5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with
knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and
steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection
with love. (2 Pet. 1:5-7 ESV)
In verse 8, he will tell us “If these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from
being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
What does it look like if I don’t have these “qualities” (word used in the English Standard
Version). Literally the translation is “these things”. Let’s think about it.
“Faith” – without it I don’t believe Him nor trust Him. It is impossible to please Him without faith.
“Virtue” (excellence of character) – without it I’m not listening to Him nor striving to be like Him.
“Knowledge” – I’m not reading, listening, learning nor growing.
“Self-Control” – without it, I’m self-centered, doing just what I want to do and ignoring Him.
“Steadfastness” – without it I cannot be depended upon, I’m weak and easily moved away.
“Godliness” – without it, I am living by my own desires and not striving to be like Him.
“Brotherly affection” – without it I care only for myself and tend to use others.
“Love” – without it, I look out for myself and do not want to be bothered by others.
What a miserable life.