Grace and Faith – Part II

Pulling down the Grace for Fruitfulness

I am still captivated by II Peter right now and cannot seem to make progress on a quantity level … but rather remain arrested in a quality and contemplative state.

II Peter 1:5a states: “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue” (NKJV).  What is this very reason?  In context of versus 3 and 4 – this – is by His promises we may become partakers of the divine nature.  That means – because of His promises … we have the opportunity to become partakers of the divine nature (which the divine nature piece I am going to have to circle back around to for more detail – but for now – let’s leave it as it is in English).

So … in your faith (that is the ability to reach out into the unseen platform of ability of God for our lives) … supply morale excellence … or add to your faith (your reaching out for grace) virtue.  That word for morale excellence or virtue is ἀρετή – or arête.  This means “A virtuous course of thought, feeling, and action”.

It is very likely that the arête comes from arrēn – which is a male (implying strength – i.e. for lifting something up), which points to the root aīro – which is “to raise, take, lift up”.  So the concept just rings of “to take upon one’s self and carry what has been raised up, to bear”.  I.e. manliness – in the sense of “be a man” (that is virtue, character, excellence, goodness).

So … in our belief … our reaching out to God … Who is reaching out to us … supply … the act of living up to one’s full potential.

“Be all (the best) you can be” (bravery and effectiveness)

That is - a child of God, a son or daughter of God ... an ambassador of God.

Know who you are …

   Pull that down in faith …

      And walk in the grace He has called you.