2 Peter 1:5,6 - Make every effort

1:5

We now get a list of virtues that we are to add to our faith. Making lists of virtues was a common practice among the stoics. Note the “For this very reason ...” We have been called through God’s “own glory and goodness”, and have been called to partake in the divine nature. Therefore it matters how we live, and we should “make every effort”. Being saved by grace and faith has absolutely no hint of meaning that we just sit back and let God do all the work, such a notion is never found in Scripture. Instead it is always used as a motivation for our making every effort. The word used for “add” was one used of a person who acted as a backer for plays. He would add equipment and training so that the play was lavishly supported. We are to put all we can into backing God’s production of our lives! The first two virtues are goodness (or virtue) and knowledge. It matters how we live, and we are to seek to live good lives. We are also to add knowledge. This does not just mean “head knowledge” (though this is actually a very bad term that we use, implying that it is knowledge that has no practical effect). It means practical wisdom based on truth.  Hosea 4:6 says that God’s people perish through lack of knowledge.

1:6

Self-control was greatly valued by Greek philosophy. It means being in control of one's passions, rather than being controlled by them. Note how society’s “morality” is currently based on giving in to one’s passions! Aristotle talked about “divine virtue” and this being “beyond man”. Likewise modern discussion on sexual morality seem to pay scant regard to the notion of people controlling their lusts. In Christ self-control becomes possible, based on living according to the indwelling Christ. Self-control is no one-off battle, but demands perseverance. It is an ongoing battle, one to be fought every day. The word translated “godliness” means reverence. The self-control and perseverance are to be carried out with a proper attitude towards God.