Every word in scripture expresses the thoughts of God, while at the same time, paints a vivid picture to help us see things from His perspective. And for this reason, we should pay attention to God’s choice of words and the sequence in which they are laid out.
For example, I’m intrigued by Peter’s inspired writings in his second letter. He begins by addressing it to: “Those, who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (vs. 1). This is you and me, and all who have put their faith in Christ Jesus.
Then Peter addresses the life God has given us by access of our righteousness and, beginning in verse five, he adds a sequence of words that are both intentional and relational.
Watch this: “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence [speed, haste, earnestness], add to your faith virtue…”
Virtue denotes a moral sense of our worth before God. In other words, once you become a believer, you are automatically elevated to a higher position of esteem and worth from Heaven’s perspective. But you must add this quality to your faith.
“…to virtue [add] knowledge…”
It’s not enough to only believe in Jesus. Now God wants you to have the mind of Christ. And this involves learning… His ways, His thoughts, His intentions, and His Word.
“…to knowledge [add] self-control…”
A word we are all-too-familiar with, but think about it: Once you gain knowledge, God expects you to do something with what you’ve learned. And in many cases, this means your flesh isn’t going to be as free-spirited as it once was (before knowledge).
And I’ll just add here: This reason alone is why I think some people never grow in the Word. There’s too much accountability involved. (ouch)
“…to self-control [add] perseverance…”
We are a microwave society and this behavior has trickled over into the church. Be patient my child! Just because you exercised self-control once, doesn’t mean you’ve mastered it. Keep at it!
Now: “…to perseverance [add] godliness…”
I love this! There is a reward for sticking with it! In other words, once you’ve grown in a little knowledge and self-control of the flesh (not letting your mind, will, and emotions do everything they want), and you’ve been faithful to grow like this, godliness (or we could say God-likeness) is the result!
But that’s not all… “…to godliness [add] brotherly kindness…”
Here’s where “word pictures” become interesting. You’d think if you’ve attained to godliness that brotherly kindness would be included. But no. Sometimes it’s a greater exercise to love your Christian brothers and sisters than it is to love the world. (Am I right?)
Lastly: “…to brotherly kindness [add] love.”
This is slightly different than the brotherly-kindness-kind-of love. This word, in this sequence, describes God’s willful direction toward man—meaning it involves God doing what He knows is best for man and not necessarily what man desires. This is the Greek word agape. And this is the ultimate achievement for you and I also. It is God’s desire for us to reach a goal in our Christian walk where all selfishness is non-existent and our motives align with God’s motives.
Finally, Peter closes out this journey of words with this instruction: “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [But] he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:8-9).
Remember Peter’s opening? It was addressed to the righteousness of God in Christ—you and me—everyone who’s put their faith in Christ and been cleansed from their sin. This is why Peter’s step-by-step list of things we need to pay attention to is so important. The last thing we’d ever want to be accused of is forgetting where we came from and how we started.
So pay attention to your steps and just like a body builder adds another pound to his weights as he grows in strength, may you do the same in your walk with God.
