2 PETER 1:3-4 – 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.
THEME OF THE DAY. GOD’S PROVISIONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. If we were asked to provide a one sentence definition of how the Christian life is to be lived, what would we write? It is a thought-provoking and mind-stretching question. Try it. It is a good spiritual exercise. And what we would write reveals a lot about our understanding of the scripture, the character of God, and the relationship between Him and His people. As you ponder what to write, here is my contribution – The Christian life is lived by faith in the power of God through the promises of God enabling us to obey the commands of God.
When it comes to the actual Christian life that takes us from profession of faith to the practice of faith, today’s scriptures provide the answers. But before we identify God’s provisions for the Christian life, let’s remind ourselves that the Christian life is not simply knowing Biblical truth. The measurement of the genuineness of our Christian profession is the knowing AND doing truth. The New Testament book of James provides this reminder that should be a regular place we go for self-examination – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing (James 1:22-25).
As we seek to live the Christian life, we need two things, and both are provided by our God – His power and His promises. The Apostle Peter opens today’s scripture with the declaration of God’s power that is given to believers to pursue a godly life – His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Yet, God doesn’t “zap” us with power. We don’t sit around waiting for the Lord to pour His power into us. No, God is a God of means. He expects us to act in obedience if we are going to experience His power. That is how faith works. It doesn’t wait on God to act. It acts expecting God to empower our actions. And that leads to His second provision for the Christian life – His promises – he has granted to us his precious and very great promises.
Friends, the Christian life is lived on the power found in God’s promises. We are saved based on His promises in Christ, and we live daily on His promises. For instance, He commands us not to fear and then gives us the promise of His presence which means His power to overcome fear – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). But here is the principle. Don’t wait for His power. Step out in obedience to His command by faith in His promises. Too many Christians don’t act in obedience out of fear and in their unbelief, will never know the power of God to live the Christian life. Power comes as we obey, not before. That is what faith does. May God help us to see and live God’s provisions for a life pleasing to Him – His power through His promises put into action.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for providing all I need for life now and forever in Your power and promises.”
QUOTE: “God’s power enables us to overcome all things in life and His promises encourage us we do”