“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5).
This passage from 2 Peter 1:5 introduces a series of seven key attributes of the Christian life that continue through verse seven. Those attributes are…
- Virtue.
- Knowledge.
- Self-control.
- Perseverance.
- Godliness.
- Brotherly kindness.
- Love.
While it is possible to view these characteristics as building blocks that measure our growth and maturity in Christ, it is probably best to see them as qualities that personify those who partake of the divine nature mentioned earlier. One source emphasizes the human element that exists within this passage…
“The divine nature is not an automatic self-propelling machine that will turn out a Christian life for the believer irrespective of what that believer does or the attitude he takes to the salvation which God has provided. The divine nature will always produce a change in the life of the sinner who receives the Lord Jesus as Saviour. But it works at its best efficiency when the believer cooperates with it in not only determining to live a life pleasing to God, but definitely stepping out in faith and living that life in dependence upon the new life which God has implanted in him.” (1)
Another commentator adds…
“Peter insists that genuine faith should express itself in decisive ways. Faith must shape what we are (character), what we know or think (knowledge), what we do (self-control), and how we do it (steadfastness, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love). A growing faith that is decisive in these ways will help Christians to live productive lives.” (2)
So even though we are partakers of this divine nature, that conviction alone is not enough. Instead, we should demonstrate that conviction in dynamic ways. Some of those expressions are given to us here in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Similar examples appear in other lists of God-honoring characteristics that we find in Galatians 5:22-23, and 1 Timothy 6:11.
Finally, it is important to maintain a Biblical perspective that strikes a proper balance when considering this passage…
“Each believer is responsible before God for his conduct and spiritual growth, yet that growth could not take place without God’s prior work and constant enabling. We must not neglect our responsibility, yet the enabling and the credit is God’s. Paul says the same thing: ‘Continue working out your salvation with humility and dependence, for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort…is God'” (Phi_2:12-13). (3)
(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [2 Peter 1:5-7] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
(2) Kendall, David W. “II. The Resources For Growth In Grace (1:3-11)” In Asbury Bible Commentary. 1200. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1992.
(3) NET Bible notes on 2 Peter 1:7 https://classic.net.bible.org/bible.php?book=2Pet&chapter=1&mode=print