Growing in Faith and Trusting God’s Word (2 Peter 1:2–21)
Have you ever felt stuck in your faith—like you’re not sure how to grow, or whether what you believe is really true? In 2 Peter 1, the apostle Peter shares some powerful truths to help us grow stronger in our walk with God and remind us that the message of Jesus is completely trustworthy.
Let’s take a closer look at what he says.
God Has Already Given You Everything You Need
Peter starts with some encouraging news:
“God has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him.”
That means you don’t need to search high and low for secret knowledge or special tools—God has already given you what you need through His promises and the power of knowing Jesus.
He’s called us to live a good life, and He’s given us His strength to do it. Through faith, we get to share in God’s nature and escape the brokenness of the world.
Keep Growing in Your Faith
Peter then gives a list of qualities that help build a strong, healthy Christian life:
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Faith
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Goodness
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Knowledge
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Self-control
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Perseverance
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Godliness
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Kindness
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Love
He says we should make every effort to grow in these areas. It’s like climbing a ladder—each step builds on the one before it. And when we keep growing, we become effective and productive, and we won’t forget what Jesus has done for us.
Peter also reminds us that when we live this way, we can be sure of our place in God’s kingdom. That’s a beautiful promise!
Remember What’s True
Peter knew his time on earth was short, so he wanted to remind the believers of the truth—even if they had already heard it before.
Sometimes we forget what we’ve learned. Life gets busy, and our focus drifts. That’s why Peter says, “I will always remind you of these things.”
We all need reminders of God’s truth to stay strong in our faith, especially when life gets confusing or hard.
The Message of Jesus Is Not a Myth
Peter finishes this section by making something very clear:
“We did not follow cleverly invented stories.”
He and the other disciples saw Jesus with their own eyes. He reminds them of the moment on the mountain (the Transfiguration), when Jesus’ glory was revealed and a voice from heaven said, “This is My Son, whom I love.”
Peter is saying, “I was there. I heard it. I know it’s true.”
Even more, he points to the Old Testament prophets and the Scriptures as a light shining in the dark. He says:
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God’s Word is trustworthy.
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It wasn’t made up by people—it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
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So we should pay attention to it and hold on to it like a lamp in the darkness.
Final Thoughts
2 Peter 1:2–21 reminds us of two powerful truths:
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God has given us all we need to grow.
He’s not holding back. Through faith, His Word, and His Spirit, we have everything we need to live a godly life. -
God’s Word is solid and true.
Our faith isn’t built on feelings or fairy tales. It’s built on the real-life experiences of those who walked with Jesus and on the sure promises found in Scripture.
So today, take a step forward in your faith. Add kindness, love, and self-control to your life. And when doubts come, go back to the truth of God’s Word—it’s a steady light that will never go out.
2 Peter 1:2-21 (WEB)
1:2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control, perseverance; and in perseverance, godliness; 7 and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. 11 For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.12 Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the present truth. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.16 For we didn’t follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.19 We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.