To Godliness And Eternal Life
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Suzanne Yong, PTM, Praise & Praise Ministry)
READ:
2 Peter 1 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Peter introduces himself as both bond-servant and apostle (a special messenger, personally-chosen representative) of Jesus Christ. There is a tremendous difference in status between an ambassador and a slave. As an apostle, he carries great authority; he communicates to the church as a representative of Jesus , but Peter identifies himself firstly as a slave (v1). He has learnt from his Master and Teacher that followers of Christ should be as those who serve (Luke 22:25-26).
Peter then describes his readers as those who have received and possess faith as precious and equal in rank, honour and privilege as his, by God’s will, through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Like Peter, our primary identity is a people saved by faith – not by personal effort that we can boast, but the undeserved gift from God, by His choice, through Christ’s consuming faithfulness to do right before God. This evokes Jesus’ teaching in Luke 10:19-20, that no matter how much authority we have in Him, the foundational joy in our lives is that we are saved by faith.
APPLY:
I have been saved by faith for eternal life and godliness (v3). Peter insists that I can’t have saving faith and live an unchanged life (v9), and exhorts me to diligently ensure my actions, thoughts, choices and behaviour reflect and confirm my relationship with God (v10). By actively developing the virtues in vv5-8, I will (1) never stumble in my spiritual growth but live a life that leads others away from sin, and (2) have the entry into Jesus’ eternal kingdom abundantly provided to us (v11).
The impetus for this effective ownership and personal responsibility is the true, intimate knowledge of God and Jesus (vv2-3). My understanding and grasp of the radiance and excellence of God’s glory, and the inexpressible value and magnificence of His promises bestowed on me (v4) imbue me with such a special sense of spiritual well-being (grace and peace, v2) that it spurs and empowers me to live an impactful, dynamic spiritual that life is constantly transformed by God.
DO:
1. Sit with God today; list and give thanks for the joys that come from being saved by faith.
2. Life with God, the sharing of His divine nature (v4), is indeed like a very precious treasure hidden in a field… a pearl of great value; hence, I need to steep in His Word daily and grow in the knowledge of God, that I may have the grace and peace to live as He desires for me.
PRAY:
May grace and peace be multiplied to us in the true, intimate knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (v2); may we be held captive by the majesty and holiness of His beauty and the greatness of His promises. Amen.
