2 Peter 1:3-4 is a significant scripture in this generation, especially in a world driven by massive economic activities. Day in and day out, people work so hard to get money to acquire material possessions. But are we called to pursue God or after things? Material possessions are good to have. But all of those things are meant to help you fulfil what God has called you to do, not to control your life. God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness, says 2 Peter 1:3. But there are principles that explain this scripture well. If you don’t get them right, you will be in trouble. Let’s delve deeper into today’s study-scripture verses.
Verse 3
“as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” – 2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)
So, in this verse, we understand that when it comes to things or possessions, God has given to us as long as we have eternal life. That is excellent news. Isn’t it? But you may ask yourself, where are they? Then, when such questions start bubbling up in your mind, you’ll begin to think about why you are struggling and don’t have this or that. Can you pause thinking for some minutes and look at the scripture again?
The Bible didn’t put a full stop to where it says God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness. No! There is more. When you stop there, you’ll get a partial revelation of the truth, and since a half-truth isn’t complete, you’ll start misinterpreting what God has said in His Word. And when you realise that what you saw in the Word isn’t working, then the devil makes you start doubting God. Take heed to practising diligent Bible study.
…through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue
This is the continuation of the verse 3. And as a matter of fact, it explains further what Peter said in the first part of the scripture. God has given you all things pertaining to life and godliness. But He did it through divine knowledge of Himself when He called you by glory and virtue. That is it! So, every believer has all things in Christ. But believers will only enjoy those possessions once they grow in divine knowledge. And let me tell you that “things” in the scripture don’t only refer to material things. No! Spiritual blessings are also part of it. So, if you want the gift of healing, it’s available. If you want a land to do God’s work, it is first in the Spirit before the natural.
Let me give you a simple analogy to explain this. Don’t you think of a product before using money to get it? So, it first came to your thoughts before your hands. Right? It’s the same with God. He promises before delivering them but in His time.
God is good, and He rejoices in the prosperity of His servant (see Psalm 35:27). Why do you think He’s going to make you suffer to get the very things He has given you? He’s not wicked. But He operates by divine structures. And that is what I’m talking about in the next verse.
Verse 4
“by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” – 2 Peter 1:4 (NKJV)
Now that you know you have all things in Christ, which is by divine knowledge, 2 Peter 1:4 says those things are great and precious promises from the Father. Yes, you have them. But God will provide in due seasons in your life. That is where developing patience steps in.
I want to tell you that there is a process between the time you pray when God reveals His promise to you in bits and when you see those promises materialise. You can’t get everything God promises you the moment He reveals to you. It takes time to fulfil a promise you make to someone, even as a human. How much more God?
Many people forfeit God’s timing for elevating their lives because of impatience. God didn’t call you to burden your life with the “how” behind fulfilling all the promises He tells you to do. Once you take that to yourself, you’ll start getting anxious. And it happens to several people, even surging deeper into depression.
There is a process between the time you pray when God reveals His promise to you in bits and when you see those promises materialise. You can’t get everything God promises you the moment He reveals to you.
Tweet
Partake in the divine nature
The things God has provided will come in His timing. But you and I are charged to partake in the divine nature. Why? So that we’ll not be caught up in the lust of the world. Therefore, instead of running around seeking after things, spend time knowing God more intimately. Fellowship with Him. That is how to partake in the divine nature. And I tell you, the closer you get to God, the more He’ll load your life with benefits (see Psalm 68:19). It’s not everything you should work hard for. There’s a way God convinces hearts to help you advance His purposes in your life. Don’t control it. Let God work.