Diligence in II Peter
Chances are you’ve already noticed this, but in case not..
Diligent Godliness
Throughout his second epistle, Peter speaks earnestly of the necessity of a Christ-centered diligence. We’ve received all that we need from God in Christ (1:3), but we are called to work this out into Christian virtue (1:5-8).
The listing of virtues (1:5-8) is not an abstract philosophical exercise, but has real implications not only in regard to the church’s glorious future but also its present struggles. This theme of this moral diligence runs through the entire letter (see 1:5, 1:10, 3:14, 3:17, etc.) and it is very much related to what Peter is saying about false teachers in chapter two.
The pressure of damnable false teaching all the more necessitates strong teaching on moral excellence, since false teaching is not merely a matter of assenting to certain beliefs, but is very much at its core a moral issue. The teaching Peter was addressing involved a certain carnal way of thinking and a certain manner of life. When God’s people lack diligence, regardless of how much they know, they are susceptible to deception and even sound knowledge will not guard them from error. To Peter, advocating growth in godliness was very much a defense of the faith.
A Diligent Pastor & Apostle
However, there is another facet to diligence in II Peter. It is not limited to a general call to diligence in Christian virtue. There is also a discussion of Peter’s diligence as an apostle in reminding the recipients of certain important matters (1:12-15).
Peter had a grave responsibility to warn his people and encourage their spiritual development, particularly in light of the situation they faced. He knew that immature and lacking believers make easy prey for false teachers, and he saw his responsibility before God for their well-being. He recognized that this responsibility extends to beyond his own life-span in the remembrance of his teachings. He would die, but through his pastoral diligence he would ensure that his influence did not stop there (1:14-15).
The Importance of Diligence
Hence, to sum this up, Peter holds up diligence as absolutely necessary both in the general Christian walk but also, through his example, diligence in the
tasks laid upon pastors.
As believers, our diligent pursuit of godliness has far-reaching implications on our usefulness to God (1:8) and our spiritual vision (1:9). It is God’s means of preserving us (1:10). And it has some surprising eschatological implications! (see 1:11 and 3:11-13)
