“…having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” – 2 Peter 1:4
In the previous article, we examined how our story is transformed through renewal in God. In this final article, we will explore how the gospel brings renewal from corruption. To understand the default story of our lives, we have inverted 2 Peter 1:3-4. This article will reveal how the gospel transforms the highlighted part below:
Our human power has worked in us all things pertaining to death and godlessness, through the knowledge of the world, which calls us to its own shame and brokenness. By it, we have been duped with empty and deceptive promises, so that through them we become practitioners of selfishness, enslaved by the corruption that is in the world because of desires that go against God’s design.
We Are Renewed from Corruption
Peter concludes verse 4 with, “…having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” If you are a Christian, you have escaped the corruption that is in the world. Jesus has set you free from the old story that once defined your life.
You once sought life through your own strength, but instead, you produced death and godlessness. Your heart was deeply attached to this world, leading you deeper into shame and brokenness. You chased empty promises, always believing happiness was just around the corner, but those promises never delivered. Your selfish mode of existence trapped you in a corrosive pattern set by your own desires.
That was your story. Though your personal background may differ, the overarching narrative of our lives begins with the same default—sin, the world’s brokenness, and tragedy.
Twisted Tuning Forks
When something is corrupt, it remains essentially what it is but fails to function properly. For instance, corrupted milk is still milk, but it is undrinkable. Similarly, if a guitar tuning fork was twisted, the strings would still be strings, but the guitar would not play correctly. Corruption distorts our nature in the same way—our minds fail to think rightly, our wills become stubborn, and we desire things we shouldn’t. Sin twists our “tuning forks,” causing us to make poor choices because our chooser is broken.
But then Jesus came. He arrived with resurrection power, instilling new desires within you. He opened your mind to understand what once seemed absurd and softened your stubborn will to follow Him, discard old idols, and embrace Him. The presence of His Spirit transforms your nature, “retuning” you for life and godliness.
Being Who We Are
This is who we are—free from corruption. We aren’t stuck or captive anymore. So, if that is who we are, then let’s not go back. Let’s not look back. Let’s not flirt with the old ways.
– Don’t return to old patterns in your sex life.
– Don’t revert to former attitudes towards money.
– Don’t fall back into previous family dynamics and values.
– Don’t place your hope for renewal in worldly things.
– Don’t trust in religious reforms over communion with Jesus.
– Don’t return to selfish agendas.
We are free in Christ! So, let’s not look back.
Our New Story
One question we need to ask is, why does Peter need to remind us of what is already true of us? Why do Christians need to hear their new story repeatedly?
Keeping our eyes on the new story of grace provides the vision we need to navigate life amidst chaos. We need to hear our story of renewal repeatedly because it prevents us from reverting to the old story. Jesus has changed us. He has promised to give us everything that is His. He has set us free from the world’s corruption, and He has done it all by His own power.
This is our new mode of existence because of our relationship with Christ. We no longer need to be duped, chase empty promises, or place our hope in myths of renewal. We don’t have to look back. One day, all the precious promises received in earnest will be fulfilled to the fullest extent, and we will join together to praise Jesus for His power that delivered it all.
CLICK HERE to read Our New Story, Pt. 5
