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16. December 2007, 20:05

Walking Second Peter, Part 4

This Very Reason

Peter begins what is marked as verse 5 with, “For this very reason…” Critically, your mind should ask, “What reason?” The context points us to, “participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Now, the context taught is that verse 5 is to “escape the corruption”. But that ignores that escaping the corruption is tied to participating in the divine nature, and the divine nature is participated in through “his very great and precious promises” that he has given us.

If you don’t see yourself participating in the divine nature through the promises that promise that you are participating in the divine nature, how can you possibly add to your gift of faith any of the gifts of these qualities that are part of the divine nature? As Peter points out, if you don’t step into the circle, you can never see yourself in the loop.

Again, as Peter goes on to explain, this is all to remind us what we should already know. You know?

Posted by: HarryTick™ on 16. December 2007, 20:05 |

ADAM

Hi Bill,
I think my entire span of christian faith has always had an element of frustration with versus like these. Though inside myheart I knew that Christ was the one that produced the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit, I became speechless when another brother or my own mind got ahold of scriptures like these. Here is what I think most people see when they see this wittn out:
“For this very reason, “make evryeffort“to “ad“to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in “icreasing“masure, they “wll“keep you from being ineffective and “uproductive“in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” — 2 Peter 1:1-9, NIV


Posted 12/17/2007 02:25 AM
HarryTick™

Adam,

I agree. Certain words tend to stick out and are highlighted, actively and passively, through our Christian cultural experience. Who is to say that certain words weren’t chosen for just such an impact?


Posted 12/17/2007 03:11 AM
ADAM

that would be pretty diabolical..but knowing the flesh so well, can it ever be dissmissed? No, it’s really quite possible in my mind.


Posted 12/17/2007 02:24 PM