STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“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.  Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”  2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Peter, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers who scattered after the crucifixion of Christ. (1 Peter 1:1-2)  After his opening greeting, Peter began this, his second letter to them, by confirming their calling and selection by The Lord God. (2 Peter 1:1)  He told them that God had given them all that they need to live right.  He also told them God had given them promises of things to come. (2 Peter 1:3-4)  He urged them to make every effort to live a Christ-like life which would keep them from being ineffective and unproductive in their efforts. (2 Peter 1:5-8)  Then he went on to remind them of the prophecies of the Holy Scriptures.  Peter wrote these words of encouragement to them because he knew that his earthly time was near the end. (2 Peter 1:12-15)  He told them that he was an eyewitness and that he heard the voice from heaven referring to Jesus, The Christ, saying, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1:17-18)  Then he told them that the prophetic message they bring is not from the prophets.  It is of Divine origin, delivered by through humans by the aid of The Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:19-21)

 

APPLICATION

If we have The Lord God in our hearts and in our lives, then we have all that we need.  We just need to have the courage and the conviction to do the right thing.  Unfortunately at times we simply choose to do the wrong thing, or choose not to do the right thing, or we choose to do nothing at all.  We need to pray for God’s help and strength to do that which is right.  We need to exercise our faith and to increase our knowledge of His Holy Word.  We were all put on earth for a purpose, so let us pursue that purpose with gusto.  We have the promises of God to look forward to down here and in the hereafter.