December 17, 2019: SOAP #3666:  2Peter 1-3; John 1

Scripture:  2Peter (NIV) 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Observation:  It is NOT our knowledge about Him that provides “everything we need for life and godliness,” it is our knowledge of Him.  It is personally knowing Him.  He gives us to “participate in the divine nature.”  That is more than a head knowledge.  It is a knowledge gained by personal experience.

It is “participating in the divine nature” that enables me to “escape the corruption/temptations in the world.”

Application:  The only one I can be is Leon.  I can in no way be Jesus.  If I am to “participate in the divine nature” Jesus would need to come and live His life in me.  I am blessed beyond all measure BECAUSE that is exactly what Jesus does!!!  He comes and lives in me!

Prayer:   Omniscient Father, you knew that even though I would be forgiven of my sins, I would still need power to overcome the human nature’s tendency to sin.  Through the work of the cross in my life, dying to my old nature, and through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, I am learning to say “yes” to Him and “no” to satan’s temptations.  I enjoy “participating in the divine nature!”   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!