God's Call and Our Response
What's the latest skill you've picked up? Maybe you've started learning a new instrument, experimenting in the kitchen, or trying your hand at gardening. Learning something new can be exciting, but it's rarely easy. It takes intention, effort, and perseverance to grow from beginner to proficient.
Our spiritual lives work the same way. Growth in holiness doesn't happen by accident. It requires deliberate effort, especially when we consider the obstacles we face– temptations, distractions, and even false teaching. For the remainder of the year, we'll walk through 2 Peter, a letter written to help Christians stand firm against deception by growing in godliness.
If you missed the first part of the series through 1 Peter, I'd encourage you to go back and read those. You can find the full series here:
Courtney Dent
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 1:1-11
Peter begins his letter by reminding believers of what God has already done for them and what He calls them to do in response. These opening verses give us a roadmap for spiritual maturity and a warning about what happens when we lose sight of Christ.
Peter's message is clear: God has given us everything we need to live a godly life. We are not left to figure it out on our own. Through His promises and His presence, God equips us to grow in holiness... even when we're tempted to forget our relationship with Him.
The truth should change us in three ways:
- Head change: Know that God has given us everything we need for godliness.
- Heart change: Feel loved by God because of what He's given us.
- Life change: Evaluate and mark how we've been growing in holiness.
How do we know what's true?
We live in a world full of competing voices. Everyone claims to have the truth, and it's easy to feel confused about where to turn for guidance. Peter's audience faced similar challenges. False teachers were infiltrating the church, twisting the gospel for their own gain.
Peter doesn't address these false teachers directly until chapter 2, but his encouragement in chapter 1 is rooted in the need to resist their influence. He reminds believers that the best defense against deception is a deep, growing relationship with Christ.
Where do you feel most confused about the world or your faith? What resources have helped you navigate spiritual uncertainty? Pause and think about that for a moment. Peter's answer is simple: cling to God's promises and pursue holiness.
God's Provision for Godliness
Peter begins by establishing his credibility:
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ... (v. 1)
The word "servant" here can also be translated "slave." While modern readers may struggle with this term, Peter uses it to emphasize complete devotion and obedience to Christ. Our lives belong to Him.
Then Peter delivers a stunning truth:
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness... (v.3)
We have no excuse for spiritual stagnation. God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life–not through our own effort, bu through knowing Him:
...through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence... (v. 3)
Do you feel equipped to live a godly life? Where do you feel strong? Where do you feel weak? These are important questions because Peter reminds us that our strength comes from God's promises, not our performance.
In verse 4, Peter unveils a mystery:
...by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature... (v. 4)
Through the Spirit's work, we share in God's nature. Not becoming gods ourselves, but reflecting His character. This transformation is guaranteed by the Spirit's presence.
Our response to God's promises
Because God has given us everything we need, Peter calls us to action:
"…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (vv. 5-7)
Notice the progression: faith is the foundation, and love is the pinnacle. This echoes Pau's words in Galatians 5:6:
"...faith working through love."
Our Christian life isn't passive. We strive, not to earn salvation, but because of the salvation we've received. Which of these traits do you need to grow in most? Take a moment to reflect: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
Do you see evidence of growth compared to a year ago? Where have you matured most in your faith? These questions help us measure progress and remind us that growth is possible because God empowers us.
The danger of forgetfulness
Peter warns that failing to grow in these qualities leads to spiritual blindness:
"For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is bling, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins." (v. 9)
When we neglect holiness, we forget the gospel. We lose sight of the grace that saved us. Spiritual complacency is dangerous. It can lead us to doubt our calling and even drift toward false teaching.
Pause and ask yourself: Have I ever felt spiritually stagnant? What cause that season? Was it distraction, discouragement, or simply forgetting what God has done for me? These questions help us identify areas where we need renewed focus on Christ.
The promise of perseverance
Peter closes this section with encouragement:
"Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (vv. 10-11)
Our growth in holiness doesn't earn salvation, but it confirms it. It demonstrates that we belong to God's family. And the reward? A "richly provided" entrance into Christ's eternal kingdom.
Imagine that moment–stepping into eternity and hearing, "Well done." Does that vision motivate you to keep growing? Where do you need to "make every effort" today so that your life reflects the calling God has placed on you?
Peter's call is simple yet profound: live holy lives because you belong to a holy God. Our actions don't make us God's children–they reveal that we are His children.
Any teaching that downplays holiness or adds to God's grace is false. Peter knew the danger of such distortions, and his words still matter today. We must not grow complacent. Instead, let's press on in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
As we journey through 2 Peter in the coming months, we'll explore the destructive realities of false teaching and how to stand firm against them. For now, let's rest in this truth: God has called us, empowered us, and given us a clear picture of what maturity looks like... the life and work of Jesus.
Gratitude for God's grace is the foundation of righteous living. When we remember what He's done, we find strength to grow, and courage to resist deception.
Cornerstone Impact Update
At the end of May, I shared a practice that feels both simple and incredibly challenging in our noisy, fast-paced world: carving out intentional moments of quiet with God.
We talked about…
- Why silence feels uncomfortable
- The difference between external and internal noise
- Jesus’ surprising rhythm of withdrawal in Mark 1
- How overworking reveals our trust (or lack of trust) in God
- And how even five quiet minutes can reshape the health of our souls
If life feels full, fast, or noisy, this one is for you.
Come read, reflect, and maybe, just maybe, breathe a little deeper today.
If you missed the 3rd blog in our "Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" series, you can read it here:
Courtney Dent
Inspire
Inspire's Give50 initiative is a powerful reminder that your investments can do more than grow wealth–they can help advance the Kingdom. By committing 50% of their net profits to Gospel-centered ministries, Inspire is helping fund real impact around the world, from delivering Bibles to supporting vulnerable families and defending life.
Find the full article, including their Give50 Ministry Impact Report here:
Daniel Mastrolonardo
Something Inspire excels at is engaging with companies to encourage change. They recently engaged American Express through a shareholder proposal focused on the company's reported coverage of gender transition procedures for minors. As part of this effort, a de-transitioner shared her personal story directly with shareholders, highlighting the real-world impact and risks these policies can have on individuals, families, and long-term shareholder value.
Find the whole story here:
Tim Schwarzenberger
Here's another example of how Inspire continues to engage companies on policies that carry both financial and human impact. A recent shareholder proposal at Home Depot raised questions around healthcare coverage for minors, with a de-transitioner sharing her personal story directly with shareholders to highlight the real-world implications and potential risks involved.
Hear Chloe's story here:
Tim Schwarzenberger
Eventide
Eventide offers a thoughtful reminder that our faith isn't meant to be separated from any part of life... including how we invest. Rather than viewing investing as a matter of personal preference alone, they encourage Christians to seek God's wisdom in stewarding their resources in ways that reflect His design and promote good in the world.
Read the full article here:
