SPIRITUAL MATHEMATICS
The former impatient Peter wrote encouraging advice on spiritual mathematics. The transformation occurred when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers gathered on the day of Pentecost. The Lord previously promised enabling, energy, ability and power when the Holy Spirit came. ( Acts 1:8 )
So Peter’s life changed significantly.
He commenced his letter with a prayer of ‘blessing and grace be multiplied to the believers.’ ( 2 Peter 1:2 )
Peter’s primary concern centred on faith, that deep trust and reliance on the truthfulness of God. In faith, Peter believed Jesus’ teaching, and with the Holy Spirit’s Presence he experienced the power of God in his life.
So, this former blusterer wisely suggested that we consider additions to our faith.
( 2 Peter 1:5-7 )
ADD TO YOUR FAITH VIRTUE. This old-fashioned word ‘virtue’ pictured excellence of spirit and life that included meekness, kindliness, love, self-effacement, sincerity, goodness, righteousness and blamelessness. The writer of the Proverbs had the same thought when he wrote’ Who can find a virtuous woman. Her price is far above rubies.’ ( Proverbs 31:10 )
I was privileged to meet such a woman in Indonesia. Her distinctive life showed all the attributes of virtue. She was the village midwife, where she was known and loved for her good works. Often during the night, I heard the tinkling of her pony-cart bells, as she drove to a home where a difficult delivery awaited her. She had delivered 30,000 babies in her lifetime, only called out when a mother experienced hard labour, while the village mothers attended normal births.
Bu Pri exemplified virture. I became the recipient of her kindliness, goodness and love and felt myself honoured when she delivered our youngest daughter on her own 50 th birthday. ‘Puji Tuhan’ ( God be praised ), she greeted her God as she cuddled our little babe in her chocolate brown arms.
However, growing to maturity comes by the knowledge of God’s love and power, as Peter suggests that we add knowledge to faith and virtue. At the end of a meeting, someone often comes to the speaker, expressing her longing, ‘I wish I had faith like you.’
Faith is God’s gift to us, and comes as we hear, read, listen and accept His word.
( Romans 10:17 ) As knowledge of the Scripture grows, the more assurance strengthens us, so that our God is able to meet us on every level of our need.
The reading and study of the Scriptures are the means of God inspiring faith that grows, so that we face each life situation knowing we can trust Him. That is faith.
Temperance and patience are worthy additions to the christian life. Peter must have been acutely aware of the need of these qualities. He surely recollected the evening when he removed Malchus’ ear in the Garden of Gethsemane. Self-control and that cheerful endurance in every situation are christian qualities both necessary and welcome additions to life.
A dear friend experienced the heart-breaking sorrow of losing her husband. His death came unexpectedly, with its attendant shock. Yet her patient endurance and control shone because of her knowledge of God, coupled with faith in His perfect plan for her life. Of course, she experienced times of sorrow and tears. Yet friends witnessed her beautiful life as she patiently and confidently trusted God as her Helper and Sustainer in the lonely hours parted from her husband. Her head knowledge became heart experience as the Scripture encouraged and sustained her in sorrow.
One of the first century church fathers, known for his leadership, was Eusebius, well-named for his holy life and godly example. From the Greek word ‘eusebeia ‘ comes our English word ‘godliness’ or godlikeness. Holy, reverent, and devout are words not generally used today. They are certainly the mark of a true christian, so Peter knew the value of adding 'godliness' to the growing list of christian characteristics.
Our highest aim should be to display, as in a mirror, the holy character of our Father God , and His son, Jesus Christ. Even before the world began, God planned, determined and appointed that we should be conformed to the image of His Son.’ ( Romans 8:29 )
The song-writer illustrates the true life of holiness in one of her songs:
Not by merit of my own.
By the power of grace alone.
Brotherly kindness and love complete Peter’s additions to the christian character and life-style. Brotherly kindness comes from the Greek ‘philadelphia’ , a fondness for guests not of our own immediate circle. It is easy to love those who love us, but this means to love the stranger, the foreigner ( the new immigrant who cannot speak much English, and has few friends ) – those not in the usual circle of friends - who need me.
These qualities are not optional extras, but commanded additions. It is not for us to choose one and say, ‘Yes, I’ll try to be patient, but do not ask me to love the stranger.’
Peter knew that these spiritual additions, through the grace and mercy of God, truly transform life by the power of the Holy Spirit. As you pray, ask God to touch your heart in any area of life where these additions may need application.
The Holy Spirit will help you, as He gave that power to Peter, to make you fruitful for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do drop a line to Gwenda to tell how her family articles have blessed you. .