Partakers Of The Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:1-11

There is no denying that those who have “obtained like precious faith” in Christ need to and do grow in Christ Jesus.

In 1 Peter he wrote to encourage and strengthen persecuted believers.  In 2 Peter he writes to the Christian to motivate toward developing Character; he confronts false teaching and false teachers; and , he gives reasons for the delay of the second coming of Jesus.

OUTLINE –

I. PETER – SERVANT AND APOSTLE (vv. 1-2).

II.  DIVINE POWER; PRECIOUS PROMISES; DIVINE NATURE  (vv. 3-4).

III.  CHRISTIAN CONDUCT OF CHRISTIAN GRACES (vv. 5-7).

IV.  BUSY AND FRUITFUL INTO THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM (vv. 5-11).

I. PETER – SERVANT AND APOSTLE (vv. 1-2).

A.  A statement of humility – bond servant.

1. The servant is not above his lord (Matthew 10:24).
2. No one should assume more than that of a servant in the Lord.

B.  Apostle – a unique calling and commissioned eyewitness of Christ and His resurrection.

C.  Prayer/Announcement of grace and peace to multiply through knowledge.

II.  DIVINE POWER; PRECIOUS PROMISES; DIVINE NATURE  (vv. 3-4).

A.  His divine power gives us “all things” for life and godliness.

1. Through that strengthened knowledge, that intimate knowledge found only in knowing Jesus Christ.
2. Strength for life and enjoying it.

B.  Precious promises related to our salvation, life, – becoming children of God – being born again.

1. Possessing eternal life which comes only from above.
2. We are “new creations” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. We are given the Spirit of God – we possess Him and He possesses us.

C.  Partakers of His divine nature.

1. Eternity received from Him.
2. Made new in Christ.
3. Holy Spirit within all who have received Christ.

III.  CHRISTIAN CONDUCT OF CHRISTIAN GRACES (vv. 5-7).

A.  Diligent in adding to the faith.

1. Faith stands not alone.
2. Faith is moving and growing.

B.  To faith add virtue – goodness.

1. Excellence expressed through actions of godly love.

C.  To virtue add knowledge.

1. This virtue would include diligent study of the Word of God, living it.
2. “…truth properly comprehended and applied”  (The MacArthur Study Bible).

D.  To knowledge – temperance – or self control.

1. With the  “knowledge” we are better able and strengthened for self control.

E.  To self control – perseverance- spiritual staying power.

F.  To perseverance – godliness – living reverently and loyally to God our Father.

G.  To godliness – brotherly kindness – loving God causes us to love others.

H.  To brotherly kindness – love (1 Corinthians 13: 1 Peter 4:8).

IV.  BUSY AND FRUITFUL INTO THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM (vv. 5-11).

A.  Having the graces previously mentioned enables us to understand, know and grow more like our Lord.

B.  One who is growing in Christ is never idle or unfruitful.

1. Evangelism, discipleship, worship, ministry, and fellowship are all fruits of growth in Christian life.
2. Others will see the evidence of Jesus Christ in you.

C.  The entrance into His everlasting kingdom is ours.

-Tim A. Blankenship