Grace Bible Church
Pastor Teacher
Robert R. McLaughlin
Wednesday February 04, 2015
2PE 1:5, the apostle Peter takes us back the 5th century B.C., in Athens and what we call Greek Drama.
The verb translated "applying all diligence" is the aor-act-part of the verb pa-re-is-phe-ro which means to make every effort, or a constant effort.
MAR 12:30, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
The verb comes up that introduces Greek drama and the chorus line found in Greek drama about to come up and how it relates magnificently to our subject of election and what we have been elected for.
2PE 1:5, virtue and knowledge; 2PE 1:6 self‑control, perseverance, godliness or devotion and dedication toward living the spiritual life;
2PE 1:7, brotherly kindness which is love for the brethren, and then impersonal love for all mankind.
The main verb is found in verse 5, the verb is translated "applying all diligence" which is the aor-act-imp of the verb epichoregeo = a word which was used for the man who provided the finances to train the Greek actors of the day.
The group of actors was called the chorego or the chorus which was made up of a small group of very excellent dancers and singers.
The spiritual analogy is that the training of the chorus was the most important part of the drama, just like your training as a disciple is the most important part of your drama.
The chorus in Greek drama was the key to understanding everything.
They had to have an epichoregeo, someone who would sponsor them, a sugar daddy as it were.
epichoregeo came to mean supply or to support. It meant supply everything that is necessary or needed.
It was very expensive for the epichoregeo to supply and support all the money needed for the Greek chorus but...no more expensive in concept than what it takes to be a winner in the Christian life.
PRO 23:23, Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Our epichoregeo is "faith" which supplies all that we need, such as character, virtue, knowledge; self‑control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly love, impersonal love for all mankind.
2PE 1:5 we have, epichoregeo (applying all diligence) by means of your faith.
In your faith is the prepositional phrase "en plus the instrumental of the noun pistis which means by the instrument or the means of your faith.
Pistis has 3 meanings, one which has a passive connotation as it does here, which means "that which is believed" or the "body of truth" and therefore doctrine.
The whole phrase is saying, "Furnish or supply by means of your doctrine."
Moral excellence is the Greek word arête which means manliness, excellence, virtue.
Virtue is manifested by worship toward God and grace orientation and morality toward man.
Virtue is confidence toward God, courage toward man and circumstances.
With your virtue, (we have the main verb in view again) supply gnosis or knowledge or perception of doctrine.
The second member of the chorus line which is "gnosis" is a challenge to continue with your "positive faith perception."
Virtue must take you to gnosis where your volition must be positive so that gnosis is converted to epignosis.
Self-control is the accusative singular feminine noun egkrates which is self-discipline, or self-control.
Egkrates also means an "organized life."
1. Having the right priorities which is "A time for Everything," ECC 3:1-8.
2. The second concept is that an organized life is based upon Bible doctrine which will give you the capacity to organize your life and have inner happiness and the right priorities.
The doctrine of election says....equal privilege, equal opportunity for all.
Perseverance is the accusative singular feminine noun hupomonen meaning patience, endurance, perseverance, or persistence.
In spite of opposition or distractions, you are someone who is not influenced by others.
Hupomone also means courageous endurance in spite of all opposition. It includes active and energetic resistance to hostile forces.
The fourth member of the chorus represents - "consistency."
The fifth member of the chorus line is godliness which is the accusative singular feminine noun from eusebeia which is a technical term for living the spiritual life.
Brotherly kindness is the sixth member of the chorus line which is the accusative singular feminine noun philadelphia meaning brotherly love.
Then finally in 2PE 1:7, the last member of the chorus line is mentioned, agape or impersonal love for all.
1. Virtue (includes respect, loyalty, devotion). 2. Knowledge - perception of doctrine. 3. Self-control - organized life. 4. Perseverance - endurance or consistency. 5. Godliness - living the spiritual life. 6. Brotherly love - love for members of the Royal family. 7. Agape love - impersonal love for all members of the human race.