“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, 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. For this very reason, 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. 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… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall…
“I… remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder… And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:3-8,10,12-13,19
When Jesus effectually calls us and delivers us from sin’s corruption, we begin our salvation by being granted all things pertaining to life and godliness, and our end is God’s glory and excellence. In the mean time, we live presently in the precious and very great promises of Christ, partaking of and being established in the divine nature He imparts. He has granted faith by His grace, and that faith grows through our days as we supplement it with practiced virtue, increasing knowledge, disciplined self-control, strengthening steadfastness, deeper godliness, more genuine brotherly affection, and more Christ-like love. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Are we thriving in our spiritual lives? If not, why not? Effectiveness and fruitfulness in God’s kingdom are the result of diligence in all these areas. Whose Spirit-inspired reminders are we ignoring, or dismissing? How involved are we in mutual stirring up, the stoking of holy fire among brothers and sisters in Christ? In what areas have we given in to sloth and ease? Why do we settle for mediocre, rote communion when we serve a personal and majestic King? Have we become complacent in prayer, stuck in a rut in our study of God’s word, ambivalent about deep Christian fellowship that is iron sharpening iron? (Proverbs 27:17; Romans 12:6-13; Hebrews 10:24-25)
What promises of God are we disbelieving? His strength perfected in our weakness? His peace in our anxiety? His mercy and help in time of need? His wisdom when we have none? The grantor indwells us with His Spirit and has guaranteed His goods, yet we fail to appropriate them as our own. What laziness, busyness, fear, or distraction is holding us back? (2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9-10; Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 1:5-8)
We do well to pay attention to what we have been granted, and to do everything we can to nurture it in ourselves and others.
Lord, may I flourish in all You have entrusted to me, to the praise of Your beauty and glory.
As the rain and snow 