Spiritual Security
When we watch television we might see a commercial or perhaps see a billboard that is advertising financial or identity security. We all want to watch out when it comes to our debit and credit cards being used without our knowledge. We want to have insurance as a means of security if something happens to us. The greatest security that we can have is spiritual security, and that is within the reach of everyone. Peter specifies the things to do to keep from falling and to be granted an entrance into the eternal kingdom (II Pet.1:5-11).
Faith is necessary. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). We are to live by faith (Gal.2:20), and walk by faith (II Cor.5:7). When we pass on; we are able to win the victory by faith (I Jn.5:4). Let it be said about us, “Your faith groweth exceedingly” (II Thes.1:3).
Peter, by inspiration, specifies that we are to add to our faith, virtue (II Pet.1:5). Virtue is strength or courage. It is product of faith in God (Psa.27:13; Phil.4:13). Hard times must be endured with courage (II Tim.2:3). When looking at the lives of Christ and Paul, we see lives of courage.
Knowledge is to be attached to virtue as the building blocks for spiritual security (II Pet.1:5). Religious activities without the proper Bible knowledge only cause trouble (Hos.4:6). Jesus says that we must have knowledge of the truth (Jn.8:32). The children of Israel had zeal without knowledge (Rom.10:1-3). It is often the case today in denominations and even within the borders of the church.
Temperance, or self-control, is essential that we may make the proper use of faith, virtue, and knowledge. “He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh his city” (Pro.16:32). Temperance is also mentioned in the list of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:23).
Patience which can be said to be steadfastness or endurance is to be found within the Christian (I Tim.6:11). We are told to run with patience (Heb.12:1). Oftentimes we may hear the saying of having the patience of Job (Jam.5:11), which is true. Those that have patience and continue to do the will of God will inherit eternal life (Heb.10:38).
Godliness is to be implemented next to insure spiritual security. Godliness is profitable to all things (I Tim.4:8). Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim.6:6). There are some that have a form of godliness but deny it (II Tim.3:5). The word of God gives all things that pertain unto life and godliness (II Pet.1:3). We are to be godly in this world of ungodly things (Tit.2:12).
It is easily recognized as sympathy in action. Brotherly kindness is a fruit of love (I Cor.13:4). Paul wrote, “Be ye kind one to another” (Eph.4:32). If we show brotherly kindness among the church half of our problems will be solved (Eph.4:2-3). “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Rom.12:10). Brotherly kindness is to be exercised daily alongside the previous things mentioned.
Peter writes, “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (II Pet.1:7). We must love God (Mt.22:37); our neighbor (Mt.22:39); the brethren (I Pet.2:17); our enemies (Mt.5:44); and, the truth (II Thes.2:10-12).
Stephen