by Ester yusufu | 14 December 2024 08:46 pm12
2 Peter 1:3
“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.”
— 2 Peter 1:3
God has not left us unequipped in our Christian journey. According to 2 Peter 1:3, He has already provided everything we need for both eternal life and godly living. The phrase “His divine power” points to God’s active role in transforming and sustaining believers. This speaks of sanctification—the process by which God makes His people holy through the work of Christ and the Spirit.
The Christian life is not a matter of trying harder, but of receiving what God has already given. So, what are these things that God, by His divine power, has given us to live a life that pleases Him?
The first and foundational gift is Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, through whom we receive the gift of salvation.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
— John 3:16
This reflects the doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 5:1), where the believer is declared righteous before God through faith in Christ. Jesus, being sinless, became our atoning sacrifice (1 John 2:2), and His resurrection secured our victory over death.
Without Christ, we remain in sin. But in Him, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), reconciled to God (Romans 5:10), and given the promise of eternal life.
The Holy Spirit is the second essential provision. While Jesus secures our salvation, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out that salvation.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
— John 14:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:16
This is the theological foundation of sanctification—a continuous work of grace where the Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Without the Spirit, we cannot bear fruit (Galatians 5:22–23) or overcome sin.
God has also given us the Bible, which is His inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16). Scripture is not just a record of the past but a living guide for daily life.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16
Through the Word, we hear God’s voice, receive correction, grow in understanding, and develop spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:13–14). This is the doctrine of divine revelation—God making Himself and His will known through Scripture.
God also gave us the Church, a spiritual family where believers are built up, encouraged, and equipped.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”
— Hebrews 10:25
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:27
The Church is not a human invention but a divine institution (Acts 2:42–47). It functions as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12) and is essential for discipleship, worship, accountability, and service. Theologically, this is part of ecclesiology—the study of the Church.
Lastly, God has given us angelic protection. Angels are ministering spirits, sent to serve those who belong to Christ.
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
— Hebrews 1:14
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
— Psalm 91:11
This highlights God’s providence—His ongoing involvement in creation and care for His people. While we often don’t see them, angels play a role in spiritual warfare and divine protection.
God has already made these resources available to every believer. But here’s the key: You must receive them by faith. If even one of these is missing from your life, your spiritual growth will be stunted.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:12
God’s divine power has made everything available. Now it’s your turn. Receive what He has provided, walk in obedience, and live the life you were meant to live—full of life and godliness.
“His divine power has given us everything we need…”
— 2 Peter 1:3
May the Lord bless you and guide you as you grow in Him.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2024/12/14/what-has-god-given-us-for-life-and-godliness/
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