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Everything we Need
2 Peter 1:1-4 (focussing on 3,4)
1Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Power
Promises
Participating in the divine nature
What a promise. God’s DIVINE power HAS given us everything we need for life and godliness. Reaction can be “so what’s wrong with me” But rather I see this as an invitation to go higher with God – to raise my game. To live by faith
As we acknowledge the truth of God’s word and align our lives to that truth, because the truth we know sets us free.
In today’s world, I want to experience God’s power. We were born for such a time as this.
If we will build our lives on the rock (of God’s word) – the storms may come but we will withstand. His Divine Power had given us everything we need.
The Greek word for life is “zoe” and is the same word used in John 1:4 in Him was life and that life was the light of men. So this is the God kind of life. This is not an ordinary life limited to the sense realm, but a “super” (above) the natural life.
God is a spirit, so as we connect to Him, it will be in the realm of the spirit. . The spirit realm is superior. My body may be decaying, but my spirit man in getting stronger and more vibrant, as my mind is renewed.
Godliness means being like God or holy. A genuine reverence for God that governs one’s attitude toward every aspect of life. So everything we need is available to us to live lives that are pleasing to God.
It seems to me that the longer I know the Lord, the more aware I become of my lack and His greatness. So whenever I see His life, His power, His grace, His peace on offer – I am in line to receive.
Eph 6:10 Be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power. Too often we try and muster up strength ourselves. I am learning to ignore my FEELINGS and step out in faith, and find that His strength shows up. That’s the life of faith. Meeting recently – apprehensive – but then in the room relaxed and enjoyed it. LISTENING TO MYSELF – GOOD!
So how do we experience this power for living? Through our knowledge of him, through knowing Jesus Christ who has called us. It all flows from the one who said He would be with us always. He is God.
Hands free phones in the car are wonderful because you can be praying or praising God and you don’t feel like people think you are an idiot!
There is always a way
I have got what it takes
Everything we need is available
Supernatural power for the natural world in which we live
Jesus has given us PROMISES to live by. As we understand God’s word, we can live the “zoe” life of God, the life of faith.
It is through the PROMISES that we participate in the divine nature. Not that we in any way become divine, but we become like more like God.
Isaiah 55:8-13
God says
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 SO IS MY WORD that goes out from my mouth: The PROMISES
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in JOY SUPERNATURAL JOY
and be led forth in PEACE; PEACE
the mountains and hills
will burst into song BEFORE YOU, GOD MAKES A WAY
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."
So it is through the promises of His word that we participate in the divine nature. We see things from God’s perspective. Think the way he thinks. He does not leave us in the dark, but sends His word which illuminates our path.
IF we will give the Lord the time to speak to us, He will.
Romans 4:20,21 Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding THE PROMISE OF GOD but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Walking in the divine nature will influence:
How we think
How we speak
How we act
SPEAKING:
Genesis 1:3 “Let there be light, and there was light” literally LIGHT BE
Jesus spoke,
To trees that did not bear fruit
To blind eyes,
To deaf ears,
To dead bodies Lazarus
To a storm and Peace! Be still! (Mark 4:39)
* I speak to my business and tell it to increase. I call income into my business quoting Psalm1 which says that whatever I do prospers, and that the windows of heaven are open to me
* I speak to depression and confess I have a sound mind
* I speak to fear and release faith
* I speak to my debts and call them paid in full
* I confess I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath.
* I confess I am strong
ESCAPE THE CORRUPTION in the world through evil desires.
We can live on a different level:
We can rise above the challenges of life
REACH OUT AND TAKE THE PROMISE
Being saved
Romans 10:9 “…if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Material needs
Matthew 6:33 “…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Psalms 23:1 “…The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing”
Strength
Joel 3:10 “…Let the weak say I am strong.”
Feeling weak
2 Corinthians 12:9 “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Healing
Matthew 8:17 “…He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases”
Wisdom
James 1:5 “…If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Hearing the Lord’s voice
John 10:14-16 “…I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me… They too will listen to my voice…”
God’s help in difficulty
Isaiah 41:10-13 verse 13 “…For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
A future hope
Jeremiah 29:11 “…For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
Jesus is the burden bearer.”
When you are burdened
Matthew 11:28 “…Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
What a promise
When you need joy
Psalm 16:11 “…In your presence is fullness of joy”
If these don’t cover your situation, then use our foundation scripture 2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness |
Paul Addison, 05/04/2009 |
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