Today’s Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1, NIV- “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:”
How precious is your faith? Simon Peter defines who he is in Jesus Christ. He shares what he has so we can also know a faith as precious as the one He had received. He boldly and humbly identifies himself as a servant.
Most people are afraid to identify themselves as servants today. The world presents this as a weakness. The world would like to convince you that you are a victim. However, Jesus and His followers present us as divine and convince us that serving others is our greatest strength. Peter and the rest of us can confidently confess and define ourselves as servants and followers of Jesus Christ.
Peter also says this precious faith was “received” through Jesus Christ. We try to create this type of faith. We seem to think having a strong faith is up to us. Peter is sharing a precious faith we must simply receive.
In 2 Peter 1:2, Peter continues by wishing upon us what he knows he has already received. The hope and knowledge that God gives us more and more grace and peace as we grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. In the following verse, 2 Peter 1:3, Peter assures us that God’s divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
Let us read that again, we already have what it takes to live a godly life, but it is NOT because we know how to live a godly life it is because all we need to know is God and our Savior Jesus Christ. We can spend a life trying to figure out life, when all that life requires is that God is the figure of our searching. However, God simplified it even more in this verse as He promises that He called us! It is not even up to us to make the call, only answer it!
These promises of God allow us to share in the divine nature of God. This is too wonderful for us, yet our hearts are warmly drawn to His beauty and glow. Because God has called us, we can live 2 Peter 1:5-7. We can add to our faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. (NIV)
1 Peter 1:8, NLT puts it this way “The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” How do we grow like this? We pray and read God’s Word for us. Strangely I was drawn to affirmations at a much younger age and misunderstood and misused the process of growing more productive and useful.
I affirmed and sought what I thought was the meaning to life at the time, being productive and rewarded in the ways of man. However, I have come to know the true meaning of life and godliness is to seek after and affirm the qualities and character of God. The more we affirm and seek to be like Jesus the more productive we will be in the kingdom of God and complete the race He Himself has called us to.
How will you increase your knowledge of God and Jesus Christ today?
Today’s Prayer: Thank You God for calling us into Your divine nature. Jesus, thank You for being our Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving us and giving us this precious faith that only You can give. Lord Jesus, please fill us with Your faith so we may serve You and share the precious faith You have given us. Thank You for the abundance of grace and peace You continue to give to us. Please fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we may live Your goodness and love to encourage others to receive Your precious faith. Amen
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