“Hey Phil, if you were stranded on an island and only permitted to carry one portion of scripture, what would it be?”
Thanks anonymous reader :D…..(disclaimer, no one asked me this question, I just needed an intro).
BUT, my answer would definitely be 2 Peter 1:3-11. As a matter of a fact, the truths from this scripture I love it so much that I need more than one blog post to do it justice.
With that being said, let’s consider verse 3.
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
2 Peter 1:3 ESV
1. Who was Apostle Peter speaking to?
Before addressing the major points, it’s good for us to point out who Apostle Peter is addressing here. According to 2 Peter 1:1, we see clearly see that the audience is a body of Christ followers, or to be more specific, individuals who had obtained “a faith of equal standing” as Apostle Peter.
2. Power to do Everything
Now imagine you were given the privilege to become a professional NBA coach. (Clearly this is another example inspired by my obsession of basketball but stay with me).
Unfortunately, you have little or no experience with the NBA let alone coaching the first place. Thankfully you’ve been hit with most amazing news concerning your team! Your starting roster is comprised out of the following players:
- Steph Curry
- Kawaih Leonard
- Kevin Durant
- Lebron James
- Anthony Davis
If that wasn’t good enough, you’re assistant coaches are comprised out of:
- Gregg Popovich
- Brad Stevens
- Dwayne Casey
Now for the sake of non-NBA fans, this player and coach roster is essentially comprised out of the best of the best.
As a coach, you’ve essentially been given everything you possibly need to be successful in the NBA.
Although not quite identical , the promise Apostle Peter assures believers in 1 Peter 2:3 is similar to this
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.
A simple statement, with a clear interpretation and a surreal reality.
Everything we need to live this life AND walk in godliness (i.e., a life fully devoted to God) has fully been supplied to us through Christ and His divine power.
This gift is not “on its way”, it is already here, and active. The pursuit of godliness is now a reality not because of our strength, but because God in His grace has given us the ability to pursue it!
This truth truly shows us that God does not leave us alone to “figure out our salvation” all by ourselves. He has supplied us with every tool necessary for us to be fruitful in our lives as Christians.
3. Knowledge is Power
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him…
Just to amplify what was already stated in the previous point, God’s divine power has gifted every follower of Christ with divine power. However, as we look deeper into verse 3, we see that the means by which God has provided us this power is through our knowledge of him.
Interesting enough, in the original Greek, the word used to describe knowledge or “true knowledge” of God is epignósis.
This word means “knowledge gained through first-hand relationship“
As a matter of fact, the prize of believing in Jesus Christ IS to have a first-hand, personal relationship with God (John 3:16; John 17:3)
Thus, the measure of our effectiveness as Christians has a lot to do with how much we personally know God.
Scriptures through John 15 echo this truth by emphasizing the need for Christians to abide in Christ in order to bear fruit.
God has gifted us with the greatest gift we can ever imagine.
The gift of knowing Him more personally.
As such, we are no longer aliens to the encounters many men and women of God experienced in scripture. We can now know Him for ourselves.
The most effective men and women of God in scripture were individuals who cherished their personal relationship with Him above everything.
Here are a few examples:
Despite how great a “resume” these individuals have, we also have the ability to grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Be encouraged to rest in God, then practically walk in His ways KNOWING and BELIEVING that He has given you everything you need to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Soli Deo Gloria
Soli Deo Gloria 
2 Comments