2 Peter 1 Devotional

Everything Needed Already Given

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”2 Peter 1:3 (BSB)

Peter begins his second letter with a remarkable claim. God's divine power has already given believers everything they need for life and godliness, through knowing the One who called them (1:3). He has given precious and very great promises, so that they share in his nature and escape the corruption of the world (1:4). Before Peter asks anything of them, he tells them what they already have.

Only then does he say, for this very reason, make every effort. Add goodness to faith, then knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, kindness, and love (1:5-7). The effort is real, but it grows out of a gift. A believer who lacks these qualities has forgotten that he was cleansed from his past sins (1:9). Peter also anchors all of this in solid ground. He was there on the holy mountain and heard the Father's voice honoring his beloved Son (1:16-18; Matthew 17:5), and the prophets spoke from God as the Holy Spirit carried them (1:21). Growth in godliness begins by remembering what God has already given.

To think about: Which quality in Peter's list do you most want to grow in, and how does remembering God's gifts change the way you pursue it?