2 Peter 1:6

2 Peter 1:6 ‘and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness'

‘your knowledge' -This knowledge must be your own personal possession. Someone noted that if you can't explain. biblical concept in your own words, then you truly don't understand it as yet.

‘self-control' -‘one who holds himself in self-government…the ability to control one's own life.' (Woods p. 151) ‘the ability to take. grip of oneself…The Christian ethic does not contemplate. situation in which. man is emasculated of all passion, in which he is drained of virility, in which he is de-sexed and emptied of every passion; it envisages. situation in which. man's instincts and passions remain, but remain under perfect control and mastery, and so become his servants and not his tyrants.' (Barclay pp. 357-358)

Points to Note:

Self-control can be. reality in one's life! 2. Self-control doesn't mean the end of freedom. Rather, it is the beginning of freedom. Envy the man or woman who is no longer. slave of their selfish desires. And pity the person who is compelled to do ‘what-they-want-to-do' (Titus 3:3). 3. ‘Once again Peter uses. word which must have cut the false teachers like. whiplash. They claimed that knowledge released them from the need for self-control (2 Peter 2:10ff., 2 Peter 3:3)…Any system which divorces religion from ethics is fundamental heresy.' (Green p. 69) 4. Men, especially need to listen to the above comments. Becoming. Christian doesn't mean that one must cease being manly. Rather, becoming. Christian will bring out true manliness and strength. It will make you. stronger man, it will perfect your masculinity.

‘perseverance' -‘lit., an abiding under' (Vine p. 167). ‘lit., remaining behind or staying-heroic, brave patience with which. Christian not only contends.' (Vincent p. 679)

Points to Note:

‘This patience is not Stoic quality of accepting all that comes as from the dictates of blind Fate.' (Green p. 69) 2. This patience is positive and strong. It is neither endurance out of stupidity, stubbornness or helplessness. Endurance with. purpose,. patience with strong trust in God behind it. ‘the brave and courageous acceptance of everything that life can do to us, and the transmuting of even the worst event into another step on the upward way.' (Barclay p. 358) 3. ‘The false teachers, who have ceased to believe in the ability of God to intervene in his world, are reduced to scoffing: “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? (2 Peter 3:4).' (Lucas/Green p. 60) 4. Remember, patience for the Christian is an optimistic, strong and positive endurance (Romans 2:7; Romans 5:3; Hebrews 12:1; James 1:3; James 5:11). 5. Patience is not only needed during times of trial and suffering, but also in the face of others defecting from the faith, of those who claim that they have found. new freedom in realizing that we don't have to follow the Bible to end up saved. In addition, patience is also needed when life becomes usual and mundane.

‘Godliness' -‘piety' (TCNT); ‘devotion to God' (Phi); ‘the fear of God' (Bas). ‘denotes that piety which, characterized by. Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him.' (Vine p. 162)

Points to Note:

‘That person who remains constant under provocation and pressure develops. deep respect and reverence for God.' (Hamilton p. 40) 2. ‘a catch-all word for “. very practical awareness of God in every aspect of life”.' (Lucas/Green p. 60) 3. The Greek word translated ‘godliness' was the primary word for “religion” in popular pagan usage. It described the person who was very careful to maintain their duties and responsibilities to both God and man. The person who has. very tender conscience in reference to what God wants. (Micah 6:8)