2 Peter 1
Scripture:
3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
8 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.
Observation:
A Spirit-empowered man is a man who is continually growing as he travels this discipleship journey called life. Peter provides a great list of measurable characteristics for us to consider. Continuing to grow in these qualities will enable you to “participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (verse 4) and “will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 8).
As a disciple, husband, father, son, brother, and friend, I recognize the importance of growing in this list of qualities. I found myself reflecting on my interactions with my family and how I exemplified goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Because you are reading this devotional, I know that you want to glorify God in your daily conversations and actions. Today’s reading serves as an incredible reminder for us moving forward. I encourage you to print this list and keep it in your wallet, car, computer case, or a place where you will see it from time to time. Together, let’s commit to growing in this list of qualities.
Application:
- Personal Application: Sit down with a man that you respect and talk to him about this list of qualities. Ask him if there are any areas from this list where you can grow. Create an action plan for how you intend to grow.
- Family Application: Take each of these qualities (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love) and ask how they are experienced in the family environment. Encourage one another by telling stories about how each person expresses a specific quality. Don’t forget to have fun and laugh with each other as you tell stories!
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you grow in these areas and that the Holy Spirit will guide you throughout the day to remember these qualities.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that God will help each family member connect with this list and commit to growing in these areas.
Three-Year Reading Plan for Sunday, August 23 to Sunday, August 30:
- Sunday, August 23: 1 Peter 3
- Monday, August 24: 1 Peter 4
- Tuesday, August 25: 1 Peter 5
- Wednesday, August 26: 2 Peter 1
- Thursday, August 27: 2 Peter 2
- Friday, August 28: 2 Peter 3
- Saturday, August 29: 2 Chronicles 1
- Sunday, August 30: 2 Chronicles 2
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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