2 Peter 1:3-9 New Living Translation
Growing in Faith
3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
The Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
2 Peter 1:3-9 is about the divine power of God alone providing believers with everything they need for a godly life through knowledge of Him,
urging us to keep growing in virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, so to avoid being unproductive and unfruitful in their knowledge, hands on ministry experience, of Jesus Christ.
In 2 Peter chapter 1, we find Peter is writing to the early Christian believers, encouraging them to grow in their faith and reminding them of the blessings and promises of God.
The scene unfolds in a humble meeting room in what amounts to a small house church in one of the early Christian communities where Peter is ministering.
Among those present are Peter himself, a weathered fisherman turned disciple turned Apostle of Jesus, now a central pillar of the early 1st century church.
Also present are several other believers, both men and women, from various backgrounds and walks of life.
They have come together to in various stages of understanding to study the scriptures, pray, and encourage and empower one another, in their faith.
As Peter speaks, his words are filled with passion and conviction, urging his fellow believers to always be attuned for opportunities to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
He reminds them of the precious promises of God and the importance of living a life which consistently reflects their faith and their implicit trust in Jesus.
One gets a sense the room is filled with a sense of unity and purpose, drive, as they listen intently, are eager to grow in their understanding of God’s word and deepen their relationship with Him and their neighbors and a strangers knock.
Philippians 4:18-20 New American Standard Bible
18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am [a]amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus [b]what you have sent, [c]a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply [d]all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory [e]forever and ever. Amen.
This text holds a powerful message about the abundant provisions God has made available to us.
It is a reminder that as believers, we are not lacking in anything necessary for our lives and our spiritual growth.
God’s divine power is never limited or lacking in any way.
It is through this power we are equipped with everything we need to navigate through life and grow in godliness.
Consider how this truth may impact your own life.
How does knowing that God’s power provides for all your needs impact the way you approach challenges and difficulties?
How does it shape your perspective on what is truly important in life?
Reflect on those ways in which you have personally experienced God’s provision and how it has strengthened your faith and reliance on Him.
Often it comes at what we call “last minute,” but it is certainly never too late.
I love what Peter reminds us of in this passage here. God has granted us every resource we need, whether in our poverty or our riches, for life and godliness.
In addition to caring for our spiritual needs, God cares about our material needs as well.
When it comes to the practical side, what do we need for life?
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells the disciples not to worry about what they will eat, wear, or drink.
And in verse 26 (ESV), he says:
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
Let that soak in.
If God cares for the birds of the air and also provides everything they need, how much more abundance and timely provision will He provide for His children?
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Look around you.
Do you have food to eat?
Clothes on your back?
Maybe you don’t know how you’ll pay the bills this month, but maybe you’re not supposed to know right now.
I heard a story once about a man who needed money for his little son’s birthday party, but he and his wife didn’t even have that.
They didn’t know what to do.
They did not want to diminish or disappoint their son’s birthday celebration.
While out on a walk, the Lord led him to the exact amount of money he needed to bless their little boy.
When you need it, God will find a way to provide it.
Sometimes, He’ll provide through a family that gives eggs from their farm to yours all summer. Or who invites you over and offers to pray over you.
Maybe God will use the kindness of a friend who will introduce you into a very important leadership position at company, hopes it may open a door for a job.
Or what about my friend who took 8 hours out of his workday to point me to the Lord, becoming a listening ear when I didn’t even realize how much I needed it?
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
Sometimes, it’s simple things.
“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” Mahatma Gandhi.
This statement emphasizes the importance of inner transformation as a true and necessary precursor to effecting meaningful change in the external world.
Philippians 2:1-4 New American Standard Bible
Be like Christ
2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any [a]affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete [b]by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing [c]from [d]selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Sometimes, we get to be that person for someone else, not realizing how such a small impulsive simple act of unexpected obedience can truly bless someone’s day, becomes for them what inspiration we didn’t even realize they needed.
Other times, the Lord surprises us and allows us to be on the receiving end of His abundant goodness through His children.
There’s a reason Scripture reminds us to focus on:
Philippians 4:5-9 English Standard Version
5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[b] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit
Praying …
Psalm 20 English Standard Version
Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
20 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah
4 May he grant you your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans!
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright.
9 O Lord, save the king!
May he answer us when we call.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 