Why do we sin? Why do we find ourselves trapped in habits or behaviors we hate?

We often think the problem is a lack of willpower. We assume we just aren't trying hard enough to be good. But Peter suggests the root cause is something else entirely: a lack of trust.

“...by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4

Lust isn't just sexual; it is a craving to satisfy a legitimate need in an illegitimate way.

We lie because we don't trust God to protect us with the truth. We steal or cheat because we don't trust God to provide. We seek comfort in addiction because we don't trust God to give us rest.

Peter calls this ignorance. It is a lack of revelation of who God is.

The way to escape the corruption of the world is not by gritting your teeth. It is by partaking of the promises. When you are confident that God is your provider, you don't need to cheat. When you know He is your defender, you don't need to fight.

Holiness is not the result of willpower; it is the result of trusting a Promise Keeper.