Partakers of the Divine Nature 2 Peter 1:4
Introduction:
Today we embark on a journey of discovery into the transformative power of God's truth, as revealed in 2 Peter 1:4. In this passage, Peter unveils a profound truth about our identity as believers—our participation in the divine nature. Let us delve into this scripture and uncover its riches, allowing it to deepen our understanding of who we are in Christ and how we are called to live transformed lives.
2 Peter 1:4 (NLT) "And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires."
Point 1: God's Promises Enable Us to Share His Divine Nature
In this verse, Peter highlights the foundational role of God's promises in our transformation. These promises, rooted in God's glory and excellence, are not merely words but powerful tools that enable us to partake in the divine nature. As believers, we are invited into a union with God Himself, experiencing His character, attributes, and purposes in our lives. This participation in the divine nature is made possible through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and transforms us from within.
God's promises, as revealed in Scripture, are not empty words but declarations of His faithfulness and power. They serve as catalysts for our spiritual growth and enable us to live godly lives.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT): "For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding 'Yes!' And through Christ, our 'Amen' (which means 'Yes') ascends to God for his glory."
This verse underscores the certainty and reliability of God's promises. In Christ, every promise finds its fulfillment, confirming God's faithfulness and His commitment to His people.
Romans 4:20-21 (NLT): "Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises."
The faith of Abraham serves as a powerful example. Despite facing seemingly impossible circumstances, Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promises strengthened his faith and glorified God.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "God’s promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine."
Romans 8:11 (NLT): "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you."
This verse speaks to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers. Just as the Spirit raised Christ from the dead, He empowers believers to experience newness of life and transformation.
Point 2: Escaping the Corruption of the World
Peter also emphasises that God's promises enable us to escape the corruption of the world caused by human desires. The world around us is tainted by sin and its destructive influences, leading to moral decay and spiritual death. However, through our participation in the divine nature, we are empowered to overcome the sinful inclinations of the flesh and live holy and righteous lives that honor God.
The corruption of the world refers to the sinful and fallen state of humanity, characterised by disobedience and rebellion against God.
Romans 1:21-25 (NLT): "Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen."
These verses depict the downward spiral of humanity's rebellion against God. Despite knowing God, people suppressed the truth and worshipped created things instead of the Creator. This led to spiritual darkness and moral degradation.
Ephesians 2:1-3 (NLT): "Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else."
This passage describes humanity's condition apart from Christ—spiritually dead in sin and enslaved to the desires of the flesh and the ways of the world.
A.W. Tozer once wrote, "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One."
1 John 2:15-17 (NLT) "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."
John warns against the love of the world and its corrupting influence. Believers are called to love God above all else and to resist the temptations of worldly pleasures, which are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying.
Point 3: Living Transformed Lives
As recipients of God's great and precious promises, we are called to live transformed lives that reflect His divine nature. This transformation encompasses every aspect of our being—our thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
The fruit of the Spirit is contrasted with the works of the flesh. Believers are called to cultivate virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which are evidence of the Spirit's work in their lives.
Transformation is a lifelong process initiated by God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It involves surrendering to God's will, renewing our minds with His truth, and yielding to His sanctifying work in our lives.
Romans 12:2 (NLT): "Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Believers are urged to renew their minds and not conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation comes through the knowledge and application of God's truth.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT): "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."
As believers behold the glory of the Lord, they are transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory by the Spirit of the Lord. This speaks to the ongoing process of spiritual transformation that occurs as believers encounter God's glory.
Oswald Chambers once said, "God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome."
Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) "Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."
Believers are called to put off their old selves, which are corrupted by deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of their minds. They are to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Application:
As we reflect on the truth of 2 Peter 1:4, let us embrace our identity as partakers of the divine nature with humility and gratitude.
The verses we have considered today collectively emphasise the transformative power of God's promises, the necessity of faith and obedience, the work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, and the call to live in accordance with God's truth, bearing witness to His glory and grace.
May we immerse ourselves in God's promises, allowing them to shape our beliefs, values, and priorities.
Let us resist the temptations of the world and pursue holiness, knowing that our lives are a testimony to God's transforming power.
As we journey forward, let us abide in Christ and walk in obedience to His Word, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfil His promises in our lives.
Call to Action:
Today, I encourage you to meditate on God's promises and their implications for your life.
Take time to prayerfully consider areas where you need transformation and ask the Holy Spirit to work in you.
Seek accountability and support from fellow believers as you strive to live in alignment with God's truth.
Remember, you are a beloved child of God, empowered to live a life that glorifies Him and bears witness to His grace.
Step boldly into the reality of your identity as a partaker of the divine nature, and may your life shine brightly for His glory.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, now and forevermore. Amen.
