Adding Virtue to Your Faith

Adding Virtue to Your Faith

2 Pet. 1:5

            Too many people think that when they have been blessed to believe on Christ, that they have arrived and nothing more is needed.  In our text Peter acknowledged the faith of his readers, but he admonished us to add 7 other things to that faith.  They are virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.  This is not to be saved, but it is part of our growing in the grace of God.  I want to deal today with the first one adding virtue.

            First what does the word mean?  Our common usage would have it mean good works (honesty, justice, etc.)  The English word, however, is derived from the Latin meaning "man."  Translated from the Greek language it means man or male.  Thus it would seem to say add to your faith manliness or manly strength.

            To this manliness we are called as in verse 3.  "...hath called us to glory and virtue."  It is associated with glory.  In His high priestly prayer Jesus prayed for our glory and that we might share in His glory.  This virtue is to be added to faith which is already possessed.  This requires our utmost attention, desire, and diligence.

            How can we add virtue (manly strength) to our faith?    First let there be a determined steadfastness in the way of God.  See 1 Pet. 5:9 "Who resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."   He had just spoken of our adversary, the devil.  Thus we must determine to resist the Devil and His way.  Second, we must be spiritually nourished.  See 1 Pet. 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"  See also Heb. 5:14 "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."  Thirdly, let there be also spiritual exercise in our works.  See Matt. 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 

            I might add that this is not just a one time action.  This adding virtue to our faith should be a life time activity in the Christian faith.