How does the disciple’s journey begin? By “walking not.” In other words, discipleship begins with a refusal.

The greatest danger is the one described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13: that we could do great works that look like love, but have no love in them. That we sing and give and serve, but without love.

Peter’s example of a disciple’s journey—from faith to knowledge, to self-control, and on and on—turns in an interesting direction: “supplement your steadfastness with godliness.” (2Pet 1:6) This might be confusing because, after all, isn’t all this stuff “godliness”?

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. 

We have been reminded that God has given us everything we need to live well. What we have in Jesus is more than enough. We are now ready to make every effort to… do what?

In Jesus, God has given us everything we need to live well.

What did Jesus mean, “make disciples”? Did He have something in mind? Of course He did.

The magi brought Him gifts…
The “sinner” bathed His feet in tears and treasure…
The apostles rejoiced to suffer for His sake…
The heavenly host never ceases night and day to shout His praise…

What is “glory”? It’s connected to luminosity, to light: the sun’s brilliance is glorious. It’s an essential attribute of God: God is glorious. And it’s something we give God: give Him glory! All three of these uses appear in Revelation.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)

Jesus deserves our wisdom, just as He deserves our power—our influence and authority—and our wealth—our possessions and capabilities.