Focus Scripture
Verse Psalm 119:38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
- Elaboration: The psalmist seeks affirmation of God’s promise, suggesting that such assurance will deepen reverence for God.
- Cross-reference: 2 Peter 1:4 – “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.”
The symbolic meaning of “He” “sounds like “Hay” in Psalm 119 touches on themes of divine revelation, the breath of life, human humility before God, the desire for divine grace, and the transformative power of engaging with God’s law. It underscores the section’s focus on seeking understanding, guidance, and the ability to live in accordance with God’s commandments.
The Message:
Peter 1:3-9
Introduction:
2 Peter, aimed at bolstering believers’ faith amidst challenges and reminding them of the divine power and promises granted through faith in Christ.
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 1:3-9
Verse 3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
- Cross-Reference:Ephesians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
NOTE: This passage emphasizes that through the divine power of God, believers are equipped with all necessary resources for living a life that reflects godliness, rooted in the knowledge of Christ.
Verse 4: “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
- Cross-Reference:Ephesians 4:24 – “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
NOTE: This promise of participation in the divine nature underlines the transformative impact of the Gospel.This is the same as a son being “like” his father in behavior, but he is not the father…
Verse 5: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;”
- Cross-Reference:James 2:22 – “You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”
NOTE: Peter urges believers to diligently cultivate a series of virtues, starting with faith and building upon it with goodness and knowledge, emphasizing the active effort required in spiritual growth.
Verse 6:”and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;”
- Cross-Reference:Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
NOTE: This continuation of virtue development includes self-control, perseverance, and godliness, each building on the other, illustrating the holistic nature of spiritual maturity.
Verse 7: “and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
- Cross-Reference:1 Thessalonians 4:9 – “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.”
NOTE: The pinnacle of these virtues is love, demonstrating that true godliness manifests in genuine affection for others, underscoring the central role of love in the Christian life. This is called “Continuous Improvement or Growth”.
Verse 8:”For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Cross-Reference:John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
NOTE: The presence and growth of these virtues ensure that a believer’s life will be fruitful and meaningful, highlighting the practical outcome of deepening one’s understanding and relationship with Christ.
Verse 9:”But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.”
- Cross-Reference:Hebrews 6:4-6 – “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.”
NOTE: The absence of these virtues leads to spiritual myopia, causing one to forget the fundamental transformation that has occurred through Christ’s cleansing. This serves as a warning against complacency.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Provision for Godliness: God’s divine power has granted us all we need for life and godliness, showcasing the importance of knowledge of Him and reliance on His promises.
- The Path of Spiritual Growth: Peter outlines a progression of virtues that believers are encouraged to develop, emphasizing the interconnectedness of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.
- The Importance of Increasing Virtue: Growing in these qualities ensures our effectiveness and productivity in our spiritual journey, deeply connected to our relationship with Jesus Christ.
- The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation: Lack of these virtues leads to spiritual shortsightedness and a dangerous forgetfulness of the fundamental transformation we’ve experienced through faith in Christ.
- Call to Diligent Growth: Believers are encouraged to actively pursue spiritual maturity, reflecting on the divine nature through the cultivation of these virtues, supported by the promises and strength found in Christ.