Devotion Corner

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

A Christian should always be growing in faith and knowledge of the Lord and His Word. This diligent study and seeking after Christ each day, proves its impact upon us by how we have changed from a sinful manner to a godly one. Peter could be described as hot blooded and impulsive in his younger days. Yet after years of earnest study, heartfelt prayer and diligent service of Christ Jesus, Peter’s manner seen in his epistles is one that reflects the manner of his Lord and Master. 

One of the great hallmarks of the sanctification of the redeemed heart, is a true humility and meekness of nature that reflects the manner of Christ Jesus. Peter opens his second epistle to the converted dispersed Jews, with a potent yet meek message of his learnt humility in Christ. He refers to himself as Simon Peter. In this he is acknowledging that he still battles against his sinful flesh, as seen in his use of his old name (Simon). Yet that he is also a new creature in Christ as his uses his God appointed name of Peter.

In this combination of both his old and new names, Peter is opening his letter with a distinct self-awareness that many experienced and mature Christians fail to implement (a point Peter makes later in the chapter). Some more mature Christians can become forgetful of what they were before Christ Jesus redeemed them from their sins. As a result, they can become prideful, opinionated, cold and even arrogant in their manner. Yet when we remember who we were before Christ saved us, we are truly humbled by His amazing grace. 

This humility then acts as a spiritual guard against potentially sinful behaviours. It also acts as a softening of the heart, so that we are ready in meekness to encourage and support the babes in Christ. Those who may feel they are failing their Lord as they battle the temptations of the sinful flesh. In this humility we can strengthen such troubled souls as to show them that we all face such daily battles, and that we are all strengthened by Christ Jesus. Such a generous and humble act brings together the new in faith with the mature in faith, bringing the body of Christ together to the glory of God.