Christians grow. Growing is a regular part of a Christian’s life. We want to see our faith supplemented so that we can love others well.

Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. (2 Peter 1:9)

So that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature… 
2 Peter 1:4

Paul says in Galatians 5:6: “the only thing that counts for anything is faith expressing itself through love.” He has Peter’s hearty “amen.” 2 Peter 1:3-12 is all about this movement, from faith to love. God’s many gifts in Jesus become real to us as we go on this journey in the Spirit, supplementing our faith so that it becomes love.

2 Peter 1:6 Let’s return to the list of faith-“supplements”: make every effort to supplement your faith with…and knowledge with self-control.

In the middle of the storm, Jesus calls Peter. Peter heads out. Good for Peter! But then, Peter starts to sink. Why does Peter sink? Why do we sink?

Have you ever cried out, “God! Why don’t I have spiritual power and insight? When will I be spiritually mature? Why am I still struggling with [xyz]? Why can’t I seem to do [zyx]?”

Key Question: Why did God create us? What do we exist for?

So, you’ve just prayerfully applied your attention to “virtuous living” as we’ve described it before. That is, making decisions because we’re children of God by grace, and so that we might affect the people around us with God’s grace.

“Make every effort…” “You have all you need…” So begins our disciple-journey with 2 Peter 1. Let’s look now at these spiritual fruits in Peter’s list.