2 Peter 1:6: And Knowledge With Self-Control, And Self-Control With Steadfastness, And Steadfastness With Godliness

2 Peter 1:6

[6] And knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (ESV)

Peter has described a list of things that we should supplement our Christian faith with. We are thankful that God has given us salvation. We now see that those who are saved should be doing more than just celebrating salvation. Our saving faith a gift of God, and is our foundation. In the previous verse we were told to add virtue and knowledge. In this verse he adds self-control, steadfastness, and godliness.

A changed life for Christ will need to have self-control. There will be constant temptations to fall back into an immoral lifestyle. It is the non-believer who indulges the flesh as a lifestyle. The Christian learns, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to restrain the desires of the body and mind that war within. Thankfully, one of the fruit of the spirit is self-control. The Holy Spirit helps us in this process of controlling our body.

We will also need to be steadfast. There are people who start well, but do not do very well at finishing a task. I once new a man who said that he has a whole collection of things that he has made, and almost finished. God is an example of being steadfast. In Philippians 1:6, Paul says, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (ESV)

Now, Peter says that we should supplement our faith with godliness. Be careful with this one. On the one hand, we need to recognize that we are not godly because of our own efforts, or because we are innately good. Our righteousness is worthless. God's righteousness has been given to us by grace, through faith. However, as Christians, we need to continue to live godly lives. The Holy Spirit will help us to live godly.

How are you doing in this Christian life? Do you need some help in adding self-control, steadfastness, and godliness to your faith? The Holy Spirit will help you. Ask him. Read the Word of God. He is the helper you have always needed.