“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.
5. What graces are we to add in our character building?
“Add to your faith virtue [courage]; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance [self-control]; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” Verses 5-7.
Notes.—Faith is the first round in the Christian ladder, the first step Godward. “He that cometh to God must believe.” Heb. 11:6.
But an inoperative faith is useless. “Faith without works is dead.” James 2:20. To be of value, there must be coupled with faith that virtue, or courage of conviction, which impels to action.
To courage there needs to be added knowledge; otherwise, like the stumbling Jews, one may have a zeal, “but not according to knowledge.” Rom. 10:2. Fanaticism is the result of such courage, or zeal. Knowledge, therefore, is an essential to healthy Christian growth.
To knowledge there needs to be added temperance, or self-control—self-government. See Acts 24:25, American Standard Version, and margin of Revised Version. To know to do good, and not do it, is as useless as is faith without works. See James 4:17. Instead of temperance, the Twentieth Century New Testament invariably says self-control.
Patience naturally follows temperance. It is well-nigh impossible for an intemperate person to be patient.
Having gained control of oneself, and become patient, one is in a condition to manifest godliness, or God-likeness.
Having become godly, kindness toward the brethren, or brotherly kindness, naturally follows.