Christian growth and development

2 Peter 1:2-11 gives the basic outline for a growing Christian. In successive order: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness, brotherly kindness, and finally love. This order is necessary and cannot be out of order. First comes faith and without it the rest would not make sense, for any virtue you would then have would be of your own corrupt judgment, any knowledge would be academic at best- learning the facts without getting to know the author who alone can teach you the fullness of His word. Temperance, patience and Godliness are impossible without the indwelling spirit of God. Following Peter’s outline here, as we move from one stage to another we do not leave the latter behind. When we move from faith to virtue we continue to grow in faith and virtue; when we move on to knowledge we continue to grow in faith, virtue and knowledge, and so forth through the progression. But, what is the purpose of all this? Verses 8-11: fruitfulness in the knowledge of Christ; humility in remembering where we came from, driving us to extend the same grace (that God has given us as we grow) to others as they grow; that we may never stumble, make our call and election sure that an entrance may be supplied to us in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. If that’s not motivation enough to give ALL diligence in pursuing these things, you may want to check your spiritual vital signs!
Faith
What kind of faith are we to have? 1Peter 3:15 (NKJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. Peter instructs us to give a reason or logical defense for our faith. You cannot give a reasonable defense for a blind faith because blind faith by definition is arbitrary adherence to a chosen belief despite any evidence, whether contrary or consistent. It is the difference between "I believe 'cause mama said so" and "I have been convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the authenticity of the message.” Peter instructs us to be prepared to answer the question "why?” So, be prepared to explain what you believe and why you believe it.
This of course begs the question, “what are the basic defining beliefs of biblical Christianity”?
Virtue
The essence of virtue is the question of ultimate principal- now that we know Christ, how shall we then live? The virtuous are concerned with what is right. When this begins to develop in the life of a new believer it can lead to an all-consuming preoccupation (Col.3:17). While this is good, it often becomes a stumbling block to yourself and others when it takes a turn toward legalism and hypocrisy. Legalism is the tendency to define the parameters of applicability of God’s word by your own understanding, usually resulting in technical compliance through loopholes. Hypocrisy on the other hand, is the tendency to be extrospective rather than introspective, excusing or even being blind to one’s own faults while keenly observing the shortcomings of others. Both hypocrisy and legalism have the propensity to hold others to standards according to one’s own understanding irrespective of the maturity, growth rate, tenure, or starting point of others; many times, holding the non-Christian to Christian standards and values. In those who do not have the Spirit, we should expect carnality, in those who have recently accepted the Lordship of Christ we should expect a pattern of growth, not instantaneous perfection. When someone displays instantaneous perfection, I get suspicious of their authenticity as a follower of Christ.
In pursuing what is right it is necessary to eventually conclude that we are incapable of determining right and wrong on our own, as this quickly becomes a matter of opinion and is of no authoritative value. To know what is truly right all must be weighed against an unchanging and unchangeable measure, our Creator’s intended purpose. Nearly the whole New Testament was written to address this question, "How shall we then live?" composed in corrective letters written by the apostles themselves (Philippians 4:8). A study of the law of God can reveal God’s sense of justice, by which ours can be recalibrated; starting with Psalm 1 and Romans 2:12-16 brings out the purpose, or “work,” of the law with its necessary application (Genesis - Deuteronomy). I have found it profoundly beneficial to be aware of the historic and cultural context of scripture. Furthermore, as the Galatians were directed, we are not to be bound to that which has been satisfied in Christ, namely all the ordinances and sacrifices. He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it. It is not that the sacrifice is no longer necessary it is that it has already been done.
Knowledge
Virtue flows naturally into knowledge, for how shall we know how to live except that the scripture should teach us? As we seek a deeper knowledge of the scripture, we must understand that it is not knowledge for knowledge’s sake that we seek, but rather the knowledge spoken of here is that of personal familiarity with our Creator. We can know Him better through the knowledge of His given word, but only if we ask the Spirit to fill us and teach us. We have the very author at our side to tutor us! Yet, so often, we first turn to religious leaders, their commentaries, or call in radio hosts when there is something in scripture we do not understand. It is good to consult our elder scholarly brothers, but their comments are of no authoritative value. We must study the matter thoroughly and weigh our findings against others who have done the same. So often, we find it tedious to search the scriptures, as if the tasks of this life are of a greater priority than that which will give eternal benefit. I understand that not everyone was meant to be a scholar, but it is the standard that all fully discipled believers are apt to teach (1Tim 3), which most definitely includes a thorough knowledge of the essentials of our faith and what it looks like to live that out. Since we have it available in our day, knowing your way around the Bible is of great benefit.
Temperance
Temperance in essence means one is not given to extremes. Although this does pertain to one’s emotional control, I think Peter is speaking more toward spiritual temperance. Physically speaking, we are neither given to outbursts of wrath nor are we flaccidly passive; we address our circumstances appropriately, not allowing our emotions to lead us about nor denying their existence altogether. In the same way, we are to be balanced in our doctrine, studying a matter thoroughly before professing it abroad, whether the teaching is of our own work or that of another. In learning temperance, we also learn of relating to one another. We all mature at different rates and in different ways; so, just because we have faithfully proven the legitimacy of a teaching, no matter how beneficial, this does not mean that all are ready to receive it. Patiently wait for a time when it would be edifying to share; the Spirit will guide you in that. To insist that all who are true believers are unified according to your convictions is typical of knowledge without temperance. As long as others are growing in their walk with Christ encourage them, do not dictate their progress.
Patience
Many things in life require waiting for the proper time. We want everything now! We think "Never mind the wait, let’s skip to the desired end!" not realizing that it is the patient, and at times tedious, journey that prepares us for that moment and without the journey we are found wanting. We need to have patience with ourselves as we grow in our walk with Christ. Often we want to read a paragraph and say, "lesson learned!” We expect a catechism and we're good to go, but that’s not how it works when it comes to a total character overhaul. Obviously, it takes more time to really develop in Christian maturity. Yet, even when we realize this, it does not mean that we will recognize that same necessity in the growth and development of others. We ought to patiently endure the growth of one another with grace and longsuffering.
As the character trait of godly patience begins to come to fruition in you, patience will also manifest itself in relating to those outside the faith. Whether they present themselves as indifferent, skeptical, or downright antagonistic, the patient man does not get offended at the blasphemies of the non-believer. After all what should we expect from those who live without God in their lives? When someone displays a lack of Godly character in his or her life that is our cue to action. With that prompting, we know to pray and seek that open door to speak life into their heart. All too often, there is a tendency to exalt one’s self above an unbeliever; this has earned the church a reputation as a body of hypocrites. They are right! Exalting yourself above an unbeliever of any temperament is hypocritical since not long ago you were in the same position as they. God patiently waited for you to come around, sending forth His servants at the proper time; and He is patiently waiting for them also...join Him.
Godliness
There will come a time in our walk with Christ when the character of God starts to pour out from the core of our being, kind of like that moment as parents when we realize we have become as our own parents and we are saying what they used to say to us, only now we understand why. Equipped with this information we feel compelled to call our parents and tell them about it so that they can laugh at us and muse on their memory of when they contacted their parents to express the very same thing. My point is, the more time you spend with someone the more you tend to exhibit his or her characteristics, and since our salvation, the Spirit of God has been ever-present dwelling within us. Let him have His perfect work and quench not the spirit, but be conformed into His express image in you. A rudimentary understanding is about all I can manage here, as I am not yet this far in my journey. For more information on Godliness, I suggest a detailed study of the character and nature of God and how that can be applied to your character (just, merciful, patient, generous, longsuffering, selfless, forgiving, etc.).
Brotherly kindness
Phileo in Greek. Phileo speaks of a comradery or family type relationship; that instantaneous friendship that baffles even those involved. The reason for this phenomenon is a little less confusing. When we realize that, if we are growing in unity with Christ and and they are also growing in unity with Christ, it stands to reason that all believers will eventually be in unity with one another, bound and inseparable by our common relationship with Christ. Paul wrote of this singleness to the Ephesians. He said that the purpose of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, "Shepherds,” and Teachers is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. Eph. 4:13 “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Jesus prayed for us that we would be one as He and the Father are one, such a union and singleness of mind and heart that we are nearly indistinguishable. Jesus also said that we would be known by our love for one another. It starts with phileo.
Love
Agape in Greek. Agape is the conscious decision to seek the absolute best good for someone regardless and even in spite of their actions and attitude toward you. When the Bible speaks of God’s love this is usually the word used. This kind of love is the backbone of the marriage relationship; without it, the marriage will not stand. Eros may come and go, phileo brought you together, but the agape commitment is the only thing that can stand the test of time and trial.
So, how does agape come to bear in the life of a Christian as a character trait reflective of the express image of their Creator? Look to Jesus who told His friends what they didn't want to hear because it was in their best interest to learn a hard lesson; whose life was devoted to preaching the eternal kingdom, the only hope for meaning in this life; whose life also was given, suffering the full wrath of God for all, that we may inherit the kingdom and glory that only He deserves. He prayed from the depths of His heart that even those of His own nation and kindred that condemned Him would be forgiven, even in the midst of the very suffering they sent Him to(Luke23:34). Stephen understood this when he earnestly prayed for his persecutors (Acts 7 :60).
Many of us in America do not know what persecution is, but it is irrelevant to an indwelling character trait of God imparted to us and grown within us. How does that look in a time of peace and tranquility? Well let me ask, are you concerned enough with the eternal security of those whom you know that you are willing to risk your relationship to tell them of their need for the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? Are you devoted enough to our Lord that you are willing to look like a fool proclaiming His message to those that you do not yet know? We rarely have concern for others, let alone love. Are you so consumed with the thought that an obstinate loved one is marching proudly to eternal damnation that you are driven to prayer gripped with anguish so potent that it overshadows your desire for your physical necessities? That, my friends, is the essence of fasting. A Christian lacking fasting is a Christian lacking concern!
I can tell you without hesitation, that I Fail on ALL these counts. The good that I will to do I do not do, and so often the evil that I will not to do that I do. This is not, by any means, an excuse; but rather a sobering reality that though I desire to take on the fullness of godly character He has intended for me, yet I am hindered; not by Satan, but by my own self-will and sinful desire. Am I a slave to Christ? A slave is not lead about by his own will but by the will of his master... Am I yet in my infancy, O Lord?