Do you recognize your nature has changed?
Peter writes with a different tone in his second letter. He warns against apostasy among teachers in his days. We deal with this on a much greater level today. But he starts his letter reminding us of something we can easily forget.
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” 2 Peter 1:2-4
Let’s follow verse by verse. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you…” One will never know true peace without first experiencing the grace of God. And let me say grace isn’t cheap. We aren’t talking about grace just to overlook a sin or situation but grace that transforms the believer’s heart and desires. Have you experienced His grace?
“His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness…” Where do we look for questions about life and guidance on decisions? His divine power, Holy Spirit, has been given to each redeemed individual to answer those questions and guide us through life. Are you relying on the Holy Spirit?
“so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” You’ve been given a new nature. You have escaped the corruption that’s in the world. The enemy wants you to believe differently. He wants to render you ineffective. But the truth is we’ve been given a new nature to glorify the Lord by living for His Kingdom. Are you believing and living according to your new nature?
Grace has been offered. Peace is yours to have. His divine power is within you. He’s given you a new nature. Live in that truth. Pray that over yourself and your loved ones. They were obtained by us “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (v1)
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.