Opening Scripture:
“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
—2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)
1. God Has Equipped Us Fully
2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God’s divine power has already given us everything we need to live a godly life. This is a profound reminder: we are not left powerless or unprepared. Through our growing knowledge of Him, we receive everything required to live holy, fruitful lives. This includes strength, wisdom, and spiritual gifts that allow us to reflect His nature.
2. Promises That Make Us Partakers of Divine Nature
Verse 4 emphasizes that God has given us “exceedingly great and precious promises.” These promises are not just empty words—they allow us to partake in God’s divine nature. As Christians, we are called to live in the world but not be of it. Through God’s promises, we escape the world’s corruption and grow in His holiness.
3. A Roadmap for Growth in Godliness
In verses 5-7, Peter provides a clear path for spiritual growth. To our faith, we must add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. This progression leads to a life of maturity and fruitfulness in Christ. It’s not just about believing; it’s about building upon that belief with Christlike character.
4. The Danger of Stagnation
Peter warns in verse 9 that those who fail to develop these qualities become spiritually blind, forgetting their purification from sin. A stagnant Christian life is dangerous—it leads to spiritual forgetfulness and ineffectiveness. We must continually grow and develop in Christ to stay connected to Him.
5. Assurance in Your Calling
Finally, verses 10-11 encourage us to be diligent in confirming our calling and election. As we pursue godliness and live out the steps Peter outlines, we will never stumble. God promises a rich welcome into His eternal kingdom for those who persevere in faith and growth.
Application:
- How can I apply this? Start by growing in your knowledge of God through prayer and Bible study. Use each quality (faith, virtue, knowledge, etc.) as a building block in your spiritual life.
- How can I obey this? Actively seek to grow in Christlikeness daily, adding virtue, knowledge, and love into your interactions with others.
- Who can I share this with? Share these truths with fellow believers, encouraging them to grow and not remain stagnant in their faith.
In summary, 2 Peter 1:1-11 teaches us that God has equipped us with everything we need to live a godly life. As we grow in our knowledge of Him and His promises, we partake in His divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world. Following Peter’s roadmap for spiritual growth ensures that we stay fruitful and steadfast in our faith.