“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 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…”
2 Peter 1:2–3
Today’s verse reminds us that we have been given everything we need to live the abundant life that the Lord Jesus died to secure for us. Because of His death, burial, and resurrection, we are able to live a Christlike life that brings glory to God. He is the source of all godliness, and He has given us all the resources we will ever need to live a life of godliness.
Titus 2:11–12 reminds us: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
It was through the Son of God that “grace and truth” came (John 1:17). This same grace that saves us also sanctifies, sustains, and strengthens us to live “a lifestyle that consistently reflects the character of God.”
While the ability to produce a godly life is not found within ourselves, the Spirit of God, through the grace of God, is able to produce this lifestyle in each of us. The work is His; however, we are responsible to allow Him to work in our lives. Peter tells us: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5–7).
The Lord does not simply want us to have “a form of godliness” while denying its power (2 Tim. 3:5). He desires for us to display a life of genuine godliness. He is both the source of that godliness and the One who provides the resources through His Word and through the power of the Holy Spirit to live such a life for His glory.
Peter also reminds his readers of God’s future plans for this world and the judgment that awaits those who reject His Son. Then he asks believers this searching question: “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Pet. 3:11).
Anchor For Today:
May we seek to live lives that reflect the character of Christ and bring honor to the One who has called us by His glory and virtue.