word “temperance,” which means self-control. We must use the spiritual knowledge that the Lord gives us to help control our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. We live in a world that is out of control, so one of the greatest ways to shine our light in a world filled with darkness is by exhibiting self-control. Temperance is not only a good example before sinners, but it will also save the child of God from heartache in a world that is filled with it.
He also uses the word “patience” as one of the characteristics that should be added to our faith. Peter wants us to know that adding to our faith takes time and patience. We must allow God to work out in our lives what He has worked into our hearts. This is God’s pattern for adding to your faith. As we read the Word of God and allow it to saturate our minds and strengthen our hearts, Christian character will be evident in our daily lives. Just like when you plant a seed in the ground and water it, it takes time to grow. There is an element of patience involved in waiting for the growth process to be completed. There is also a great expectation and assurance that you will see the results from what has been planted. So it is with adding to your faith in the Christian life. If we diligently add to our faith and water it with the Word of God, we know that we will see the results in our daily lives.
The word “godliness” means to be devoted. Devotion to God is something that is lacking in many people’s lives today who claim to be Christians. There is a difference between being saved and being a Christian. I want to be clear that you cannot be a Christian if you’re not saved, but just because you are saved does not mean you are living a Christian life. The Christian life is a life of devotion. It is a life that is marked by godliness. Think about it, every genuine Christian you have ever met was living a life devoted to God. We must add godliness to our faith. Dear reader, you must be determined that you are going to be devoted to His Word and to His will for the rest of your life. Do not allow the carnal things of this world to rob you of your devotion to God. Today, take the time to add these three things to your faith.