2 Peter 1:1-11
Introduction
Caterpillars undergo a fascinating transformation to become butterflies. They begin as tiny eggs that hatch into voracious eaters, consuming all parts of the plants on which they live to grow. Once they reach a certain size, they form a chrysalis and undergo a complete metamorphosis, developing new eyes, legs, and wings. This process culminates in the emergence of a beautiful butterfly, ready to fly away and explore the world. The transformation from a humble caterpillar to a graceful butterfly is a testament to the Lord’s wonders throughout nature.
God has provided everything believers need to develop and mature spiritually. He has given us grace from His divine supply, independently of us. Our intimate relationship with Him deepens as we grow in our knowledge of Him; we can experience more of His presence. While God has provided everything we need, we must cooperate with His provision and not work against it. We are interfering with God’s provision when we do not separate from the world, the system which Satan uses to leave God out. Spiritual maturity happens when we are actively operating from a spiritual vantage point in our decision-making, not allowing worldly standards to distract us.
The new nature God has given us comes in seed form. It expands as we cooperate with God by feeding it the right nutrition and the spiritual supplements He has provided. As we mature, we will become more useful because God’s presence will be operating more consistently in us. We will be more stable, not tossed about by circumstances. We will be overcomers who do not live in defeat. Then we will gain rewards. God will reward us for prioritizing our spiritual maturity. Do not give up—keep your eyes on the prize. Continue to actively rely on God’s powerful grace and operate from a spiritual point of view.
Getting Started
- What other animals or plants go through a process of remarkable change? In what ways do humans change as we get older?
- How does getting a new vantage point help the situation when you are stuck on a problem?
Let’s Get Personal
- In what areas are you spiritually cooperating with God’s provision? In what areas are you working against God’s provision and cooperating with the world?
- What keeps you from experiencing more of God’s presence?
- When have you been passive about your spiritual growth? When have you grown the most in your relationship with God?
Take the Next Step
- What steps do you need to take to separate from the world and operate from a spiritual vantage point in your decision-making?
- How can you begin to rely more fully on God’s grace, power, and presence so that you can become more fruitful and effective for God’s Kingdom?
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: 2 Peter 1:1-11; Hebrews 5:11-14; Hebrews 6:1-2; 1 Peter 3:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 2:11-15; Romans 6:1-19; Romans 5:1-2; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; James 1:19-25.
Renew Your Mind
“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing,
they render you neither useless nor unfruitful
in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:8
