AN EMPOWERED PEOPLE



1. Divine Power (2 Peter 1:1-9) 

2. Divine Calling (2 Peter 1:10-15) 

3. Divine Revelation (Matthew 17:1-5; 2 Peter 1:16-21) 

Central Truth: God calls and empowers Christians to overcome. 

Focus: Consider Christ’s life-changing power and live according to the divine nature. 

Evangelism Emphasis: Christ empowers believers to live as His witnesses. 

Text: “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). 

INTRODUCTION 

This lesson focuses on the resources provided by God that enable Christians to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ. It also examines the expectations God has for us. We are in a living relationship with God. There are some things we expect from Him, such as salvation, provision, and His presence. There are also some things He expects from us. However, God never expects without giving us the ability to fulfill those expectations. 

Spiritual growth is not an option for the child of God. Neither does it come without intentionality, determination, and a plan. It helps to take a spiritual inventory of our lives to see where we are and what we need to move to a deeper, more intimate walk with God. This can be accomplished through prayer and meditation on the Word. A specific plan must then be formulated to address these areas in our lives that need to be addressed. We can and must grow in His grace. It is the will of God, who provides the powerful resources to make this possible. 

1.   DIVINE POWER 

A.  Awesome Promises (2 Peter 1:1-4) 

 1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

This salutation informs us that spiritual leaders are divine gifts from God. These leaders provide an example to follow, contribute to the expansion of the kingdom of God, and have God-given talents, blessings (“grace and peace,” v. 2), and words to share. Here, the earthly source of this message is Peter, one of the Twelve. He was not perfect, yet he was God’s chosen leader as an “apostle” (a messenger or representative from God) and a “servant” (one who ministers to others as unto the Lord). Peter was well aware of the tension between the two callings that become one ministry. 

The recipients of this letter are “those who have received through a divine gift the faith that is equally precious and honorable as ours” (v. 1, author’s translation). No matter how far in time we are removed from the cross of Christ and the proclamation of its witness, we have the same standing in the sight of God as the apostles! Even the “least” in the Kingdom are as great as the greatest (Matt. 11:11; 25:40; Eph. 3:8). 

Through the power of God, we have access to everything we need for “life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). It is a promise to supply all of our needs for life on the earth, as well as whatever we need to live in right relationship with God (“godliness”). We are called to reflect God’s majesty (“glory”) and goodness or excellence (“virtue”) in the midst of the darkness, so that others might see the light and be drawn to Him. As in verse 2, our ability to participate in this provision of God is dependent on our knowledge of Him. It is not just mental knowledge, but also encompasses the spirit, emotions, and will. It is knowledge that willfully and intentionally experiences God. The goal is to know Him so intimately that we flow in and with His love and power. 

The ability to grasp such a lofty goal is not left to our own abilities. We are the recipients of “very great and precious promises” (v. 4 NIV). The Old Testament is full of promises—promises of deliverance (Ps. 32:7), healing (Isa. 61:1), and hope (Jer. 29:11), to name a few. Those promises are fulfilled in and through Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 1:20), as are the New Testament promises of salvation (Acts 4:12), the Second Coming (John 14:3), and a new home (1 Thess. 4:17) for those who believe in Him. 

These promises enable us to be “partakers” (fellow participants) of His “divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). There are aspects of God’s nature or attributes in which humanity cannot participate, such as His omnipresence and omnipotence. There are, however, qualities of God in which we can share, such as love, life, holiness, and goodness. This work of God in our lives enables us to “escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (v. 4 NIV). This escape is both present and future, giving us hope in freedom from sin now and escape from the influences of this world at the appearance of Jesus Christ. 

Hear God’s Word 

The Bible, God’s inerrant Word, is forever true whether or not anyone reads or believes it; but it becomes of value to you when you get hold of it for yourself. Never leave a passage of Scripture until it has said something to you.—Robert Cook 

B.  Godly Character (2 Peter 1:5-7) 

 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 

 Character is best understood as who we are when no one else is looking. It is who God knows us to be. Character governs conduct, so its development is crucial to the spiritual health of the believer. Each of these qualities builds on the previously mentioned one. They all start with faith. 

The first inner quality is moral excellence (“virtue”). God is not looking for people who simply do right; He is looking for people who do right because they are right with Him (see 2 Chron. 25:2). The second inner quality is insight and understanding. It is “knowledge” that discerns God’s nature, will, and purpose, and continually develops from being immersed in the Word of God and the flowing of the Spirit. Thus, it is aware of the spiritual forces at work and knows how to effectively counteract them through the Spirit. 

The third inner quality is disciplined self-control (“temperance”). It is willfully placing the desires of the flesh in submission to God. The fourth inner quality is persistent perseverance (“patience”). The growing Christian must remain loyal to the faith and promises of God despite the circumstances. 

The last inner quality listed here is godliness. This is a decision to live in a way that is always conscious of God’s provision and presence. It is leading a life that is a visible testimony to God and brings Him glory. 

The passage progresses to qualities that are more outward in their expression. As we develop the inner person (attitudes), the outward person responds to that development (actions). For example, the heart governs what the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). The thoughts on which we dwell affect our behavior (Prov. 23:7). It is a compelling reminder of how the spirit affects the flesh—both positively and negatively. Specifically, Peter calls for two types of love to be developed and shared. Together these types of love fulfill Jesus’ summary of the Old Testament expectations (see Matt. 22:37-40). 

“Brotherly kindness” is love for a brother or sister and is used in the New Testament for love between fellow believers—spiritual family members (see Rom. 12:10). Jesus declares that our love for fellow believers serves as a powerful witness of our faith (John 13:35). 

The scope of our love is then extended beyond the church through the highest degree of love (agape). It is a deep, devoted love that originates not from a feeling, but a decision. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13 NKJV). 

• Why is faith the starting point in Christian living? 

C.  The Necessity of Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1:8-9) 

These spiritual qualities (vv. 5-7) should be evident in our lives and “abound” in such a way that they are caused to increase continually (v. 8). Some people undertake spiritual disciplines only because they are required to do so. They usually do no more than is required—if that. These individuals are also usually unhappy and unfulfilled people. Others do the same things joyfully because they want to develop, mature, prepare themselves for further service, excel in the faith, and please God. The apostle says those who undertake spiritual growth willingly and with zeal (“abound”) shall not be barren. 

Those who neglect or do not possess these qualities (“lacketh”) are “nearsighted and blind” (v. 9 NIV). The New Testament often illustrates loss of spiritual vitality through the imagery of blindness (Matt. 15:14). Lost sight results in forgetting the importance of being “cleansed from . . . past sins” (2 Peter 1:9 NIV). However, if we forget what God has done in the past, we will not expect cleansing in the present. If we are not cleansed in the present, we have no future. We either grow or we deteriorate. 

• How can a spiritually blind believer recover his vision? 

2.   DIVINE CALLING 

A.  The Assurance in Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 1:10-11) 

 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Peter reminds his readers we are pilgrims on a journey. We can determine the outcome of that journey by working diligently to make certain our “calling and election” (v. 10) are steadfast. The image is that of an anchor holding a ship securely in the midst of a storm. We have been called to be saints of God and witnesses of His grace. Continual spiritual development enables us to walk without stumbling and assures acceptance at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 

When Christ comes, we can enter His everlasting kingdom “abundantly” (v. 11), not merely by the skin of our teeth. If we have allowed Christ’s virtues to flow through us, we can expect our works to survive God’s testing by fire, revealing them to be as gold and silver, bringing us rewards (see 1 Cor. 3:10-15). 

Eternity Beckons 

In The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan tells of Pilgrim’s seeing the doors of the heavenly city opened for a brief moment. What Pilgrim sees during the brief time encourages him to fight even harder the rest of the way. While we have not had a literal glimpse of heaven, God has given us “a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” (Eph. 1:13-14 NIV). The portion of God’s power we have received through the presence of His Spirit should intensify our efforts to be with Him throughout eternity. 

B.  Truths to Remember (2 Peter 1:12-15) 

 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 

 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 

Simon Peter thought it right to remind his readers, while he was living, of what they already knew, for he was conscious that his death as foretold by the Lord (John 21:18-19) was not far off. 

Matthew Henry commented: “The nearness of death makes the apostle diligent in the business of life. Our Lord Jesus had shown him that the time of his departure was at hand, and therefore he bestirs himself with greater zeal and diligence, because the time is short. He must soon be removed from those to whom he wrote; and his ambition being that they should remember the doctrine he had delivered to them, after he himself was taken away from them, he commits his exhortation to writing.” 

3.  DIVINE REVELATION  

A.  The Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-18; Matthew 17:1-5) 

 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 

Peter informs the readers that their faith is not founded on “cunningly devised fables” (v. 16). A fable is a myth that contains just enough truth to be enticing and believable, but twists the truth to present the ideas of the myth’s teacher. These fables are contrasted to the truthful eyewitness accounts of the apostles and others who witnessed the powerful ministry of Jesus Christ. Peter is not presenting something he has heard or invented, but something he witnessed and experienced. 

Jesus’ role as the true revelation of God is solidified through Peter’s recounting of the Transfiguration account (v. 17). Peter, James, and John witnessed the special recognition (“honor”) and radiant splendor (“glory”) bestowed on Jesus, especially on the Mount of Transfiguration. Honor is something one achieves through accomplishment. Glory is a divine attribute that Christ shares with the Father. 

On this mountain, Jesus was “transfigured before them [Peter, James, and John], and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white” (Matt. 17:2 NRSV). They heard God the Father declare, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (v. 5 NRSV). 

The apostle emphasizes, “We ourselves heard the declaration that came out of heaven” (2 Peter 1:18, author’s translation). Peter is not a creator of fables, but a credible eyewitness, willing to lay down his life for the cause of Christ (see vv. 13-14). Peter calls the place “the holy mount,” but his emphasis is not on the physical location; rather, the Person honored and the manifestation of God’s glory made the mountain a sacred and holy place. 

The Only One 

At the end of the scene the disciples saw no man save Jesus alive. Moses and Elijah, the Law and the promise, types and shadows, pass away; the Gospel, the fulfillment, the substance, Christ remains—the only one who can relieve the misery of earth and glorify our nature, Christ all in all.—Smith’s Bible Dictionary 

B.  The Inspired Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21) 

 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 

Peter states the “word of prophecy” is more “sure” (trustworthy) than the fables of the false teachers. The test of prophecy is its fulfillment (Deut. 18:22). God has confirmed His Word through Jesus Christ (Acts 10:37-40), His messengers (Mark 16:20), and His Spirit (1 Thess. 1:5). The fables of the false teachers are contrasted with divine revelation. 

His command is clear: we must pay close attention to and obey (“heed”) the real prophetic word. Heed originally meant “to bring a ship to its proper port.” Apparently, the false teachers were telling the readers to ignore the teaching of Peter and the apostles, a common problem in the early church (see Gal. 1:7-9). It is also a problem that has not gone away and always results in a spiritual shipwreck. Peter informs them the prophetic word is like “a light that shines in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19 NKJV). The word for dark occurs only here in the New Testament and carries the idea of a dirty, dismal place devoid of light. It speaks to the spiritual condition of those without the light of God. Light draws attention, pierces the darkness, illuminates its surroundings, and provides the ability for the eye to focus on reality rather than perception. This light will bring forth the dawn of a new day and the revelation of Jesus Christ (“day star”) in their lives and hearts in the present, as well as in the future when He appears for His church. 

Verse 20 has been understood as saying no one person has the only interpretation of any scripture. The Lord is a God of relationship who wants to reveal Himself to all His people, not reserve the understanding of His Word for elite factions or select individuals. As well, God and His Word are multifaceted and can minister to each of us in different ways, based on where we are in our walk with Him and the situations we face. This does not mean we can interpret Scripture any way we choose. Our interpretations and applications of spiritual things are subject to critique and confirmation by other believers (1 Cor. 14:29) and must not violate other scriptures. 

Verse 20 of the text has been understood to say Scripture is God-breathed, not humanly inspired. It came solely through the will of God (v. 21). Holy men of God spoke from God only after they were moved by Him through the Holy Spirit (2 Sam. 23:2). This is a beautiful depiction of the symmetry that transpires in our spiritual walk with God. He calls, moves, and inspires. We hear, respond, and flow in the power of the Spirit. He does not violate our wills and we cannot usurp His. It is this networking of the divine and human wills that results in God’s plan being accomplished. 

• How is the Bible a one-of-a-kind book? 

EVERYTHING WE NEED 

A dwarf is a person of short stature—under 4 feet 10 inches as an adult. More than two hundred different conditions can cause dwarfism. A single type, called achondroplasia, causes about 70 percent of all dwarfism. This is a genetic condition that affects about one in twenty-five thousand people. It makes one’s arms and legs short in comparison to their head and trunk. Dwarfism itself is not a disease. However, there is a greater risk of some health problems. With proper medical care, most people with dwarfism have active lives and live as long as other people (information from MedlinePlus). 

Spiritual dwarfism is another matter. There is no reason for a Christian not to continually grow spiritually, for God “has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV). God calls and provides the resources for every Christian to grow in Christ. The question is, Will we “make every effort” (v. 5 NIV) to become all that He wants us to be? 

Daily Devotions  

M.  God’s Power in Egypt (Exodus 9:13-17) 

T.  God’s Power in the Sanctuary (Psalm 63:1-6) 

W.  God’s Power in the Wilderness (Psalm 106:1-12) 

T.  Power for a Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8) 

F.  Power on the Damascus Road (Acts 26:12-18) 

S.  Power Given to Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2020-2021.

Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels.