Our Scripture reading shows us that a working knowledge of gospel truth is needed to have a godly and fruitful life.
- Grace and peace are multiplied in our life through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord (II Peter 1:2).
- This divine knowledge will infuse power into our lives and equip us for all that is needed for godly living (II Peter 1:3).
- This divine knowledge establishes exceedingly great ["magnificent"-NASB] and precious promises for us (II Peter 1:4).
- These promises enable us to be partakers of God's divine nature in our lives (II Peter 1:4).
- Peter will conclude his letter by encouraging us to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18 cp. I Peter 1:23 - 2:3).
Our Scripture reading continues by showing us how we need to respond to God's promises in the Bible. Our faith in His promises needs to be fed and developed (II Peter 1:5-8). If we are faithful in our response, God will minister to us in a greater way (II Peter 1:11 - note vs. 5 & 11 "add, supply, minister, richly provide" = same Greek word. See James 4:8a.).
In this study, we need to look at how God has given us a life full of promise and hope through the gospel. We need to look at the power that comes to us through these promises. We need to count our blessings and make good use of them!
God's promises give us:
- The gospel of our salvation (Romans 1:1-3a)
- Eternal life (I John 2:25)
- The Holy Spirit / The divine nature (Galatians 3:14; Ephesians 1:13; II Peter 1:3-4 cp. Luke 11:9-13 & Matthew 7:11. See also Galatians 5:16-25; II Peter 1:5-8)
- Entrance into God's family - we are His children (Galatians 4:28)
- Strong consolation/encouragement and hope [an anchor for the soul] (Hebrews 6:13-19; Romans 15:4,13 cp. Psalm 33:20-22; 56:10-11; 119:49-52, 114-116; 130:5-6; I Peter 1:3-5)
- A sense of direction / a desire for holiness (II Corinthians 7:1; II Peter 3:13-14; I John 3:2-3)
The Blessed Promises - What are God's Promises doing for you?
- Do you get joy?
- Do you get direction?
- Do you get power? - power that is making you more and more like Christ?
What are a few of God's promises?
- Eternal life (I John 2:25)
- A crown (James 1:12)
- A kingdom (James 2:5)
- A new heaven & a new earth (II Peter 3:13)
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