Articles
Make Every Effort - 2 Peter 1:5-7
Make Every Effort - 2 Peter 1:5-7
“5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
While discipleship is based upon ‘faith’, that isn’t the end but rather the foundation of our walking with Jesus. Such faith is not just believing certain ideas, i.e., the incarnation of Jesus, the sinlessness of Jesus, the crucifixion of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, etc., but is trusting the very PERSON of Jesus. Desiring to be like Him. The idea is so many of our hymns: “Oh, To Be Like Him” or ‘More About Jesus’, etc.
In our trusting Jesus, we are being changed into the very image of Him who died for us (cp. Eph. 4:17-22). Peter had just described us as ones ‘partaking of the divine nature’. (vs. 4). Now, we find this list of character traits that are to be developed. As with almost all such lists in the Bible, it isn’t a ‘pick one’ concept but ‘do all’. Hence our character is to be described by these words.
· Moral excellence
· Knowledgeable
· Self-controlled
· Steadfast
· Godly
· Kind
· Loving
In order to develop into this kind of disciple, it requires us giving all diligence (NASB) or ‘make every effort’ (ESV and others). The Greek word here is defined as “(an idiom, literally ‘to bring every effort to’) to do one’s very best in attempting to do something—‘to do one’s best, to make every effort to, to try as hard as possible.’” (LouwNida Greek Lexicon).
If that isn’t enough, Peter, using this same word, adds: “ Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:10-11
Now, reread the above list. Examine your life and compare it with this. Contemplate how hard you are working to mold yourself into this type of person. Every effort? As hard as possible? Does that describe you? How are you doing?
Hugh DeLong
