The past couple of days I have been reading and meditating on 2 Peter 1:[1-12]. There are so many truths in these verses. I am seeking to unpack and disscect them one by one. I feel the Lord has lead me to study this passage so that I can diligently grow in my faith. There is so much here I may be here for a couple of weeks.
2 Peter 1:[1-12]--"Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 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. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth."
There are two primary things in this passage that Peter gives to us that has stood out to me; Encouragement and Exhortation.
1. Encouragement
Where I find encouragement in this pssage is in verses, [3-4]--"as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 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."
If we are children of God he has provided us with some awesome resources. God has provided us with His divine power, given us His promises, and has allowed us to partake of His divine nature. This is encouraging!!!!! It doesn't get any better than this. God has given us a way of escape. He has given us the ability to be in the world but not corrupted by the world. We are kept by His power. 1 Peter 1:5--"who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
God has given us so much therefore He deserves our endless praise. We must saturate ourselves in Gods word so that we can put much effort towards glorifying God with our lives.
I believe "His divine power" in this passage is refering to Jesus Christ. Through Christ's sufficient power we are able to persevere in our faith. 2 Corinthians 12:9--"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2. Exhortation
Where I find exhortation in this passage is in verse 5, when Peter says, "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence." Peter exhorts us about our responsibilities as Christians. I believe Peter is saying, God has done so much for us therefore there are some things that we are responsible to do. The key word Peter uses is "Diligence."
"Diligence" means--"hardship, discipline, struggle, effort"
Diligence requires much effort. There is no such thing as a "little effort." We don't like to think about this word alot, at least I don't because it means I am going to have to work, and work hard. Peter is telling us, because of all the things God has done and is doing for us we must be diligent to, "add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love." (verses 5-7)
Peter wrote this letter to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Peter wrote this letter to them just before he was martyred, by being crucified upside down. He was crucified in this manner because refused to be crucified like Christ. Knowing that He would soon die I believe he wrote this to these people as his last word and testament. Everything Peter tells them is important and full of wounderful truths about Christ. He wanted to remind them of these things before he died.
2 Peter 1: [14-15]--"knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease."
Peter is pointing out that there is something we have to do to add to our faith. This means being intentional about growing spiritually. Peter states that there are some benefits to being intentional in our spiritual growth and there are some consequences if we are not.
2 Peter 1:[8-10]--"For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;"
Peter is saying if you do these things then you will be fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you will grow spiritually, and will not doubt your salvation. Peter also gives the consequences for not being diligent, which include: being barren, unfruitful of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, shortsightedness, blindness, and even question our salvation.
Then in verse 11, Peter uses his words to bring joy to these peoples weary heart's. He says if you live faithful and are fruitful you are promised an abundant entrance into heaven. If we pursue virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love and add these to our faith we will not only enjoy assurance now, but a full, rich reward in the future.
2 Peter 1:11--"for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
My faith is empowered by God. Praise God for His Power!!! God secures our salvation and no one can ever steal it from us. Our faith in God is evidence of His power.
Thank You Lord, for giving me a faith that is permanent that never dies nor can be stolen from me. Help me to pursue these virtues that I may bring glory to your name by being diligent in my faith.
Are you being diligent in your faith? If so, how much effort are you putting forth? Are you adding to your faith by practicing the spiritual disciplines God has lined out for us in scripture? Are you adding to your faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love?
Serving Our Lord Together,
Michelle Harrison
2 comments:
Thank you for your diligence. May the Lord bless you with His presence.
I think these two verses are a good addition to your study:
Phil. 2:12-13 ¶ Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Love in the Lord,
Jeremy
Very best site. Keep working. Will return in the near future.
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