Everything We Need
The Riches Granted to Us in Christ — Devotion 3 of 12
2 Peter 1:3–4 — “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.”
Opening Reflection
Imagine someone who has an account in his name filled with more than he could ever spend, yet he lives in want because he never draws on it. He worries over every bill, turns down needs he could easily meet, and wonders why life feels so thin. Many believers live the Christian life in much the same way. Peter wants us to know what has already been placed in our account in Christ, and how God means for us to draw on it.
Taking a Devotional View
Notice what Peter says God has done: His divine power “has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Not some things, and not things we must earn, but all things, already given. These riches come “through the knowledge of him who called us,” meaning they are found in a growing relationship with Christ Himself. And they come to us through “his precious and very great promises.” By leaning on those promises, we “become partakers of the divine nature,” not by becoming God, but by sharing in His holy character as His Spirit shapes us, and we escape the corruption that sinful desire breeds in the world. Everything we need to live in a way that pleases God has been supplied. Peter is not promising that believers will have everything they desire or that life will be free from hardship. He is assuring us that God has provided the spiritual resources necessary to know Him, grow in godliness, and faithfully follow Christ.
God’s supply does not make us passive. Peter immediately adds, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue” (2 Peter 1:5). Because the resources are already ours, our effort is not wasted striving but a faithful drawing on what He has given. We draw upon those resources as we grow in our knowledge of Christ, believe His Word, depend upon His Spirit, and respond to His promises with obedient faith. When temptation comes, we take hold of His promise of a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). When a decision weighs on us, we lean on His promise of wisdom (James 1:5). And because “God is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Corinthians 9:8), we can share freely from His supply. The riches of Christ are not meant to stay in our account; they are meant to overflow into the lives of others.
Key Thoughts & Takeaways
Key Thoughts
- God’s divine power has already granted believers all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
- These riches are found through knowing Christ and are received through His precious and very great promises (2 Peter 1:4).
- Sharing in the divine nature means being shaped into His holy character, not becoming divine ourselves (2 Peter 1:4).
- Because God has supplied what we need, we are to make every effort to grow in godliness (2 Peter 1:5–8).
- God makes His grace abound to us so that we may abound in every good work toward others (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Ask Yourself
- In what area of my life am I living as though I lack what God has already given me?
- Which of God’s promises do I need to draw on today in a specific decision or temptation?
- How can I share from God’s supply with someone who is in need this week?
Gracious God, thank You that Your divine power has granted me everything I need for life and godliness. Forgive me for living as though I were poor when You have made me rich in Christ. Teach me to know Him more deeply, to take hold of Your precious and very great promises, and to make every effort to grow in the character of Your Son. Let Your grace overflow through me to others, that they may see how generous You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next in the Series
A Living Hope — God has supplied what we need for life and godliness. Next, we will lift our eyes toward the living hope and lasting inheritance secured for us through Jesus Christ.