Peter’s last words.

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. 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. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. 2 Peter 1:3-15

I often think of these words as Peter’s list of fruit of mature disciples of Christ. So what is Peter’s list?

Faith / virtue / knowledge / self-control / steadfastness / Godliness / brotherly affection / love

Do you ‘practice’ these qualities as Peter suggests? Are you diligent to confirm your calling and election? Are you pressing into the Holy Spirit to teach you these things? Or are you just seeking out another ‘teacher’? If you want to be truly spiritually mature you must be daily communicating with the Holy Spirit and obedient to follow His instructions to you personally.

This list of qualities would be a good word study to dive deeply into. Use the free website Biblehub and look up the Greek words. Whenever you are being diligent in study always ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to know. He will highlight many things that you would just pass over otherwise. How hungry are you for the things of God? How much do you want to learn spiritual wisdom? There is ‘treasure’ in the scriptures if one is willing to dig and ask the Holy Spirit to show them the way.

It is interesting to me looking at the last two qualities Peter lists in this passage; brotherly affection and love.  Especially … as I am reminded of the conversation between Jesus and Peter on the beach after Jesus’ resurrection. (John 21:15-19) Hint: look at the Greek for this passage and especially the Greek words for ‘love’ used by Jesus and Peter. It seems Peter was learning what love really means.

And lastly… did you notice Peter’s last revelation in this passage? Jesus has told Peter he was about to come ‘home’. So Peter’s words here are his last real instructions to those disciples still remaining (which is also us). If Jesus told you … you would be coming ‘home’ soon what words would you want to share with those you love? Does that make you feel uncomfortable? Why? Maybe we ALL need to be ready … at any moment.