Written by Paul J Bucknell on June, 10, 2023

2 Peter 1:5 Step Up to Moral Excellence

PURSUING HIS EXCELLENCE #5

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5, NASB).

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5, ESV)

In 2 Peter 1:1-4, Peter teaches about the righteousness we obtain by faith and how God develops this righteousness in our lives. He gives all the marvelous promises we need to live godly lives. After we receive saving faith, we see it worked out in our lives through His marvelous promises (sanctifying faith).

The Bible verse 2 Peter 1:5 encourages believers to add moral excellence to their faith. In today’s society, the relationship between faith and morals has been questioned, with some believing that virtue is no longer essential. However, Christians are called to be people of moral excellence and stand apart from the world.

Moral excellence is crucial in our faith journey and relies on an inner conviction (i.e., faith) to godly standards. Our moral boundaries must be clearly defined, so we can recognize their importance and prepare for their consequences. Genuine faith naturally brings us closer to God, whose likes define morals.

This raises two critical questions for our generation: (1) Is it essential to live a moral, upright life, and (2) is it possible? Without a resounding yes to the first, the second question remains irrelevant. Therefore, let us explore each question.

1) Is Virtue Relevant?

Is it essential to live moral lives?

Whether it is essential to live a moral life is critical, as it determines the relevance of pursuing moral excellence. It is essential to challenge the assumptions of the world that morals have no place in the classroom or that we should not impose our morals on others. By accepting these assumptions, we agree that morals can be absent from our consciousness, which is impossible.

By accepting the world’s framed question, we already agree to some of their assumptions. For example, by accepting the idea that morals have no place in the classroom, we assume that morals can be absent from our consciousness, which is impossible (Rom 2:15). Similarly, by accepting the question of imposing our morals on others, we are forced to deal with issues like whether morals can be imposed, whether they exist inherently, whether everyone’s morals are equally valid, and whether parents have a moral responsibility over their children.

The world’s assumptions can lead to dangerous conclusions, such as the idea that morals are unimportant or can be created. If Christians stood up and “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”(1 Peter 2:9), the world would be less able to make their immoral assertions.

An empowering faith

Peter has said that in our faith, we are to supply moral excellence. Moral excellence is essential. “Supply” can also mean to furnish, add, or aid.

We usually think of morals coming from our families and society. While parents should promote morals when children are young, many modern parents do not believe in rigid morals, as if they are instilling them.

Today, parents and teachers are afraid to have their faith shape children and instead entice them to do what they want with treats and bribes. Do you see how bribes train them to live by greed rather than the fear of God? The cost of this is immense. Rewards work short term but not long term. Rewards destroy creativity and hard work.

Defining morals

Moral excellence relies on an inner conviction to godly standards so that it doesn’t matter who is around or what is happening. Genuine faith naturally brings the person closer to God, whose likes define morals. Their conscience is awakened, and they accordingly determine to live consistently with their conscience, even God.

Three other verses use this word for moral excellence (Greek: arethn). Php 4:8, “ if there is any excellence;” 1 Pet 2:9, “proclaim the excellencies of Him;” 2 Pet 1:3, “called us by His own glory and excellence.”

Morals are those inner standards formed by one’s conscience and society’s instruction. This does not mean they are perfect. It used to mean people live a good life, but society has become evil and darkened man’s conscience. In a civilized society, a virtuous life is a behavior deemed good and respectful.

The Importance of Morals

Morals are tied up with the person of God and His will. The question comes down to whether or not virtuous living is essential. If you lack faith, you will not go out of your way to be moral. Your faith elicits an inner response to these invisible rules, whether your parent taught them or not. God the Spirit will put His Law in your heart (Heb 8:10). The more support you have from your parents, society, educational institutions, the church, etc., the easier it is to grow in your faith. Faith still remains a critical factor in reviving our lives.

Our moral boundaries must be clearly defined so we can rightly recognize their importance and prepare for their consequences. Virtues like honesty, sexual purity, and integrity strengthen relationships, but lies, stealing, etc. cause great havoc.

Lies keep you from having good friends because you never get close enough to be trusted; you use people rather than care for them.
Stealing makes you live a life of greed, always being suspicious and second-guessing other people because they might steal from you.
Sexual fornication treats fragmented, broken relationships as normal. Fornicators face many challenges in establishing intimacy and trust.
Cheating supposedly gets you ahead, but it is unfair to those you cheated! Besides, you are in debt to that person, class of students, and God for not acting properly. You must lie and bluff your way out to disguise your wayward path.

What is the result of breaking these morals, these virtues? Many children and young people feel very guilty and alone in this world. This is a generation of depressed people. Their sins have isolated them from other people.

Faith, however, opens our eyes to see the laws of the universe, which govern how electricity, gravity, light, etc., operate, and moral laws. We cannot break these laws of nature, such as gravity, without suffering the consequences. We counter them but at a cost. The intelligent person learns to abide by them. Known laws help us understand the significance of virtue.

While these moral/spiritual laws can be opposed, it’s always at a cost. Emotional pain results from defying morals: breakdown of relationships, depression, broken hearts, tears, anguish, physical sickness, and disease. Peter shows the relationship between faith and moral excellence, but the world can’t grasp this. They accept their depraved situation and live in them rather than repenting. If they could correct their behavior—live by morals, their lives would immediately take a good turn. Revivals are known for such immediate change in people.

God doesn’t want us to experiment with spiritual laws because of the painful consequences. It denies our very life purpose. Though the Bible doesn’t teach us about gravity, God does give His laws to warn us. If you look closely, you will find a direct correlation between morals and a good society. You will also discover the relationship between those who don’t live by morals and sad, lonely, violent, depressed people. The cost of caring for this generation of ‘sick’ people is astronomical.

Summary

Morals are fundamental to all, Christian and non-Christian, as conformity to moral laws leads to blessedness, and disobedience leads to suffering. Therefore, living a moral, upright life is essential, and it is possible by relying on God's grace and guidance. As Christians, let us proclaim these excellencies by living consistently with our conscience and God’s standards.

Supply virtue meaning: furnish, add, or aid

2) Is Virtue Possible?

Is virtuous living possible?

Due to our society’s lack of support and structure, it has been hard to think that God seriously cares about righteous living. God does not ask you to live a life like everyone else but like Him, your Maker—a righteous and virtuous life.

Remember verse 1:3, “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” Or 1 Peter 1:14-16 which says, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”

Moral excellence comes from God’s own standards. Don’t be too shocked. You might be thinking that you have no chance at all, thinking, “Hey, I thought I was doing okay, but now I’m lost.” God does not want to discourage you but to exhort you to moral living.

While it may seem daunting to strive for moral excellence, it's important to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing conviction and faith. Our faith in God allows us to understand His desires for us and to become more sensitive to His will. However, we must be cautious of Satan's attempts to discourage us and believe in the forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.

This does not mean we are flawless. Not even near it. The more faith we gain, the more sin we see. The closer we look at the carpet, the dirtier it will look. Light shining on any surface reveals imperfections and flaws.

This is why Peter starts by speaking about receiving righteousness by faith (1:1-2). It’s our faith in Christ that bestows righteousness. This is the first foundation stone.

Our saving faith fosters a love for the things of God, including upright living, summarized by love. His promises inspire us with hope and give direction for those significant steps.

Is it the world or God that shapes what you like watching or doing (Rom 12:1)? Faith, like a light, beams into our lives, giving a glimpse of God’s thoughts and promises.

“Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” (2 Peter 1:10-11)

Living a virtuous life is a lifelong pursuit that requires diligence and a love for God's promises. Through our faith in Christ, we are granted righteousness and the hope of eternal life. It’s crucial to prioritize moral excellence over worldly pursuits and to constantly strive to align our actions with God’s holiness.

Summary

Living a virtuous life may be challenging, but it is unquestionably worth it. The reasons for this are evident. Failing to incorporate virtuous practices into our daily routines means lacking genuine faith, which leads to negative outcomes. Faith enables us to draw closer to God by helping us comprehend His holiness and actions. A biblical faith constantly reminds us of our shortcomings and sinful nature, leading us to appreciate His grace more profoundly. We must strive to abandon sinful behaviors, confess and apologize for them, and seek grace to live more righteously.

For far too long, we have been held back by our ignorance of God’s spiritual laws, which safeguard and preserve good living. Those who indulge in their desires may receive immediate but temporary rewards and ultimately become trapped in bondage. Such actions have consequences both for God and humanity. Conversely, those who recognize the fundamental importance of leading a virtuous life will respond positively to God’s calling. By doing so, they will continue to grow in their Christian faith. Embrace God’s call for a virtuous life, participate in this glorious transformation, and reap its benefits.

Reflection Questions 1:5b

“In your faith supply moral excellence”

Growth is seen mainly by identifying, strengthening, and keeping our inner moral standards. Evaluate how you have been doing.
Do you understand how faith relates to purity in this step of virtue?
What is one area you need to work on?

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2 Peter 1:1-12 (NASB)

1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. (2 Peter 1:1-12 NASB).