How to build a Christ centered life

Written By Pacific Life Church

Series Recap: In this week’s message from our Simon Says series, Pastor Steve continued teaching from the letters of Peter—this time in 2 Peter 1, where Peter lays out a clear, practical roadmap for building a strong, durable, Christ-centered life.

A Foundation That Won’t Collapse

Pastor Steve began by reminding us that many people build their lives on things that can’t hold up under pressure—careers, relationships, money, achievement, or personal comfort. Peter challenges believers to build their lives differently: not on shifting values, but on Jesus Christ, the cornerstone.

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” — 2 Peter 1:3

A Christ-centered life begins with this truth:
Everything you need for spiritual growth, God has already provided.

God Has Already Done His Part

Before Peter gives us the “how-to” list, he tells us what God has already done for us:

  • He has given us His divine power.

  • He has given us His precious promises.

  • He has invited us to share in His divine nature.

  • He has freed us from the corruption of the world.

We don’t build a Christ-centered life by trying harder—we build it by standing on what God has already supplied.

Our Part: Making Every Effort

Peter then gives a clear, step-by-step pathway—seven qualities that strengthen our faith and help us grow into spiritual maturity.

1. Start with Faith

Your spiritual life begins with trusting Jesus. Faith is the foundation—everything else builds on top of it.

2. Add Goodness

Live with moral excellence. Choose what is right, not what is easy.

3. Add Knowledge

Know God through His Word. Pastor Steve reminded us that the Bible shapes our beliefs and corrects our direction.

4. Add Self-Control

Following Jesus requires discipline—a willingness to say “no” to impulses and temptations.

5. Add Perseverance

Don’t quit when it’s hard. Perseverance deepens your character and strengthens your faith muscle.

6. Add Godliness

Grow in reverence, worship, and trust. Godliness is a heart that leans toward God in both calm and crisis.

7. Add Brotherly Affection

Care for others like family. Show kindness, generosity, and support.

8. Add Love

The highest expression of spiritual maturity is love—selfless, sacrificial love that reflects the heart of Christ.

Pastor Steve explained that these qualities don’t happen all at once—they grow over time, like layers in a strong building.

Why This Matters

Peter tells us that when these qualities are increasing in our lives:

  • We become effective and productive for God’s kingdom.

  • We avoid spiritual blindness and forgetfulness.

  • We stay grounded and confident in our salvation.

  • We won’t fall away when hardship or temptation hits.

A life built on Jesus is a life that stands firm.

Living a Christ-Centered Life Today

Pastor Steve closed with a practical challenge:
Ask yourself which part of this list needs your attention right now.

  • Do you need more perseverance?

  • Do you need to grow in discipline and self-control?

  • Do you need deeper love for others?

  • Do you need more knowledge through Scripture?

Building a Christ-centered life isn’t instant—it’s intentional. But God has already given us everything we need to grow.

This Sunday, Pastor Steve will return to continue our series with Part 5 of Simon Says.
Join us as we keep learning from Peter how to build a strong, steady, Christ-centered faith.

Pacific Life Church
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