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: PERSON, POWER, PROMISES. There is much to rejoice over in today’s scripture. Within the Apostle Peter’s opening words of his second letter, he reveals three truths about our God in what He has provided for us, His children. Each fuels praise, demands trust, brings hope to the heart, and strength to live for His glory.
The first great truth of our God is implied but is the true reality of all realities in life – the Person of our God. In the first two verses, Peter gives five references to God; Jesus Christ, our God, Savior Jesus Christ, God, and Jesus our Lord. We were created to know Him, to love Him, to enjoy Him, and be in His Presence forever. Without the reality of God in our lives, we are living apart from reality. And from His Person, Peter reveals the second great truth and blessing freely given by God to His children – His power.
When it comes to living the Christian life, we need power, and a power not of ourselves. And Peter proclaims that God provides His power to His children; a power realized through His promises. In the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul would pray the believers would experience this great divine power – I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:16-20). It is a prayer we should incorporate in our own lives for when the power of God is experienced, the love of God becomes real and lived.
A final truth showing us the giving heart of God toward His people are His precious promises. Peter would tell us by these promises, we escape the old life, put off the old nature, and overcome the sinful desires within us. This is how we live the Christian life – by applying promises and within the promises, we experience His power and His Presence.
Person, power, promises. These precious truths of God are freely given to us, and to be thoroughly enjoyed as we walk with Him. May He help us realize these more and more each day.
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for being all I need by Your Presence, power, and promises.”
QUOTE: “Rejoice that in the promises of God, the power of God, and Person of God, we live.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim