Our scripture this morning is 2 Peter 1:2-7.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
Peter, the fisherman from Capernaum, has come a long way. From his time as the brash follower of Jesus, when he sometimes succeeded but more often failed, he has become a respected leader in the faith community. In this passage he offers sound guidance on making Christ part of our lives.
He mentions the promises we have received from Jesus, but tells us we have responsibilities in their fulfillment as well. He shares a process by which we may grow in faith through rejecting the ways of the world and living as Jesus taught us. This path of Christian growth may be slightly different, as we are each different, but the goal is the same: eternal life in the kingdom of God.
If Peter was able to change his life, we can and must as well. Our previous position and knowledge are not enough to save us, we must accept God’s offer of forgiveness for sin and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice for us. “No one comes to the father except by me” Jesus taught us, and it is the only way we can be made whole again.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our Savior. We are sorry for the times we have failed. Forgive us and may our new lives testify to Your truth and love. Amen.