As we continue through this
second letter written by the apostle Peter just before his death, we
have learned of some of the wonderful benefits that our Heavenly
Father has provided for us that we might have a relationship with
Him. In chapter one and verse four we learn of great and precious
promises which also come our way. We read:
Whereby are given unto
us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be
partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is
in the world through lust.
The
verse begins, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great
and precious promises:” Through
the knowledge of God and His Son Jesus Christ as we are called unto
“glory and virtue” we are given “exceeding and
precious promises.” As though
it is not enough just to have promises, Peter emphasizes that our
promises are “exceeding great”
which is the Greek word “megistos” and means “greatest, very
great”. God gives forth “mega” promises to those who give their
lives to Him, but that is not all. Peter also says they are
“precious” promises.
This is the second time that big old fisherman tough guy Peter has
employed the word “precious”.
This Greek word “timios” means “of great price, held in honor,
esteemed and especially dear”. The promises from God the Father and
His Son Jesus are beyond our ability to comprehend in both value and
expanse. But why would He provide such promises? We shall see in the
next part of our verse.
The
verse continues, “that by these ye might be partakers of the
divine nature,”. With the exceeding great and precious promises
we may be “partakers of the divine nature.” In other words
with the promises of God with us we can take on and exhibit the
nature of God – “the divine nature.” Without the power
and promises of God we cannot be like Him, however, when we have the
“divine power” as written of by Peter in verse three and
the “exceeding and precious promises” we can live in the
Godly manner in which our Heavenly Father desires.
Finally
the verse says, “having escaped the corruption that is in the
world through lust.” When we begin to live the Godly life, we
will have in effect “escaped the corruption that is in the
world”. Rather than have characteristics like the world, we
will have the characteristics of God. We have fled from the normal
path which leads people into the corruptible ways of the world
through their lusts, and have been given the power and promises to
live the way God desires we live.
As we
think about this verse for a few moments, let us be reminded once
again of the exceeding great and precious promises God has given. Our
Heavenly Father desires that we live Godly lives, and He has provided
the means by which that Godly life may be obtained. Perhaps we will
begin to enjoy the promises and power that our Heavenly Father has
provided through His Son Jesus Christ, and “be partakers” of
the very “divine nature” He has given to all who believe.
Next
time we will look at the way we grow as Christians, 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
No comments:
Post a Comment