TRAIN FOR THE LIFE GOD CALLS YOU TO

Think about an athlete in training. He doesn’t just show up on game day and expect to win—he pushes himself daily, disciplines his body, and sharpens his skills to be ready when it counts. In 2 Peter 1:5–8, the apostle Peter steps in like a coach, urging us to do the same in our faith:

"Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Peter isn’t telling us to sit back and hope for growth, he’s calling us to pursue it. As men of God, we should always be in a state of transformation, allowing His power to shape us into men of character, strength, and love. And here’s the key: it’s not about what we can do, but what God has already done in us.

Let’s break this down:

The Qualities of a Godly Man

✅ Faith – This is the foundation. It’s not just believing in God—it’s trusting Him completely and walking in confidence that He is who He says He is.

✅ Virtue (Excellence) – This is about integrity and moral strength. Are you a man who stands firm in your convictions? The more faithful we are to God, the deeper we grow in our knowledge of Him.

✅ Knowledge – Growth in faith comes with knowing God more deeply. The more we understand His Word, the more it shapes our decisions, actions, and character.

✅ Self-Control – Real strength isn’t just about power—it’s about discipline. Self-control means submitting our desires, tempers, and passions to God instead of letting them control us.

✅ Steadfastness (Patience) – Life is a grind. Sometimes we’re waiting on God’s promises or pushing through tough seasons. Patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about trusting that God is refining us through the process.

✅ Godliness – This is about setting our sights on things that truly matter. It’s about honoring God with our lives and valuing what He values.

✅ Brotherly Affection – This is about showing up for other men. Encouraging, supporting, and walking alongside our brothers in faith. No man fights alone.

✅ Love – The ultimate mark of a godly man. Love isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. It’s patience, compassion, and forgiveness. It sets us apart in a world that thrives on selfishness and pride.

How This Changes Everything

If we’re actively growing in these qualities, we’re not just talking about faith—we’re living it. Imagine the impact:

🔥 On our brothers – How different would our friendships look if we truly supported each other, lifting one another up through struggles?

🔥 On our families – What if our kids saw us model godliness, self-control, and love every day? The legacy we leave starts with the way we live right now.

🔥 On the world around us – This is how we change lives. This is how we build something greater than ourselves.

Peter reminds us that when these attributes are increasing in us, we’ll be effective, fruitful, and strong in our walk with Christ. So, let’s step up. Let’s train for the life God calls us to. And let’s be the kind of men who make a real impact—starting today.

Stay strong, encourage a brother, and walk in grace and power.

Scripture references for this week’s Blog

1 Peter 5:10–11

[10] And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. [11] To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)

2 Timothy 2:1–3

[1] You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, [2] and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. [3] Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (ESV)

Romans 12:9–10

[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (ESV)