His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV)
WOW! WOW! WOW!
What a promise … we have everything we need that we may become partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption of a sinful world!
Take a minute and meditate upon that … according to this passage, what more could I possibly need? Check out how Peter continues in verse 5 … and think about the use of the word supplement.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
So Peter begins by writing that Jesus divine power has given us all things … yet he immediately goes into a teaching where he indicates you need to supplement … or add to … your faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love.
At first glance, that seems just a tad bit confusing … or does it? There is nothing on that list that in my strength and power I can add to the faith Jesus has given me … especially when it comes to knowledge, godliness and love.
But did Peter really instruct me to add it or is there something more there … perhaps the work of the Holy Spirit in me and in my life ….
Butthe fruit of the Spiritislove, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
And there is ample proof elsewhere in Scripture that knowledge, godliness and love come from the Holy Spirit. So it would seem like the supplementing of those things listed by Peter are the work of the Holy Spirit and our responsive/cooperative work with Him … not to suggest it is of us … but a willing spirit is a malleable spirit … one that can be shaped.
What do you think?
Bernie
Believing IN Christ Jesus through ALL things 
Amen, my brother. As you so aptly put it, “There is nothing on that list that in my strength and power I can add to the faith Jesus has given me … especially when it comes to knowledge, godliness and love.” We don’t do any of those things. The Holy Spirit working in us and through us does it all. Powerful stuff, my friend. Powerful stuff. Thank you for sharing.
Powerful indeed … thank you Lord!
Right on! If I could add any of these virtues to my own experience I’d be … well, God. I wouldn’t need or depend upon God. I could be saved and then do the rest on my own. But thankfully, God, in His graciousness, has me and all of my needs covered. I can trust confidently that “He who began the good work in me will complete it.”
We can take great comfort in the truth that “He who began a good work IN me will complete it.” God’s grace is incredible!
Thank you for sharing this post to us. This is very inspiring and encouraging. I am very grateful to have read you post. This is just what I needed today. May God bless you.
You are welcome Erin … glad to hear that the Lord used me today to fill a need in your life today!
Abide IN Christ Jesus, His love and His words!
Bernie
Reblogged this on Where Living Begins.