“A Step Toward Spiritual Sight” – 2 Peter 1:1-9.

Oh how precious is the faith (1:1) that flows from a good and honest heart and a mind opened to meditate upon the beautiful truth of the saving work (1:2) of God through Jesus. A foundation of this faith is the precious word of God revealed to mankind. Many take the Bible for granted and others only want a “cafeteria version” that allows us to pick and chose only what we like and desire. Challenging all of us in the manner in which we “see” biblical truth, Peter stresses that the Scriptures are the product of divine power pouring out everything people need to bask in the will and grace of God instead of wallowing in the filth and corruption of this world (1:3-4). As we view the world from where we sit, sometimes it is hard to see the corruption for what it truly is … and therefore it is equally hard to see the magnificent and precious promises of God for their true significance. Peter wants us to develop spiritual vision – “seeing that His divine power has granted us everything relating to life and godliness” – and correct our spiritual short-sightedness (1:9). A step toward spiritual sight is a step toward God. A step toward God is a step toward heaven.

Framing these crucial ingredients of spiritual sight within the admonition to “add to your faith”, we can explore this as a “recipe” of sorts. With faith as a foundational ingredient, Peter challenges us to mix together the instruction found in God’s word and the courage to apply these truths. The result is nothing less than a soul in heaven (1:11) after a life of fruitfulness (1:8). Remember who Peter was and who he has become. A hardened, rowdy fisherman with a skeptical outlook on life and religion had become a valuable tool in the hand of the Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Peter is no better or no worse than you or I. He, like us, was confronted with Jesus and made his choices. He struggled with faith and obedience at times. Some of his steps were in the right direction, others were not. In the end, Peter had been changed by the divine power about which he writes. He just needed to see things from a spiritual perspective and act wisely. God would do the rest.

The same is true with you and me. We can look at Peter, carefully watching his steps, and then choose our steps accordingly. Be forewarned, however, the divinely given ingredients (1:3-4) are inert unless applied.

Faith must be mixed with a commitment to our daily spiritual walk (1:5). Moral excellence is not just a philosophy; it is a determined and courageous decision to walk in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. How can we know which way to walk if we do not grow in knowledge? A daily spiritual walk in faith must lead to personal spiritual maturity (1:6). Peter struggled with self-control, just as we do, but the natural man must be tamed in order to be fruitful for Christ. At the same time, Peter’s wishy-washy behavior was overcome and he became quite stable in his faith as he matured. Spiritual vision sees the need to commit to maturing in Christ. Our daily spiritual walk in faith-filled maturity must positively impact our congregation (1:7). A “God-ward” focus and a Christ-centered life naturally direct us to the needs of other Christians in our life. Brotherly love is the ingredient that changes the nature of the whole mixture from mere “goodness” to true “Christianity”. Coupled with our love for the church is agape love for all people. This recipe changes the way we see God, His Christ, the church and the world. Before, we looked around with temporal eyes. Peter’s pathway is the pathway to see the world through spiritual eyes.

Spiritual vision also sees that these ingredients must be applied in an increasing measure (1:8). A short-sighted perspective does not factor in heaven when confronted by an immediate threat from a momentary temptation to sin (1:9). Neither does it allow you to see the benefit to opting for a sacrificial choice instead of a self-serving one. All of these working together with the power of an awesome God open the way of escape and shine a light on the way of redemption and everlasting life.

Choosing the way of escape on the pathway of faith is taking another step toward heaven … like we saw Peter do in his own imperfect manner. But he – like we – walk in the footsteps of a gracious and merciful Savior whose footsteps lead us to heaven!