2 Peter 1:3, New International Version

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Let us read 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV): “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” And verses 10-11 (NIV): “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Therefore, you may find the same hope that I have received: we will lack nothing we need to live a godly life when we are called by God, and we do not need to fear failure when we say yes and obey Him.

How? First, let us begin with His promises: “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:4, NIV)

Then, according to His promise: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.” (2 Peter 1:5-9, NIV)

Because of His promises and the salvation we receive through Christ Jesus, we are called to be transformed from a sinful lifestyle into a godly lifestyle (verse 4), through the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit who enables us.

Therefore, we should make every effort to grow in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.

What exactly do these words mean? Let us look at their meaning from the original Greek in verses 5-9:

Faith – Living openly and obediently, even when it is costly.

Goodness – Focusing on moral excellence and praiseworthy character.

Knowledge – Practicing wisdom that applies God’s truth to life.

Self-control – Mastery over desires and impulses through submission to Christ.

Perseverance – Faithful endurance that refuses to quit under pressure.

Godliness – A life oriented toward God, living consciously in His presence.

Mutual Affection – Genuine, family-like love within the body of Christ.

Love – Agape love rooted in Christ.

And if you do these things, remember: you will never stumble, but will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (verse 11).