What a fantastic blessing for us to be at peace with the creator of all things! Not only that, but we are under his grace as well! It is just a great way to start every day – under God’s grace and being at peace with Him as well. “Grace and peace BE MULTIPLIED UNTO YOU through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2 [Wow, not just grace and peace but MULTIPLIED GRACE AND PEACE! How do we obtain this? “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.” 2 Peter 1:3 Remember the word “knowledge” comes from the Greek word epignosis two words: epi – marked upon, ginosko – a relation between the person knowing and the person known, a union as between a husband and wife. “Whereby are given unto 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.” 2 Peter 1:4 GOD HAS PROHIBITED THIS LUSTFUL NATURE! So how do we overcome this corruption in our lives? By: “….giving all diligence [persistence], add to your faith virtue [excellence]; and to virtue knowledge [this knowledge is from learning things through studying the word]; and to knowledge temperance [restraint, control]; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness LOVE [agape, Godly love]. 2 Peter 1:5-7 It’s by grace that we are saved… “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, THEY WILL KEEP YOU FROM BEING INEFFECTIVE AND UNPRODUCTIVE in your knowledge [epignosis] of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8 Check out the great promise “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, MAKE EVERY EFFORT to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, YOU WILL NEVER STUMBLE, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham