2Pet 1:1-8, 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (NKJV)
In this chapter Peter gives ingredients for fruitful growth in the faith by first reminding us that we have been given everything we need. 2Pet 1:3, “as His divine power has given to us all things pertaining to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue”.
Fruitful growth requires work vs. 5, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence”. We must strive to enter in at the strait narrow gate, Luke 13:24 and being persistent, steadfast unmovable in the things of God. You must “…Add to your faith virtue“, virtue is moral excellence, your foundation in Christ. People see faith where virtue is present (the outworking of the internal). “…To virtue knowledge“, Pro 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”, understanding through experience or training. vs. 6, “To knowledge self-control“, Self-control is denying yourself things that bring destruction and distraction. “…To self-control perseverance (patience)”, you may love a cheerful giver, the Lord loves a faithful enduerer. “…To perseverance (patience) godliness“, patience is a thorn in the flesh but vital for humility. vs. 7 “To godliness brotherly kindness“, kindness is the quality of being warm hearted and considerate, sympathetic and forgiving. Eph 4:32, “Vs. 7″…and to brotherly kindness love“, without kindness, love will not blossom for kindness prepares the heart to love.
Without a strong foundation where virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness are ingredients in your life, I believe your growth and mine will be hindered, but if we keep them we “… will be neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”