May 26, 2021 -- II Peter 1:2-4 -- Excuse-busting power in Christ
/2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3 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, 4 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.
II Peter 1:2-4 English Standard Version
Today’s passage is a powerful excuse buster as God’s grace is multiplied to believers. You have so many excuses—I can’t do this. The temptation is just too strong. I couldn’t stop. I didn’t even realize it was sin. I didn’t know what I did would cause so many problems. I can’t handle the consequences so I’m just going to give up.
Excuse buster 1—God’s grace and peace are multiplied to you in the knowledge of God. The God of infinite power has set His blessings on all you who believe. It doesn’t matter how big or small your faith is, this depends on His omnipotence (the fact He is all-powerful).
Excuse buster 2—The Spirit of the Living God has taken up residence in your heart and life. You have the full power of God for ALL THINGS—all circumstances, defeat of all sins, hope and strength in holiness.
Excuse buster 3—Jesus has provided escape from the corruptions of the world and thrown down sinful desires. He is the Desire of All Nations, He is the glory of the temple (Haggai 2:7). Satan has been disarmed at the cross of Jesus Christ so that you have new life. So your heart as a new directive and a new desire—pursue Jesus!
Excuse buster 4—the promises of God are “yes” and “amen” in Jesus. To live in the strength which God has promised you in this passage, you need to know the Word and the many, rich and varied promises of God which fill the Scriptures. The more you know God by knowing His Word, the more you have peaceful confidence to face down the sins which had been overwhelming you.
Applying the strength of this passage: ask God for His help. Find a Christian friend whose walk with God you admire and agree together to walk out your faith in daily life, holding each other accountable to keep applying the excuse-buster power of Scripture. Read the Bible. Listen to the Bible. Memorize the Bible. Be a fully engaged member of a Christ-exalting, Bible-believing Church.
Father in heaven, Your majestic voice gloriously declared “This is My Beloved Son, with Whom I am well-pleased”. It pleases You to empower Your children to live in the grace and peace which Jesus’ obedience has won for all who believe. Father in heaven, pour out Your Spirit so that this power for life and godliness truly directs us in obedient and joyful submission to Your Word and will. Amen.
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