Tag: 2 Peter 1:3-4
Day 4–Provided with Life and Godliness
Scripture reading for April 23: 2 Peter 1:2-4 “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
When we think of God as a provider, we usually think of material things that we need or want. We are told in Scripture to pray and ask God for our daily bread. We are told we can ask Him for anything he has promised and He will provide. But Peter, writing to the church right before his death, asked that grace and peace be multiplied to the believers. This would be appropriated through a knowledge of our Lord Jesus, the Word of God made flesh. Grace and peace are provisions only God can give us.
Peter taught that the resurrected Jesus through His divine power had granted believers everything they needed for life and godliness. Jesus’ glory and perfection in holiness was imparted to believers through the promised Holy Spirit as a down payment. Believers could appropriate and partake of God’s divine nature through faith in His promises and allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within. These promises are more precious than gold or precious jewels. They are promises of eternal life, healing, joy unspeakable and full glory at Christ’s second coming. These promises help us escape corruption and the punishment of eternal damnation coming through our fleshly appetites.
As first responders who believe in Jesus Christ, we should strive to know Him and the power of His resurrection. To do this, we should read and listen to God’s Word and claim by faith the precious promises. We can live in grace and peace and more effectively help those in various troubles. We can reflect Jesus Christ to the world.
Prayer: Thank You Father for providing everything that I need for life and godliness as I live in a corrupted world. Help me to keep Your precious promises in my mind and heart so I can partake of Your divine nature and live eternally in Your glory. Amen.
Everything we need for godliness
Scripture reading for December 18: 2nd Peter 1-3
Does the sin and degradation of this world ever get to you? Do you become so tired of the constant bombardment of sex, lies, materialism, war, pollution, and lusts that you long for an escape? Peter offers some advice to those who have the righteousness of Christ by faith. We are to live in grace and peace in abundance through our knowledge of God and Christ Jesus, our Lord! (2nd Peter 1:1-2)
“His 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. Through 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.” (2nd Peter 1:3-4)
What do we know about Jesus Christ and God our Father that helps us to escape this corruption? We know Jesus was good! He went about doing good and healed all those oppressed by the devil, because God the Father was with Him. (Acts 10:38) We know that Jesus promises to be with us always! (Matthew 28:20) We know that God the Father spoke from heaven and confirmed Jesus as His Son. (Matthew 17:2-5) We also know that Jesus is coming back the same way He left–in a cloud of glory! (Acts 1:9-11) Peter was there and an eyewitness to Christ’s glory when He was transfigured and when He ascended! (2nd Peter 1:18)
We have Peter’s eyewitness account, but God’s Word is even more certain according to Peter. (2nd Peter 1:19-21) It came not from man, but holy men spoke from God under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit! God’s Word is Spirit and Life–impregnated with the life of God and enables us to be born again. (1st Peter 2:23) The earth and heavens will pass away with a roar and intense heat, but God’s Word will never pass away! (Matthew 24:35) (2nd Peter 3:10)
We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness will be complete! Peter concludes his second letter with encouragement. “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…” But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2nd Peter 3:14-15, 18)