As we begin studying this passage in 2 Peter, we are going to be making one small change - we are going to look only at verses 3 to 8 in this mini-series. Today, we will look at verses 3 and 4. In future posts we will take some time to consider the meaning of each of the qualities discussed in verses 5 through 7, and we will conclude with a study of verse 8.
So, let’s take some time to look at the entire passage one more time:
And reconsider verses 3 and 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 desires.”
Let’s look at some word definitions (excerpted)*:
- divine - of the only and true God, the trinity
- power - strength and ability residing in one by virtue of (His) nature
- granted - bestowed, presented with an honor, right, or gift
- all things - the whole, everything
- pertain - with regard to
- life - life real and genuine, active and vigorous, devoted, blessed
- godliness - reverence, respect
- through - on account of, because of
- knowledge - precise and correct knowledge, knowledge of the things ethical and divine
- called - to give a name to, to receive the name of
- own - pertaining to one’s self
- glory - opinion, judgment, view, splendor, brightness, majesty
- excellence - a virtuous course of thought, feeling, and action
- precious - esteemed, especially dear
- very great - magnificent
- promises - assurance
- become - receive being, be made
- partakers - partner, associate, sharer, comrade, companion
- nature: the sum of innate properties and powers by which one person differs from others, distinctive native peculiarities, natural characteristics, natural strength
- escaped - flee from, break free from control
- corruption - destruction, perishing, moral decay
- world - the ungodly multitude, the mass of men alienated from God and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ
- lust - desire, craving, longing, (for what is forbidden)
As overwhelming as this life can be, these verses offer a very real and tangible lifeline to cling to! God has given His children everything we need to live a godly life. Some things to consider:
- It’s because of Who He is (“divine”).
- It’s by His ability, not ours (“power”).
- He has given us everything we need with regard to life - real, genuine, active, vigorous, devoted life! God does not want His children living in defeat - He has given us everything we need to live life to the fullest, to live in victory! How?
- Through precise and correct knowledge of Him, Who He is, what He has done!
- Note: This can only be accomplished by spending time with Him, reading His Word to us, the Bible
- He has given us assurance (“promises” - found in His Word) and through those promises we become “partakers” - partners, sharers, in His divine nature - He will make us like Him!
- Also through this gift He has given us, He has freed us from the control of ungodly people, thought, desires, cravings, and longings!
- We have been given everything we need to live a victorious life!
Father, please teach us how to live out the qualities You’ve given to us so that we walk in a manner worthy of and pleasing to You!
*Word definitions are from The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon by Thayer and Smith (1999) or the New Oxford American Dictionary.
