Peter has begun his second
book to the church which is called after his name. His opening words
defined who he was - “a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ
“, and directs attention toward those to whom he was writing -
“them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the
righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:”. He added a
blessing to his readers by desiring that grace and peace be
multiplied unto them through the knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus
Christ, and in chapter one and verse three he continues his opening.
We read:
According
as his divine power has given unto us all things that pertain
unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath
called us to glory and virtue:
The verse begins, “According as his divine power has given unto
us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”
Peter writes of “divine power” which marks the
difference between someone living life and obtaining godliness by
themselves. The implication is that “divine power” is what
is needed to have “all things” that pertain to this life”.
Without “divine power” we would not be able to live at all
never mind live through the difficulties that life brings. However,
“life” is not all Peter mentions. He also includes
“godliness” in this phrase. “Godliness” is
“piety towards God” and implies “holiness”. In other words it
is the proper and necessary relationship we must have with God.
Without “divine power” we could not obtain the proper and
pious relationship with God. God not only set forth the requirement
of “godliness” but also gave us the power to live godly.
The
verse goes on to say, “through the knowledge of him that has
called us to glory and virtue:” After reading that we have been
given “divine power” for “all things that pertain
unto life and godliness” we may wonder how do we obtain it?
Peter answers that question with another reminder that it is “through
the knowledge of him that has called us”. As we begin to know
God through the Bible, we receive His power to live through every
life event, and our exposure to Him leads us to “godliness”.
We are called “to glory and virtue”. “Glory” is
“magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace; a most
glorious condition, and most exalted state”. “Virtue” is
“moral excellence, as modesty, and purity” It is to these two
condition that we must aspire. We are “called” to them,
and through the knowledge of God we shall fulfill our call.
Are we
“Godly” people? Is our country a “Godly” nation? If we look
around at the influences through the media would we consider that we
have obtained the “glory and virtue” to which we are
called? If others were to examine our lives would they consider us
“Godly” people? If there has ever been a time to receive the
“divine power” of God to be what He has called us to be,
it is now. “Godliness, glory, and virtue” fade when we as
individuals forsake the knowledge of God, and it is even worse when a
country does so. Perhaps as we think about Peter's words today, we
will bow our heads before God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ and
ask that the knowledge of them become a raging desire for not only
ourselves, but for our nation before it is too late.
Next
time we will see the promises God has given to us, so read ahead, and
we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” and the new marriage book “So, You Want
to Be Married” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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