2 Peter 1:4 – “Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises that BY THESE you might be partakers of the Divine Nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, my heart was drawn to the epistle of 2 Peter.   Peter makes several interesting declarations, which could be considered challenges and are revelatory.

In 2 Peter 1:4, we read about Great and Precious Promises or ‘Exceeding Great and Precious Promises.  In vv.  2-3, we discover that the Promises include grace, peace, and knowledge of Jesus, as well as empowerment for life and worship.  Those promises and provisions are doorways to transformation.

Then he says, “Don’t stop there, do something more…”   In vv 5-8, we see the pathway to God’s fullness that we are to pursue diligently: faith, virtue, spiritual knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, kindness, and love.

Verse 8 – “For when (not if, when) these things are found among you and abound, you are not empty nor untruthful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Found or present and manifested.  In abundance or continually, are exhibited.)

Verses 10-11 speak of ‘good deeds’, making our calling and election sure.  Works?  No, the things identified in verses 5-8.  He says, “If those are characteristics of your life, you won’t fall.” He then reveals that practicing those things provides a portal into God’s everlasting kingdom.   This is part of Matthew 6:33, where we are instructed to seek God above all else.

He gives us the foundations of life and, from that platform, reveals that the coming trauma the world will experience won’t shake us.  As we consider what is happening and what is to come, we realize the answer to Peter’s question in 2 Peter 3:11 – “What manner of persons ought you to be in your holy conduct and godliness…”

In verse 14, he says something powerful: “Therefore, my beloved, while you look for these things (last days events), be diligent that you may be found by Him in peace, without spot and blemish.”

The focus is not on eschatological events and predictions but on Jesus.  It is on character.  It is on the presentation of Him to the world by our lives.  It is pulling down strongholds and setting the captives free.

2 Peter 2:9 is a verse to embrace as our personal promise and guarantee.  “The LORD knows how to deliver from distress those who revere Him, and He will reserve the wicked to be punished at the judgment day.” He knows how, and He does!

We have exceeding great and precious promises through which we have access to the Divine Nature and escape from the world’s corruption!

Focus on Jesus and diligently allow the Holy Spirit to shape your life, making your life full and fruitful.   Victory is ours!  Live full, live free, and live expectantly.  Do the deeds of righteousness!

Have a wonderful day and remember that we have Great and Precious Promises to Guide, Guard, and Gird us!