His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 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.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Peter writes that the power of God has given us all that we need to live a godly life. It is through our knowledge of Christ and His promises that we participate in what God is doing on earth. We actually participate in His divine nature and are protected from world corruption when we walk in the promises of God. The New Age movement which has become popular in the Western world teaches a counterfeit version of our Scripture reading for today. New Age believes that we are divine – in a sense, that we are gods. Our Scripture reading for today relates that we participate in God’s divine nature, a vastly different concept. It is through Christ living in us that the power of God is available to us – the power for us to live godly lives.
The divine nature of Christ runs contrary to the world’s standards and views. For example, Jesus tells us to love those who hate us and to bless those who persecute us. That is definitely not the worldview held in society today! Just watch the news to see that the worldview today is to seek revenge.
Christ taught us to live another way, one that is only possible with His power, His authority, and His love – all divine qualities that require a supernatural God. It is through the promises of God in His Word that we are able to participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world.
Paul prays for the people of Ephesus to be empowered by God so that they can live a godly life: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 1:18-19) Paul knew that the Ephesians needed God’s power to live the life to which they were called. He described the power available to Christians as the same power exerted when Christ was raised from the dead. (v.20) Knowing that this is the power available to us in Christ Jesus gives us hope to live as Christ, not as the world dictates. Are you appropriating His power today?
Heavenly Father,
I pray that You will demonstrate Your power today as I live my life for You. Thank you for allowing me to participate in Your divine nature as I hold on to the promises in Your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
