Our life in Christ came with awesome benefits when He saved us from our sins and made us born again! One major benefit is this:

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him…” read 2 Peter 1:3-8

Also, He promised to enable us to walk in this new divine nature and escape being corrupted by the world (verse 4). Just pause and think about it:  First, God’s own power changed our nature to divine, and then He gave us the ability to become this new divine person. Finally, He sealed it with a promise that, yes, we will be that! What else do you lack?

So, our role is to increasingly practice living out the godly character that God has already deposited in us, until these things describe us naturally (see verses 5-8).

To put it another way: imagine as in the Matrix (movie), you have been downloaded with everything you need to become a Karate master. What you need to do is practice your moves over and over to gain muscle control so Karate becomes natural and part of you.

So in practice, when you struggle over a sin issue… so let’s say you feel like you can’t forgive a person… well, yes you can! Because God has already given you this power and ability to forgive others when He made you His child. You just need to step out and say, “I forgive you.”

The only thing He can’t do is force you to change. But if you want to change, just ask Him, and He will enable you. He is willing and able to do far more than you can ask or imagine. After all, the powerful Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you! What else do you lack?

Reflect on This
What character flaws do you see in you? Are you impatient? Have a temper? Do you give up easily? Do you worry a lot?  Are you fearful? Instead of admitting defeat, ask and believe that God has given you what you need to become godly. Then act like that person is actually you now.

Take This to Heart
“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things and you will never fall away.” 2 Peter 1:10