THE EXCELLENCE OF HIS MIGHT

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, 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. (2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

Sometimes a Christian will surprise me when it becomes evident that he or she has no true understanding of the great power of God. In the life of such Christians (if they are Christians at all), God is used primarily like a 911 call. Maybe they do not put it into words, but their attitudes reflect the belief that God doesn’t involve Himself in day to day life. Note, in the verse above, that by this power He has given us all we need concerning life and godliness. This is accomplished daily by His grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.

The knowledge of God is eternal life. (John 17:3 ESV) The Christian should desire, above everything else, to know God through Jesus Christ. If we glory in anything, let us glory in understanding and knowing God. (Jeremiah 9:23) He called us into His kingdom to become “partakers of the divine nature”.

Yet all of us, at times, forget the mighty power behind the promises of God. Instead of focusing on God, we are often overwhelmed by the circumstances we face. We, like the Ephesians, need to be reminded of “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:19 ESV)

God’s divine power has given us everything we need. The power of God helps us to live by the Scriptures. When we obey God’s Will, we are practicing godliness. God also gives us the knowledge we need for His service and the promise of sharing His holy nature with the faithful. That is, our lives become mirrors reflecting God’s virtues.

God made the earth by His might and wisdom. (Jeremiah 10:12 ESV) Is His great power not perfected in our weakness? (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV) Paul writes:

For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:20 ESV)

Through the excellence of God’s might, we overcome the inherent evil of this world. The immoral are terrified of His judgement, while those making Gospel progress are comforted by His power. The Christian’s help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:2 ESV) and we know that God works everything out to the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28 ESV) In God’s mighty power, the believer finds assurance:

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. (Psalm 146:5-7 ESV)