Doing Our Part

Jim Bucklew
Written By Jeff Rybacki
 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) 

Obviously, Peter is writing to believers here (see v. 1). He addresses the letter, “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:” (emphasis mine). So what believer, in their right mind, doesn’t want to “participate in the divine nature” and “escape the corruption in the world”? Peter is telling us that it is possible! “His divine power has given us everything we need...” I think it very unlikely that a true, born-again believer would ever think, “No, I really don’t want to be like God (in His goodness). I’d rather be corrupt.” Certainly, as believers, we desire to be more Christ-like and to bring glory to His name. 

Peter continues in verse 5: “For this very reason, make every effort...” 

Wait. What? We have to do something? It doesn’t just happen? Yes. “Make every effort” implies a volitional action, a willful decision to “do”. Unlike the saving faith that we received (see v. 1), growing in our faith requires effort. We can’t just sit back and wait for it to happen to us, just because we believe. God says, “I’ve given you all the tools you need (see verse 3), now use them. Put forth effort!” 

So what do we need to “do”? Peter continues: “...make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” By the way, the word “goodness” above (in the NIV) is translated “virtue” in the ESV, and “moral excellence” in the NASB. In other words, take no low-road shortcuts. 

So how do we know what is good, virtuous, or morally excellent? Where do we gain knowledge? How do we define godliness? Simple. We diligently study the Scriptures. It’s all there. Start with the Sermon on the Mount, the words of Jesus found in Matthew 5:1-7:29. Read the epistles of Paul, John, Peter, and James, and the letter to the Hebrews to learn what the Christian life should look like. 

How do we grow in self-control, perseverance, kindness, and love? By abiding in Jesus, and submitting every moment to Him (dare I say, obeying Him) as Savior and Lord. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will 

bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” He continues in verse 8, “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.” 

Shouldn’t that really be our goal, as believers? To bring glory to the One who saved us? Peter continues in verse 8, “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” You will be ineffective, unproductive, near-sighted and blind. You will be fruitless. And likely, joyless. 

It is well worth putting forth the “effort” that Peter calls us to. And that effort starts with a willful decision to “do” – to put into action - not just to know and believe. For not only will we attain the joy of bearing fruit that brings glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, the joy of experiencing close fellowship with Him who created us and loves us and gave His life to save us, but we will also get to look forward to a warm welcome into His eternal kingdom. Peter continues in verse 10, “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

Hebrews 6:10-12 

Jeff Rybacki
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