The Christian's Nature: The Work of God

Peter challenged believers to take full advantage of the divine power and promise of God which made it possible to participate in the divine nature and, thus, overcome the corruption caused by evil desires (3-4). Based on this promised power, Peter further challenged Christians to practice the characteristics of the divine nature (5-11).

In this beautiful paragraph, Peter orchestrates a symphony of grace. To the melody of faith, he leads believers to add harmony in a blend of seven virtues. A carnal Christian has spiritual myopia (nearsightedness), but a devoted Christian is both effective and productive (8-9) in their understanding of the Lord Jesus and the application of grace necessary to possess biblical principles in daily life.

Christ's divine power has provided believers everything we need for life and godliness (v.3). "Divine" translates "theis" which is from "theos", "God," and is used only three times in the New Testament. "Power" (dynameos) is where we get our English word "dynamite." All that believers need for a vital/dynamic/spiritual life is attainable through Christ. "Knowledge" (epignosis) is full and complete awareness only provided for those who ABIDE IN Christ, our Lord and Savior. Our being in Him is a calling and, I would submit, a privilege afforded to all, but only accepted by few.

My focus in these blogs, and my entire ministry of thirty years, has been and will continue to be earnestly urging people like you to get fully emersed in Christ. Picture wading into the ocean. The waves, even on a calm day on the East Coast of North Carolina, will beat you down as they break right on the shoreline. However, if you forge through just ten, twenty, then thirty feet, there is a sweet spot. Get out too deep and you cannot touch the bottom. Too close in, and the waves are just relentless, but find the right spot for you, and you can float and swim for hours rolling on top of the waves.

Countless folks have turned back both in the ocean and in faith because it was too hard initially. My passion is getting you in touch with the sustaining presence and power of God so you never turn back.

I mentioned Sunday about trying not to use the phrase "Believers must" because it implies self-effort and self-success. Let me put it this way: if you read 5b-7, for example, without fully getting hold of 3-5a, you will easily have the waves of life beating you back. The doctrine of truth and hope is given first, then the practical expectation of God for His children. Again, this is the Abiding Life. Again, this is the Wonder, Spirit-Filled Life I keep trying to describe to you. This is how you overcome temptation, live victoriously, say no, say yes, put off, put on, forgive the unforgiveable, and love the unlovable.

Because we participate in Christ's divine nature and possess exceedingly great and precious promises (4), we can escape the corruption of this world. Thus, Peter writes: "Also for this reason." It is the same as saying "therefore." I am confident that you struggle with (5b-7) and I am equally confident you want to be fruitful and spiritually successful (8-9). If I am accurate, then apply the truth and let God work in you before you attempt to work on all your issues, passions, plans and desires. Yes, you must give all diligence and you must add to your faith (5-7) but it is all based on what He has already done for you and put into you (9). By abiding in Christ, He makes all things possible. I want you to be the best version of yourself. That is only possible by His graces.

Read Zachariah 4:6

The might and power spoken of is man's might and man's power. Our flesh is often ready, but until God's Spirit is inside us, liberating and in control, we will fall and fail over and over. When is the last time you acknowledged to yourself and to God your weaknesses, inabilities, and unwillingness, and said "God, I want to _____, no, I need to _____, but I just can't, please help me."

I literally think every time I have ever been to the ocean I have seen a parent hold a kid's hand while the waves knock them down. The kid gets sand and salt in their eyes and they go cry and dry off, only to repeat it over and over again. It appears to be abuse, but the kid wants to play and they are not tall enough or strong enough to forge out any deeper. They are babes, and, as you watch this scene unfold, you know that next year, or the year after, eventually, they will get out to the sweet spot, but how many times will they pound sand until then? You and I are not babes. We are ready to go deeper.

Read Hebrews 5:12-6:1

In Christ,

Pastor Todd