Armed with Knowledge // 2 Peter 1:3

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) | His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

How do you read today’s verse, that God has given us everything we need for living a godly life? For some, it is encouraging. For others, it is challenging. Verses like this might leave some wondering, especially while facing temptation. The enemy in his role as accuser will try to trick you into thinking that you aren’t godly if you’re tempted. Banish that thought! Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted but did not sin. That means it’s entirely possible to be godly even in the face of temptation…the choice is yours. Of course, it isn’t an easy choice, is it? I love how the Apostle Paul put this in Romans 7:15 when he wrote, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (NIV). He is essentially saying that he knows the difference but struggled at times to choose wisely. Wow, can I relate!!! This is why Paul also wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (NIV). What is that way out, you might ask? Well, it’s JESUS! Jesus loves us, forgives us, and transforms us through the power of the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean we will never struggle with temptation, but we can tap into His fortitude to know that God’s way is better than anything that might make us slip. And even if we do — and don’t misunderstand that as taking advantage of God’s grace — we have forgiveness to get back and get it right. That is the knowledge you need to arm yourself with: God loves you and has a better way for you; and if you slip, fall, and fail (which you invariably will), there is forgiveness to get right with God and go His way. So, will you arm yourself with that knowledge? Use it to defeat the devil’s trickery in your life. Get up and go with God as you hear Jesus beckon, “Follow me!”