June 12th
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-11 NIV
This passage describes how we are transformed into the persons God created us to be. The primary agent of change is God’s divine power, which has given us everything we need for life and godliness. This divine power is manifested through God’s promises which are found in the Bible. Some example promises include:
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
- Through my faith in Jesus, my sins are forgiven and I have peace with God
- Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death
- I am a new creation in Christ – the old has passed away and the new has come
- I have the Holy Spirit living in me; he helps me to live as the new person in Christ
- I share in Jesus’ inheritance through my faith; I am a co-heir with Jesus to God’s kingdom
- I have dominion over sin and am free to live for God
It is through God’s wonderful promises that we are able to “participate in the divine nature” – i.e. live as transformed people for God – and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. That is a wonderful, powerful promise in itself! Anyone who is struggling to be free of bondage to sin can stand on it and walk to freedom.
Peter didn’t stop there, however. We are to make a lifelong pursuit of making “every effort” to pursue the traits listed in vs. 5-7: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. If we possess those traits in “increasing measure” they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our living for God. In fact, Peter said that if we do those things we will never fail and we will receive a rich welcome into God’s eternal kingdom!
Questions for further thought:
How can self-sufficiency and trying to do things on our own strength close the door on God’s provision we need for freedom? (2 Peter 1:3, James 4:6)
Why is it important to know God’s promises?
What actions can you take to ensure you are making “every effort” to pursue the traits in vs. 5-7?
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me your very great and precious promises. Lord I want to participate in the divine nature. I want to escape the corruption of sin and be like Jesus in every way. Please forgive me for allowing any complacency in my walk with you. Please ignite a fire of passion for holiness in me, such that I make every effort daily to pursue goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. I set my mind on you, Lord God, and the heavenly inheritance that awaits me. I praise you and thank you! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”