2 Peter 1 - 2.11.25
SCRIPTURE: 2 PETER 1:3, 5-8
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
OBSERVATION
This scripture brings about the building blocks for the Christian life. It all begins with becoming a believer in Christ, and through God’s power, we have everything we need to live a godly life. From that point, we can take each topic listed in verse 5 – 7 to grow closer in the Lord and live our Christian life to the fullest – as He intended.
APPLICATION
First of all, as a believer, verse 3 is such an encouragement. Read it over a few times and let each word sink in. If you’re feeling defeated or discouraged, verse 3 says we have everything we need to live a godly life and it’s given to us through God’s power. Take ownership of what He’s given to you!
Living the Christian life, according to God’s plan, is a step-by-step process. It begins with our step in faith to recognize our sin and separation from God. We can then see the need for his forgiveness and accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Once we ask Him into our life, we can then repent from our old life and begin His glorious plan for our life. Some people think that’s it for the Christian life. Well, if we want to be effective and productive in our Christian life, we can take our faith into practicing goodness, gaining knowledge through His Word, which then brings about more self-control, and grows into perseverance. Through all of these steps, we can live a godly life that will easily bring mutual affection and ultimately love for those around us.
There’s one caveat in verse 8 - all of these steps need to “increase in measure” through your life if you truly want to be effective and productive. Bottom line: we must be growing in our faith and all that is mentioned in verses 5 - 7. Take comfort in knowing you don’t have to acquire all of these things at once but it’s a day-by-day, step-by-step process with steady increase throughout your life. If you’re feeling like you’re not growing and moving in these steps, it’s time to do a re-set and start moving into growth in the Lord. Thankfully God’s door is always open and you can do this at any time, any day. Today is a great day to reignite your growth!
PRAYER
Lord, you are such a loving and gracious God. You have given us everything we need to live the life you’ve given to us. You’ve given us the power to achieve it all. Help me, Lord, to live each day in the steps you’ve provided, to live in victory through your power and to grow in You. In Jesus name! Amen.
- Mary Oberg
