It is by the Lord's divine power that we are granted all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). We all desire the power of God in our lives. So, because of our reverence for God's holy word, we will pursue a biblical understanding of how we can access those blessings.

The section of scriptures for this study is from 2 Peter 1:2-8. As a foundation to our lesson, we need to ask these questions: Who wrote this book (or letter), to whom was it written, and why?

It is obvious at the outset that this letter was written to Christians, by Peter. In verse 1, he says, "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle to them that have obtained a like precious faith?" Peter acknowledges Jesus Christ as the Lord of his life, with the use of the word bondservant or slave. Secondly, he represents himself as an apostle, with all the inherent authority that the delegated office held. Recognition of his authority is important when you understand the purpose of the book.

A careful study of this letter reveals that it was written to warn of certain false teachers who were attempting to corrupt the church (cf. 2 Pet. 2-3). The apostle felt an urgency, for he knew that his death by execution was swiftly approaching, according to the Lord's prophecy in John 12:18-19. Peter earnestly desired to prepare the brethren to stand firm for the truth against apostasy (cf. 2 Pet. 1:12-15).

Though written to the early church, this book, as the inspired word of God, also is very relevant to us. Certainly, the same warnings concerning false teachers are applicable. Peter "presents a message that is timely until the Christ's return" (D. Edmond Hiebert, Second Peter and Jude, An Expositional Commentary, Greenville, SC, Unusual Publications, 1989, p. 23). First, let us note verses 3 and 4.

"Seeing that his divine power has granted unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue."

The Lord's power is so magnificently demonstrated!

From the Bible we learn that the power of God has been shown supernaturally, that is, by miracles (cf. Wayne Jackson, Miracles, Stockton CA, Christian Courier On The Web; October 18,1998, http://www.christiancourier.com/archives/miracles.htm). His power is also demonstrated through his providence (working through natural law) (cf. Wayne Jackson, A Study of Divine Providence, Stockton, CA, Christian Courier On The Web, September 3, 1999, http://www.christiancourier.com/archives/providence.htm).

How can we know that God works providentially in our lives? We can be sure of God's providential involvement by studying biblically recorded works of the Lord which were not miraculous (e.g., those cases dealing with Joseph and Esther). We can know that he is active in our lives, because he promises to be. But we cannot prove that any specific event is the result of the providence of God. We may believe that a certain event came about by providence, as I do regarding my marriage to my mate, but it cannot be proved specifically. Let us consider some examples of God's power.

By God's power - the creation of all things was spoken into existence in only six days, not eons (Gen. 1, Ex. 20:11). Simple observance of the creation reveals to the honest mind his great power and divine wisdom (Rom. 1:20). Recently, as I gazed at that pumpkin-colored Harvest Moon, I was awed by the fact that certain atmospheric conditions have to occur for such beauty. That orb is not orange! (See: http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/moon/moonorange/). How majestic and awesome is the glory of God in the heavens!

"O Jehovah our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth, Who has set thy glory upon the heavens!" (Ps. 8:1).

"The heaven's declare the glory of God And the firmament showeth his handiwork" (Ps. 19:1).

The Lord’s creative genius and power are evidenced everywhere.

By God's Power - the universe is held together by his word (Heb. 1:3).

By God's Power - the law of Moses was given on Mt. Sinai to prepare the way for the Messiah (Gal. 3:9-24). And the plagues upon Egypt demonstrated that he is God Almighty (Ex.6:3, Rev. 4:8).

By God's Power - the world was providentially prepared for the coming of Christ (cf. Gal. 4:4). The Greeks contributed the most accurate language for human thought—which would later express the Lord's revelation of the New Testament. By Roman rule, peace and good roads for travel aided the spreading of the gospel.

By God's Power - a virgin named Mary of Galilee conceived baby Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 2:1-21; Gal. 4:4).

By God's Power - Jesus performed miracles which confirmed that his teaching concerning his sonship was true (Acts 2:22).

By God's Power - Jesus was raised from the dead, declaring that he indeed was the son of God (Rom.1:4).

By God's Power - that church which had been eternally planned was brought forth on the day of Pentecost with the Spirit's bestowal upon the apostles. (Eph. 3:10-11; Acts 1:8; Acts 2).

By God's Power - the apostles' preaching was verified by the miracles they performed (Rom. 15:17-19).

But now, what can the power of God do for us?

By God's Power - we can be saved from our sins through the gospel (Rom 1:16). (The word "power" in Romans 1:16 is the Greek word dunamis, from which is derived our English word "dynamite.")

By God's Power - we can have joy and hope (Rom. 15:13).

By God's Power - we can have strength in him (Eph. 3:14-16).

By God's Power - we can receive all things that pertain to life and godliness, and become partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:3).

By God's Power - we will be raised from the grave (1 Cor. 15:43).

By God's Power - we are guarded unto that final salvation (1 Pet. 1:5).

How can God's power be implemented in my life?

How am I going to connect to that amazing energy? First let us look at those verses outside of 2 Peter1.

How can we access the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16)?

We must obey the gospel. What is the gospel? It is record of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). How can I obey the gospel? By receiving it (obedient faith) (1 Cor. 15:1, Rom. 1:16). Obedient faith will lead to repentance, to the confession of Christ as Lord, to being buried with him in baptism (Rom. 6:2-11), and the rendering of faithful service—even in death if necessary (Rev. 2:10).

How can we access the power of God in joy, peace and hope (Rom. 15:13)?

The miracles of Christ and his apostles confirmed the spoken word of God. Once confirmed by miracles, the word remains confirmed. Thus the power of the Holy Spirit, in providing us with the records of the miraculous events, continues to confirm that the biblical message is true - so that we might believe and in believing have joy, peace, and hope (cf. Rom. 15:13).

In Acts 26:16-29, we have Paul's account of the Christ's appearance to him, telling him that he was sending him to the Gentiles "to open their eyes." Paul said he was obedient, declaring the message of repentance to many. What was it that he did to open the eyes of people? He proclaimed the word of God! Paul prayed that the Ephesians would, have the eyes of their hearts (or minds) enlightened, that they might know what is the hope of his calling (Eph. 1:18). Knowing the promises of God through his word will give us the anchor of hope and joy (1 Pet. 1:6-8; Heb. 6:13-19).

How can we be strengthened by the power of God in the inward man? (Eph. 3:14-16)?

Paul tells us to "be strong in the Lord" (Eph. 6:10). And he instructs us how to do that! We are to "put on the whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:11-17). That armor includes truth and the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Our strength comes from our knowledge of God's word, and applying it to our lives.

How is it that we can be guarded in the power of God unto salvation (1 Pet. 1:5)?

Peter tells us that it is through faith. We are to "long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that we may grow thereby unto salvation" (1 Pet. 2:2). We know that these verses do not suggest some sort of special, miraculous illumination of faith. (cf. Wayne Jackson, The Holy Spirit "Illumination" Theory: A Critical Review, Stockton CA, The Christian Courier On The Web, May 1, 2003.) How do we know that? The miraculous age has ceased (cf. Wayne Jackson, Miracles; see above). A careful study of 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 4:1-16, will show this. Such gifts have long ago passed from the church’s possession, with the death of the last individual upon whom the apostles laid their hands to impart spiritual gifts.

Blessings through Divine Power

Let us examine the blessings that Peter lists in the first few verses of 2 Peter 1.

Verse 2:

How can grace and peace be multiplied?

Peter's desire was that grace (unmerited favor) and peace (sense of well-being with others, self and God) be multiplied for these brethren. He declares that these epitomes of the true Christian life come through the growing "knowledge" of God and of Jesus. The form of the Greek word "knowledge," shows that this is an ever maturing, growing knowledge.

Verse 3:

How will divine power grant all things pertaining to life and godliness?

It is through the knowledge of him who called us?.

Verse 4:

How are those precious and exceeding great promises granted?

By our response to his calling us, through his glory and virtue. The Lord's divine glory and moral excellence draws us to him. He calls us through his glorious gospel (2 Thes. 2:14), which must be learned (Ro. 10:14).

How can we partake of divine nature (godly purity)?

The answer is in the verse: through the reception of those precious and great promises. When was that? When we escaped corruption. The phrase "having escaped from the corruption," refers to that time when the gospel was obeyed. Additionally and remarkably, we are continually cleansed by the blood of Christ, as long as we walk in the light (1 Jn. 1:7). We want "all things," but none of us will ever have all things! However, over and above the temporal, every one of us can have "all things that pertain to spiritual life [or vigor], and godliness." How can we? The text tells us: through the knowledge of Jesus Christ; and to really know him is to believe in him, and to love and obey him.

Faith Comes By Hearing

Romans 10:17 states that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Jesus said, "Come, learn of me" (Mt. 11:28-30). When good hearts truly learn Christ, they will be compelled by his magnificent glory, goodness, and moral excellence to obey him. God's word in the honest heart is a life-changing, motivating power. That powerful word is described as living and active (Heb. 4:12). It is all-sufficient to supply our needs (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Do we want the energy or power to get up and face the day? Do we want to have the perspective on life that will give us contentment and hope—even when things are not as we desire? Then we must practice the instruction of Paul (Phil. 4:4-9). We must learn Jesus and his word (Rom. 15:4). The Lord's way will lead us to light and truth (Jn. 14:6).

Let us resolve to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18), and then, and only then, will all things pertaining to life and godliness be ours through his divine power.