SLAVES TO GOD; EQUIPPED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

2 Samuel 13:1–39; 2 Peter 1:9–15; Psalm 140:1–13 I used to think that I was powerless when it came to sin. Christ had saved me from my sinful state, but I was still wretched and helpless. Even though I knew I was no longer a slave to sin, I didn’t always think about what freedom in Christ really looks like. Peter’s letter sheds light on this. After listing both virtues and vices, he encourages early Christians to examine their lives and pursue the virtues that characterize faith: “For if these things are yours and are increasing, this does not make you useless or unproductive in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the one for whom these things are not present is blind, being nearsighted, having forgotten the cleansing of his former sins” (2 Pet 1:8–9). Peter shows us that Christ’s sacrifice doesn’t leave us helpless. We are not left alone to flounder until He returns. Earlier in his letter, Peter states that “[Christ’s] divine power has bestowed on us all things that are necessary for life and godliness, through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence of character” (2 Pet 1:2–3). We’re not slaves to sin. Our lives are not stagnant. We’re equipped and enabled to live a life pleasing to God. This isn’t pride in ourselves or vanity in our own abilities; it’s the opposite. It’s proof of God’s work in our lives that enables us to live and love as we should. As we grow in faith, praying for the work of the Spirit in our lives, we will look back and see how our lives are becoming more fully devoted to Him—all for His glory. In what areas of your life do you feel weighed down by your sin? How can you pray to God for help in this area of your life? REBECCA VAN NOORD John D. Barry and Rebecca Kruyswijk, Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012).