Peter urges us to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to our faith (2 Peter 1:1-9). By cultivating self-control and other virtues, we prevent ineffectiveness and deepen our relationship with Christ. As followers, we’re called to grow and pursue godliness, honoring God and building up His church.
Exhortation to Godly Living
- The Fellowship of Believers – Follow the example of the early Christians, who devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared possessions, helped those in need, and met together daily with glad hearts. (Acts 2:42-47)
- Listening and Doing – James emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. He urges us not just to hear the Word but to put it into practice, caring for others and keeping ourselves from being polluted by the world. (James 1:19-27)
- Faith Without Good Deeds is Dead – James teaches that faith without action is dead. Genuine faith is demonstrated through good deeds, showing our beliefs by how we live and serve others. (James 2:14-26)
- Controlling the Tongue – James warns about the power of the tongue, comparing it to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire. He encourages us to tame our tongues to prevent harm and promote peace. (James 3:1-12)
- Drawing Close to God – James calls us to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil, and purify our hearts. By humbling ourselves before the Lord, He will lift us up. (James 4:1-10)
- Patience and Endurance – James encourages us to be patient and stand firm, like farmers waiting for the valuable harvest. He reminds us of the perseverance of the prophets and Job, highlighting God’s compassion and mercy. (James 5:7-12)
- Live to Please God – Paul urges believers to live holy lives, avoid sexual immorality, control their own bodies, love one another, and work diligently, so their daily lives win the respect of outsiders. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)
- Avoid Israel’s Mistakes – Paul warns us not to repeat Israel’s errors of idolatry and immorality. We’re reminded that whatever we do should glorify God and not cause others to stumble. (1 Corinthians 10:1-33)
- True Freedom in Christ – Paul emphasizes that Christ has set us free, so we should stand firm and not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. We are called to use our freedom not to indulge the flesh but to serve one another humbly in love, fulfilling the law by loving our neighbor as ourselves. (Galatians 5:1-14)
- Self-Denial on Behalf of Others – We ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not please ourselves. Building up our neighbors reflects Christ’s selflessness. (Romans 15:1-32)
- Walk Worthy of Your Calling – Paul implores us to live lives worthy of our calling, marked by humility and unity. By functioning as one body, we mature in faith and knowledge, reflecting Christ’s fullness. (Ephesians 4:1-16)
- Embrace the New Life in Christ – We’re instructed to abandon our former ways and embrace a renewed mind. This transformation leads us to speak truthfully, work honestly, and be kind and compassionate. (Ephesians 4:17-32)
- Conduct Worthy of the Gospel – Paul urges believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. He encourages them to stand firm in one spirit, contending together for the faith without being frightened by opponents. Their steadfastness is a sign of their salvation from God, even as they share in suffering for Christ. (Philippians 1:27-30)
- Put on the New Self – Having been raised with Christ, we’re urged to set our hearts on things above. This involves shedding earthly behaviors like anger and malice and clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:1-17)
- Fight the Good Fight of Faith – Timothy is encouraged to hold onto faith and a good conscience. We’re reminded that neglecting these can lead to spiritual shipwreck. (1 Timothy 1:18-20)
- Leaders Must have Self-Control – Church leaders are called to be above reproach, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach, setting an example for the flock. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
- All Scripture is God-Breathed – The Word of God equips us for every good work. By embracing Scripture, we gain wisdom for salvation and are thoroughly prepared to live righteously. (2 Timothy 3:10-17)
- Preach the Gospel – We are charged to proclaim the Gospel persistently, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging others with patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
- Live Holy Lives – We are called to be holy in all we do, loving one another deeply from a pure heart, for we’ve been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:1-25)
- As Newborn Babes – Like infants crave milk, we should desire pure spiritual nourishment so we may grow in our salvation. (1 Peter 2:1-3)
- Instruction for Godly Living – We’re instructed to live harmoniously, be sympathetic, love as brothers and sisters, and keep a clear conscience, even if we suffer for doing good. (1 Peter 3:1-22)
- Keep Fervent in Your Love – Above all, maintain fervent love for one another. Use your gifts to serve others faithfully, administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:1-11)
- Serve God Willingly – Leaders are encouraged to shepherd God’s flock willingly and eagerly, being examples rather than lording over those entrusted to them. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
- Requirements for Leaders – Titus is instructed to appoint elders who hold firmly to sound doctrine. Their role is to encourage others and refute those who oppose the truth. (Titus 1:5-9)
- Teaching Sound Doctrine – Believers of all ages are urged to practice self-control and integrity. Sound teaching leads to healthy faith and reverent living. (Titus 2:1-10)
- Zealous of Good Deeds – The grace of God teaches us to renounce ungodliness and live upright lives, eager to do what is good while we await Christ’s return. (Titus 2:11-14)
- Growing in Christian Virtues – Peter encourages believers to add to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. By cultivating these qualities, we prevent spiritual ineffectiveness and deepen our relationship with Christ. (2 Peter 1:1-9)
- Hear and Obey God – The author urges believers to pursue peace and holiness, avoid bitterness and godlessness, and emphasizes the importance of hearing and obeying God’s voice. Rejecting Him leads to judgment, so we must worship with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:14-29)
Warnings Against False Teaching
- Build Up the Body of Christ – Christ gave us leaders to equip His people, so we reach unity in faith and maturity, no longer swayed by deceitful teachings. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
- Correct False Teaching – Timothy is urged to command certain people not to teach false doctrines. Love comes from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith, which false teachings undermine. (1 Timothy 1:3-11)
- Correcting False Teachers – Many rebellious people deceive others for dishonest gain. They must be rebuked sharply so they’ll be sound in the faith. (Titus 1:10-16)
- Warning about Evil in the Last Days – In the last days, people will love themselves and money, lacking self-control and rejecting what is good. We’re cautioned to avoid such individuals. (2 Timothy 3:1-9)
- Men Will Not Tolerate Sound Doctrine – A time will come when people will reject sound teaching, seeking teachers who say what they want to hear. We must stay committed to the truth. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
- The Certainty of Christ’s Return – Peter reminds believers to recall the prophets’ words and warns that scoffers will question Christ’s return. He assures that God’s judgment is coming, and the heavens and earth are reserved for fire. (2 Peter 3:1-7)
- Contend for the Faith – Jude urges believers to defend the faith as ungodly people have infiltrated the church, perverting grace and denying Christ. He warns of their impending judgment and describes their sinful behaviors. (Jude 1:3-16)
In these passages, we’re both encouraged and cautioned. The path of righteousness requires intentional growth, disciplined living, and a heart committed to God’s Word. Simultaneously, we’re warned of the dangers of false teachings and the necessity of discernment. Let us, therefore, embrace the fullness of Scripture—allowing it to transform us—and remain steadfast in our pursuit of Christlikeness, for His glory and the edification of His church.
Digging Deeper
- Examine yourselves test your faith (2 Cor 13:5) – If you feel far from God, examine yourself. If you feel distant from family and friends, examine yourself. If you feel passed up by life, examine yourself.
- Balaam (a wicked way with a sinful error that leads to false doctrine) – This important warning to God’s people comes from Balaam, a mysterious soothsayer who was hired to curse Israel, and caused them to sin.
- A form of godliness (show of religion, piety, holiness, outward righteousness) – Understand: they will act religious, they will appear to have a godly life, they will have a form of godliness, but denying the power: from such turn away.
- We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) – We have to live by trusting God by faith because we don’t have the sight to see his appearance yet. But someday…
- Ten considerations before appointing church leaders – The importance of taking time to approve church leaders, which ensures godly, faithful, experienced, proven leadership.