Temperance, Patience and Godliness 2 Peter 1:6

As we live the Christian life, Peter tells us that we are to be growing in our walk with the Lord. We have been given “divine power” and “exceeding great and precious promises” to live with a “divine nature” and to be godly. He began a list of progression by saying we should add to our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. In chapter one and verse six he continues his instructions. We read:

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

The verse begins, “And to knowledge temperance;” The Greek word for “temperance” is “egkrateia”, and it means “self-control (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, esp. his sensual appetites)”. As we grow in our faith, virtue which is moral goodness, and knowledge that is gained by experiencing God, we learn to have “temperance” or self-control. Though it is natural for us to be out of control and unbridled, as we grow in our faith, the ability to restrain ourselves will increase.

The verse goes on to say, “and to temperance patience;” “Patience” is the Greek word “hypomone” which means “steadfastness, constancy, endurance” and implies “perseverance”. As we progress in our Christian walk and “temperance” is part of our makeup, “patience” becomes second nature to us. It is the normal course for us to desire immediate gratification, and instantaneous service is innate within us, however, as we grow in our relationship with the Lord Jesus, our ability to persevere and endure grows day by day.

Finally Peter adds, “and to patience godliness;” Once again we encounter the word “godliness” as used by Peter. This word is “eusebeia” and means “reverence, respect and piety towards God”. When we consider “godliness” and what it really means we may wonder if we will ever obtain it. Peter notes that it should be another attribute which we add to our growing relationship with the Heavenly Father. Only by His divine help will we ever gain this wonderful characteristic.

So, are we challenged yet? Do we exhibit these six characteristics of the Christian's life: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness? How are we doing in our growth thus far? Are we more virtuous than we were a year ago? Have we grown in our moral goodness? Do we have a greater experiential knowledge of God? Do we exhibit greater self-control, and are we persevering to a greater degree? Finally, are we more “godly” than we were last year at this time? With Peter challenging us, we have much to think and pray about as we grow in our relationship with God. May His “divine power” and “exceeding great promises” help us to progress in our walk with Him.

Next time we will see two more characteristics of Peter's list for growing in our relationship with God, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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