Divine Power Begets Divine Nature

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

“His 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, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:2-8,10

Peter’s benediction and urging are borne of his being possessed and possessing. He is a servant of Jesus Christ by way of the Lord’s possessing him, and in that union he knows a faith and inspiration of the Spirit that have been supernaturally implanted. What he owns by divine power he wants to impart by that same power that all may be partakers of the divine nature. He would make every effort to make known the power of the Lord Jesus Christ so they would be able to practice His nature. (2 Peter 1:16)

What Peter has learned by practice, having persevered himself through impulsiveness and denial to a growing spiritual maturity, He imparts to his readers. God’s grace had been multiplied to him over the years, richly sowing truth into the eager, willing soil of his heart to beget vibrant faith and fruitfulness. He knew the process: keep supplementing, keep adding, keep growing, keep practicing. He works into the believer divine power that transforms the flesh nature. He works through ongoing exercise of applied faith and knowledge to bring forth rich and multiplying fruits of the Spirit. (Matthew 16:15-23; Luke 22:54-62; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23)

What difference has the power of the Holy Spirit made in my life- in my desires, thoughts and attitudes, speech and expenditures and activities, my very nature? Am I increasingly more loving to the unlovable, more patient, joyful, self-controlled? Do I worry less because I have more peace, and criticize less because I am more kind? If I have accepted the gift of God’s grace unto true peace with God, these realities should be obvious, significant, and measurable in my demeanor and actions. The divine power of God in me necessarily works out His divine nature. What evidence is there that He is present, and vibrant? (Numbers 6:24-26; Romans 5:1-5)

“Finish, then, thy new creation; 
true and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation 
perfectly restored in thee.
Changed from glory into glory, 
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee, 
lost in wonder, love and praise.” ~Charles Wesley (1747)

Father, by Your power in me form Your nature and increasing fruit, that Your praises be multiplied.