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Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.
Peter opens by reminding believers who they are: people who have been given a faith as precious and “of equal standing” with the apostles, because Jesus is both God and Savior and His righteousness has made us right with God (vv. 1–2; cf. Ephesians 2:8–9). Then Peter grounds godly living in God’s grace: Jesus’ divine power has already provided “all things” we need for life and godliness, and God has given “precious and very great promises” so we can share in God’s holy character and escape the world’s corruption (vv. 3–4; cf. Titus 3:5–7). In other words, growth isn’t earning salvation—it’s living out what God has already given.
Because God supplies what we need, Christians must make every effort to grow. Peter lists a set of Christ-shaped qualities—faith growing into virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (vv. 5–7). These aren’t optional extras; they keep us from becoming spiritually “ineffective” and “unfruitful,” and they help guard us from forgetting the mercy that cleansed us from sin (vv. 8–9). So Peter urges believers to confirm their calling and election by practicing these qualities—because a life that keeps growing gives real assurance and leads to a “rich” welcome into Christ’s eternal kingdom (vv. 10–11; cf. Ephesians 1:4, 1 John 3:2–3).
Then the tone sharpens into “last words.” Peter knows his death is near, so he keeps repeating what matters: remember these truths and keep them in front of you (vv. 12–15). Why? Because the gospel hope is not a made-up story. Peter says the apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ majesty at the transfiguration—the Father Himself declared Jesus to be His beloved Son (vv. 16–18; cf. Matthew 17:1–8). And even more, the prophetic word of Scripture is fully reliable—like a lamp in the dark—because prophecy didn’t come from human ideas, but from men speaking as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (vv. 19–21; cf. Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). When false voices rise, Peter points the church back to the surest anchor: Christ’s glory and God’s Word.
🌀 Reflection:
Where have you been acting like you don’t have what you need to follow Jesus—praying for “more” while neglecting what God has already provided in His promises and His Word (vv. 3–4, 19)? Ask the Lord to help you take one concrete step of growth today (vv. 5–8).
💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage one believer this week by naming one Christlike quality you see growing in them (vv. 5–8), and then point them to the sure foundation beneath that growth: God’s power and God’s promises in Christ (vv. 3–4).
Continue reading in our NT260 plan in the rest of Phase 3 — Persevering in the Last Day.
Just Keith Harris 