Tag: 1 Peter

Building on Faith

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love.” — 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NET)

Faith is the cornerstone of the Christian life. It’s where our journey begins—a trust in Jesus as Savior, the firm belief that He has done everything necessary to reconcile us to God. But Peter reminds us that faith is not the end; it’s the foundation. From faith, we’re called to grow, step by step, into the fullness of Christlike maturity.

Peter’s list is a roadmap for spiritual growth, each step flowing naturally into the next. We start with faith, but to it, we add excellence—a pursuit of virtue that reflects God’s holiness. Then comes knowledge, a deepening understanding of God and His ways. This leads to self-control, as we align our desires and actions with God’s will. Perseverance grows as we endure trials, holding fast to hope. Godliness emerges as our hearts become more devoted to Him. Brotherly affection teaches us to love others within the body of Christ, and finally, unselfish love—the highest mark of maturity—extends to all people, even those who oppose us.

This progression is not a ladder we climb in our own strength but an invitation to partner with God’s Spirit in the work of transformation. Faith is the foundation, but growth requires intentional effort—what Peter calls “making every effort” (v. 5). It’s a reminder that spiritual maturity doesn’t happen passively; it’s cultivated by choosing daily to walk with Christ.

Why does this matter? Because faith that doesn’t grow risks stagnating. Peter continues in verse 8, saying that possessing these qualities will keep us from being ineffective or unproductive in our knowledge of Christ. A growing faith shines brightly, drawing others to the source of our hope.

Today, take a moment to reflect: Where are you in this journey? Which area might God be calling you to grow in—excellence, knowledge, self-control, or perhaps love? Wherever you are, take heart. God is at work in you, shaping you into the image of His Son.

Let your faith be more than a starting point. Let it be the foundation for a life transformed by Christ, a life that points others to the One who makes all things new.

Hope That Demands an Explanation

“But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess” (1 Peter 3:15, NET).

When Peter penned this command, he wasn’t writing to people living in comfort or ease. He addressed believers facing persecution, whose hope stood out precisely because their circumstances seemed hopeless. It wasn’t a hope grounded in fleeting optimism or naivety but in the unshakable reality of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

The question for us today is this: Do we live with a hope that forces others to take notice? Hope isn’t something we merely claim to have; it’s something we exude. It colors how we handle disappointment, how we treat those who wrong us, and how we speak about the future. True hope isn’t quiet; it’s radiant. It shines so brightly that others can’t help but see it, even in the mundane or the messy.

This time of year is a unique opportunity to reflect that hope. In the holiday rush, when many are burdened by stress, loss, or unmet expectations, we can live as people who are at peace. When the world clamors for more—more gifts, more parties, more perfection—we can quietly demonstrate the contentment found in Christ. Our hope is not tied to circumstances but to the Savior who has come, who reigns, and who is coming again.

But living with noticeable hope requires intentionality. It begins with setting Christ apart as Lord in our hearts. This means surrendering our fears, anxieties, and ambitions to Him, trusting His sovereign goodness in every area of life. When we do this, our hope isn’t forced; it’s natural, a reflection of who He is and what He’s done.

Hope that stands out also requires us to be prepared. If someone asks why we live differently, are we ready to give an answer? Not with defensiveness or arrogance, but with gentleness and respect, pointing them to the source of our hope. Our witness is strengthened when our words and our actions align—when we live in a way that makes the Gospel both attractive and believable.

As we navigate this season, let’s ask ourselves: Does my hope in Christ demand an explanation? Am I prepared to share it when asked? May we live in such a way that our lives invite curiosity, and may we be ready to respond with the beautiful truth of the hope we have in Him.

Holy Like Him: Living Out Our Call to Be Set Apart

“As the one who called you is holy, you yourselves be holy in all your conduct, for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

This is not a casual suggestion. It’s a direct call, echoing Leviticus 19:2, where God commands His people to be holy because He is holy. It’s an invitation to reflect His character, to be set apart, distinct, and marked by His righteousness. But how do we live this out, and why does it matter?

Holiness often feels unattainable. We might picture it as perfection, a state we can never achieve, but that’s not the full story. Holiness is about alignment—aligning our lives, thoughts, and desires with God’s will. It’s less about flawless performance and more about being devoted to God, letting His Spirit transform us from the inside out.

Living out this call means being intentional in how we conduct ourselves, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). It’s in the small, everyday choices: speaking truth instead of lying, showing kindness instead of retaliation, pursuing purity in a culture that celebrates indulgence. Holiness isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about actively pursuing God’s heart.

Why does this matter? First, it matters because God’s holiness defines who He is. To be His people means reflecting His nature. Our lives are meant to point others to Him, and holiness is the light that shines through us. Second, it matters because holiness brings freedom. Sin enslaves, but holiness liberates us to live as we were created to. Third, it matters because it’s a foretaste of eternity. In heaven, we will dwell with God in perfect holiness; here on earth, we begin that journey now.

This call isn’t easy, but it isn’t one we bear alone. God doesn’t ask us to muster holiness from our own strength. He equips us through His Word, His Spirit, and His grace. As Peter reminds us, we have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). This new birth empowers us to grow in holiness, craving the pure milk of the Word so we may mature in our faith (1 Peter 2:2).

The call to holiness is not a burden but a privilege. It’s an invitation to draw near to God, to be transformed by His presence, and to reflect His glory in the world. Today, let’s ask ourselves: In what ways can I align my heart and actions with His holiness? Where do I need to surrender and let His Spirit work in me?

“You shall be holy, because I am holy.” It’s not just a command—it’s our identity as children of the living God.