Today’s Superverse is 2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Peter starts his discussion of Christian life by recalling God’s gifts to believers. He encourages Christians to use these spiritual tools in order to increase godliness and sanctification in their lives.
Peter insists that God’s written Word, His prophetic message, is more than mere fiction: It consists of truth confirmed by eyewitness testimony.
God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
God has provided Christians with everything necessary for a godly life in this passage – both life and godliness are used interchangeably here – meaning He has blessed those He calls with an existence focused on Him.
Peter starts by identifying himself as Simon (sometimes known as Simeon). He refers to himself both as a servant and apostle; by emphasizing the former title with humility and dignity while emphasizing being on an equal basis with all Christians as an obedient slave of Jesus Christ, and using “apostle” with its more narrow meaning of one who was sent by Him and has seen Him alive since His resurrection, Peter emphasizes his equality among them all as an equal servant/apostle relationship with one another.
Experienced believers become “partakers of the divine nature.” In Greek, “partaker” translates as “sharer in the holy spirit.” Having this precious faith means they become “partakers of God’s life”, making them His children now and always.
God has called us to live a godly life.
Genuine Christians possess all of the spiritual resources they require for living an exemplary life, never asking God for anything extra, such as ladders or horses, in order to scale virtue’s ladder and reach heaven’s summit.
Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life, possibly while in prison, to warn believers against false teachers introducing heresies and immorality into churches. Peter repeatedly stressed how knowledge of Jesus can combat such ideas.
Peter begins this letter by identifying himself as “Simon Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). His choice of words conveys both humility and dignity – reminding readers that he stands on equal ground with other Christians as an agent of Christ and eyewitness to his transfiguration; at the same time being divinely appointed and appointed an apostle by Him.
God has given us His Holy Spirit.
Peter begins this second chapter by reminding those he refers to as Christians of their gift of salvation through Christ, as well as what it means to lead an honorable life and how the Holy Spirit can assist in that pursuit.
Peter continues by outlining the source of their salvation, explaining it was revealed through the prophetic process when the Holy Spirit moved men who spoke on God’s behalf. He emphasizes that true prophecy should always be guided by Holy Spirit’s leading.
He emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in providing Christians with insight and understanding of God’s Word, which serves as their salvation source. According to him, this wisdom helps ward off false teachers infiltrating Christian communities with destructive heresies. Additionally, such knowledge helps grow relationships with Jesus so they are ready for his return, with eternal glory promised to them for their efforts in heaven.
God has given us His Word.
Step one of living a godly life is believing God’s Word to be true, which Peter emphasizes by reminding people that Scripture is indeed from Him (John 1:14).
The Greek word for “truthful” (aletheos) also carries with it an understanding that applies to our salvation: that the Lord remains true to Himself and His Word forevermore.
The Thessalonians recognized Paul’s words as the Word of God because they trusted and believed his message, an act of faith on their part. Trust is built by trusting in Him who opens our eyes and hearts to see His word as divine; that’s why faith comes about; He opens our minds and moves our hearts so we recognize it for what it truly is–His divine Word, power, and salvation provided through Jesus Christ (John 17). God doesn’t reveal Himself through human wisdom but rather by moving certain men inspired by Him (Juan 17), He always keeps His promises (Jer 17; Matthew 24:35). And He always keeps His promises (John 17). He never breaks His promises! He keeps His promise!
