Awakened by Grace

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” — 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Human history is a long, winding pursuit of knowledge through science, philosophy, art, and experience. Using the brain and reason with which God has gifted us, we build libraries, launch satellites, and probe the depths of the human psyche. Yet, for all our learning, there comes a moment when we realize: we are still lacking. Not just in facts, but in wisdom, in peace, in purpose.

This lack is not a failure—it’s an invitation. It’s the moment when we stop asking, “What can I know?” and begin asking, “Whom can I know?” The knowledge that Peter speaks of is not academic—it is relational, experiential, and transformative. It is the knowledge of Christ, who calls us not by coercion, but by “glory and goodness.”

And when that call awakens us, it may come with disorientation, relief, or even joy—like stepping out of a long, restless night into the warmth of morning light. The soul stirs, blinking at grace, unsure but hopeful.

John Wesley’s sermon Awake, Thou That Sleepest offers a vivid image of spiritual slumber. He describes the unawakened soul as one who may be morally upright, religiously observant, even doctrinally sound—yet still asleep to the reality of grace. Wesley insists that true awakening begins when we recognize our spiritual death and hear the voice of Christ calling us to rise (Wesley, 1742/2020).

This awakening is not self-generated. It is the work of divine power, the very power that Peter says has already given us “everything we need”. The Wesleyan tradition emphasizes prevenient grace—God’s initiative in stirring us from sleep, illuminating our need, and offering us the light of Christ.

Commentator David Guzik echoes this in his exposition of 2 Peter 1, noting that “God’s divine power doesn’t just help us; it equips us completely” (Guzik, n.d.). Through the knowledge of Christ, we receive “exceedingly great and precious promises,” and become “partakers of the divine nature” (Guzik, n.d., commentary on 2 Peter 1:4). This phrase does not mean we become divine in essence, but that we are morally and spiritually transformed—sharing in God’s character, not His being. It is a participation in holiness, not a fusion of identity.

So what does this mean for us today?

We are not spiritually impoverished. We have been given everything needed for life and godliness. The question is not whether we have enough, but whether we trust the One who provides.

We are called to grow. Peter urges us to add to our faith: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). These are not optional extras—they are signs of an awakened life.

Imagine someone rising from sleep just as the sun breaks through the window—stretching, adjusting, slowly becoming aware of the day ahead. That’s the rhythm of grace. We don’t leap into perfection; we grow into clarity. Each step—each virtue—is a movement toward the light.

We are invited to assurance. As Wesley preached, the awakened soul knows its need and receives the Spirit (Wesley, 1742/2020). Peter affirms that as we grow in these qualities, we make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). We live not in fear, but in confident hope.

Gracious God, thank You for awakening us from spiritual sleep and calling us by Your glory and goodness. Help us to trust in Your divine power, which has given us all we need. Stir in us a deeper knowledge of Christ—not just in thought, but in life. May we grow in faith, in love, and in likeness to You. Let us walk as children of light, partakers of Your nature, and bearers of Your promises. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim

Guzik, D. (n.d.). 2 Peter 1 – The Christian’s growth. Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-peter-1/

Wesley, J. (1742/2020). Awake, Thou That Sleepest. The United Methodist Church. https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/sermon-3-awake-thou-that-sleepest