Steady
From Simon to Peter: The Journey of Transformation Through Jesus
It's not enough to know Jesus. You have to be changed by Jesus as well. This is the story of Simon Bar Jona, who embarked on a journey of becoming Peter the Rock. A man who once was unsteady became steady not just because he knew Jesus, but because he allowed Jesus to change and form him.
Peter's journey with Jesus began when he was about 25-30 years old, introduced by his brother. By the time he wrote Second Peter, his final letter, he was in his mid-60s. He had spent decades not just knowing Jesus but being transformed by Him.
What Does It Mean to Grow in Faith?
The first lesson Peter shares is that growth is coming. He started as Simon and became Peter. He began unsteady and became rock solid. He writes this as hope to people wondering if anything will ever change in their world.
Peter reminds us that our journey with Jesus begins with forgiveness, but something must come next - transformation. A shallow faith is easily swayed and quick to fall. If you're going to be changed, you must step into the deep waters.
How Do We Develop a Steady Faith in an Unsteady World?
Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:5-10 that if you want a steady faith in an unsteady world, you have to grow up. You have to move into the deep waters.
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, steadfastness with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
This is a brother who fell time and again, but through years of following Jesus, he learned that growth takes intentionality. You have to put in the work.
What Are the Supplements to Our Faith?
Peter lists out faith supplements that lead toward the end goal of godly love - a love that is self-sacrificial, that gives of oneself for the benefit of God and others.
These supplements include:
Virtue and morality
Knowledge and understanding
Self-control over inner desires
Steadfastness and perseverance
Godliness that shapes your heart
Brotherly affection
Sacrificial love
These were all areas Peter himself had to grow in. The impulsive disciple who once denied Christ became the steady rock who would eventually die for Him.
How Do We Recognize False Teaching?
Peter warns that new teaching is coming as well. As the first generation of disciples was aging and dying, a new crop of teachers was rising up, offering a different way to Jesus - an easier path to becoming.
Their message was attractive: "Be yourself. Embrace your desires. Don't control them, affirm them. You can have Jesus without changing."
But Peter warns in 2 Peter 2:1-3 that this path is destructive. These false teachers "secretly bring in destructive heresies" and "in their greed, they will exploit you with false words."
How Do We Stay on the Right Path?
Peter's advice is simple: stick with the old guys. The scriptures are meant to shape you, not just soothe you. They're meant to form you, not just affirm you.
Don't chase what's easy; chase what's right. If you're hearing a message that says you can have the gospel of Jesus and change nothing in you, walk away. If you're hearing a message that demands no conviction, no repentance, walk away.
Why Does Our Transformation Matter?
Peter concludes his letter with a message about eternity. One day, every single one of us will step into eternity, and the decisions we make now about following Jesus will be sealed forever.
When Peter wrote this letter, he was in a Roman prison cell, facing his own death. Decades earlier, he had promised to go to prison for Jesus but instead denied him three times. Now, as Peter the Rock, he kept that promise all the way to his death by crucifixion.
With eternity in view, Peter's final words were: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity."
Life Application
Eternity is coming faster than some of us believe. This means we need to be steady in our faith today, grow in grace today, and deepen our knowledge of Jesus today.
You may have tried many things to find fulfillment - alcohol, relationships, anger, fear - but now it's time to try Jesus. Repent of your sins, be cleansed from the inside out, and receive a second chance.
Then make every effort to step toward Jesus each day - this day and every day, all the way into eternity.
Ask yourself:
In which areas of Peter's list (virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, love) do I need the most growth?
Am I following the true teachings of Jesus, or am I attracted to easier paths that require no change?
What specific effort can I make this week to supplement my faith and grow deeper in my relationship with Christ?
How would my life look different if I truly allowed Jesus to transform me, not just know about Him?
