RPG Adults
YE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE
LORD’S DAY, AUGUST 13
2 Peter 1:1-11
2 Peter 1:4
“Ye might be partakers of
the divine nature.”
YE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE
“Ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” This promise does not mean we may become gods, but we may have His eternal life and be like Him in His holiness and righteousness (1 John 2:25, Heb 12:10). The process is that of sanctification: growing more in God’s nature and dying more to self and sin and worldly lusts. Thank God for sharing with us His divine nature, the eternal life He is living! It is impossible to force a monkey to cite Psalm 23 in a spirit of worship, or a fish to live on dry land, or a pig to fly in the air because their natures are different. Likewise, it is impossible for sinful human beings to live a true Christian life. God knows this much better than we, so the most important requirement for human beings to be Christians is to be born again through the gracious work of God alone (John 1:12-13, 3:5)
Being born again and partakers of God’s nature by His grace, we are to keep on growing in His grace and knowledge and divine nature (2 Pet 3:18). To grow in Christ, we must give all diligence to add to our faith the virtue of Christ. Just as Christ lived on this earth, we are to do the same (1 John 2:6): with His moral perfection, goodness, gentleness, meekness, humbleness, kindness, courage, submission and obedience to His Father unto death. Then add to virtue, knowledge of God and His Word. This requires us to seek Him and His Word daily. Then add to knowledge temperance or self-control, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Then add to self-control, patience or endurance, never giving up our faith, trust, and hope in the Lord. Then add to endurance, godliness with our devotion, loyalty, reverence, and piety toward God. Then add to godliness brotherly kindness or brotherly love. And finally, add to brotherly love, divine love from God, which is based on His holiness and truth, loving everyone and desiring them to come to the saving knowledge of God and His Word.
THOUGHT: How wonderful to be partakers of God’s nature!
PRAYER: Father, help me grow in Thy grace, knowledge and nature.