Here is the first of a few messages that I mentioned yesterday I would be writing based on 2 Peter 1:3-9.

In verse 3 Peter writes, “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”

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we change. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” We have God’s Spirit living in us helping us, and God is asking us to submit ourselves to his Spirit.

There is always a conflict in us because we are human. A conflict between our human desires and temptations, and the “godly life” God wants for us.

Some of these temptations cannot be overcome on our own. But with God’s help we can overcome. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” And in Romans 8:26 he writes, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness.”

So to begin our new year, let us first believe God has given us everything we need to live the life he desires, and ask him for help in living it that way.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us your Spirit to guide, teach and support us. Remind us to rely on your power to help us live the life you desire for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.