2 Peter 1:6 Podcast
" ... and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness ( 2 Peter 1:6)
Peter writes, "to your knowledge add self-control." "Self-control" literally means holding oneself in. The Apostle is using an illustration from the athletes of his day who were self-restrained, self-disciplined. In the same way athletes abstain from unhealthy food, and alcohol, to keep themselves fit in order to maximize their abilities, Peter is encouraging us to do as well.
False teachers always claim that their unique knowledge has freed them from the need for self-control. They indulge themselves. And, as we will see as this epistle unfolds, any theology that divorces faith from conduct is heresy.
Godlikeness, which comes out of our personal experiential knowledge of God, expresses itself in self-control. Self-control is the result of being defined by God, Himself. And, you will remember these characteristics are produced by God and realized in the life of the believer.
Peter goes on to write in v.6: “and to self-control, add perseverance.” Translated "perseverance", the Greek word "hupomon" is to be patient in endurance in doing what is right. "hupomon" gives the idea of never giving up to temptation, never giving up to trial, never giving up to difficulty, never giving up to sin.
And to this persevering endurance we are told to add “godliness.” The Greek word Peter uses here, "eusebeia" is also used back in 2 Peter 1:3. It means reverence, a practical awareness of God in every area of life.
Now, remember Peter is preparing his hearers to deal with the false teaching of the false teachers. This is very important because it is only God who stirs the believer from the false, He also stirs us into the truth. Therefore, what Peter is doing is to provide the asphalt for our travels in the ways of God. And, the ways of God or God's culture is best learned in a personal, intimate relationship with God.
Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:5-6, "5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness..."
Faith plus goodness plus knowledge plus self-control plus perseverance plus godliness.
Tune in tomorrow for the next step in this travel through life with God. Tomorrow, we will discover what Peter is saying here regarding the believer and good theology and how it protects us from false teaching.
In order to invest in BYM, click here.
