Scriptural text: 2 Peter 1:3-14
Lesson Background:
First Peter was a letter of encourage- ment to the Christians who suffered under the Roman Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians. Second Peter focuses on the church’s international problems, especially on false teachers who were causing people to doubt their faith and turn away from Christianity. At the time of this letter, Peter knew that his time on earth was limited, so he wrote about what was on his heart warming believers what would happen when he was gone, especially about the presence of false teachers.
Divine Power ( 2 Peter 1:3-4): Particular Privileges ( 2 Peter 1:3).
“According as his (God’s) divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him (Jesus Christ) that hath called us to glory and virtue.” Here Peter expands upon how the growth in the knowledge of God takes place. The word “life” refers to the eternal spiritual “life” received through trusting Jesus Christ and “godliness” describes the believers’ attitude and conduct as measured by God’s standard. “Godliness” is a way of life that properly references God. It was im- portant that these believers knew that God’s “divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” That is to say, God has fully equipped all believers with everything we need concerning eternal “life” and “godliness,” or the way that we should live as believers. Here, Peter is talking about spiritual growth. The power to grow does not come from within us, but from God. WhatGod has given to us to live godly lives lacks nothing as indicated by the phrase “hath given to us all things.”
Precious Promises (2 Peter 1:4).
In this verse, Peter continues to write “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The word “Whereby” refers back to the divine power and divinely granted knowledge of God mentioned in the previous verse. Because we are God’s people we have been given “exceeding great and precious promises.” Many of God’s great “promises” relate to eternity and the many heavenly rewards that believers anticipate receiving. However, the “precious promises” that Peter is referring to here are those that we enjoy in this present Christian life. Sharing in God’s “divine nature” does not mean we can become gods. It means we commit our lives to Christ and purse holy living and we become more like Him. As a result, people ought to be able to see Jesus in our daily lives. This is possible because we have “escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” In other words, since we belong to God we are no longer in the grips of sin and “corruption” that comes from our “lust.” The Greek word for “lust” in the New Testament refers to “a strong desire,” usually an evil one. But through regeneration, or new birth we have a new nature which produce new desires and helps us overcome sin in our lives.
Discipleship Priorities (2 Peter 1:5-9):
Add to your faith(2 Peter 1:5-7).
(vs. 5). “And besides this , giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” The phrase “And beside this “refers to our standing in Christ. Peter’s readers were encouraged to give “all diligence’ and “add to your faith.” Since we are partakers of God’s divine nature, there is no reason for us to back slack in our efforts to live the Christian life.
References: Standard Lesson Commentary, KJV 2022-2023