We all know that faith is essential to the salvation of our souls. Without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith alone, however, is not enough. In order to reach our full potential in Christ, we must continue to grow spiritually by supplementing our faith with other important characteristics (2 Peter 1:5-7). This week I want to examine these characteristics.

The first thing Peter tells us to add to our faith is virtue. The Greek word for virtue is aretē. “Aretē had come to be so widely used in antiquity, including the classical period, that it became a rather ambiguous term which could range in meaning from ‘wealth’ to ‘manliness’ to ‘moral virtue’” (Complete Biblical Library GED). While it is a very popular position to translate this word as moral excellence, I prefer “manliness.” The reason I lean toward that definition of the word is that translating it “moral excellence” would basically encompass all the other characteristics that Peter specifies in the text.

What good is a faith that one does not have the courage to defend? In our struggle against Sa-tan, we need the courage to do what is right when the majority of people are doing wrong. Chris-tians must be brave enough to stand with God, willing to do His will, even when it is viewed unfa-vorably by the masses. The two hot-button issues today are abortion and homosexuality. Those who are proponents of these have an unwavering belief that they are on the moral high ground. They view those of us who are opposed to these issues as unloving radicals, blinded by the Bible. It takes virtue to take and defend the Bible’s position on these issues.

This is true on doctrinal issues as well. As Christians, the positions that we take regarding the work of the church, the worship of God, and God’s plan of salvation are opposed to the teachings of denominationalism. To earnestly contend for the faith takes courage, but that is the duty of every child of God (Jude 1:4).

To faith and virtue, we must add knowledge. How can we defend a faith about which we are unsure? When we discuss the Bible, we have to know that what we are saying is true. Only then can we boldly teach the truth that so desperately needs to be heard by those who are lost.

Knowledge is not only needed in order for us to defend the truth; it is necessary for our own defense against error.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (ESV)
¹⁷ You, therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.  Amen.

Notice, our defense, against being carried away with error, is growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. This knowledge involves more than just knowing the character and nature of Christ, it is also to be filled with the knowledge that comes from Him, that is, the knowledge that comes from the inspired apostles who were His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Today, that knowledge is found in the Bible; thus, in order to add it to our faith, we must regularly study the Word of God. It is the only way we can reach our full potential and guard ourselves against the schemes of the devil. Do you want to be grounded and rooted in Christ? Be sure to supplement your faith with virtue and knowledge.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.