2 Peter 1:1-15
Identity is powerful and it forms our habits.
It is easy to read this passage and focus only on what we should be doing. We focus on the imperative to add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, and godliness. The beauty of this passage is what God has done for us and who he has made us. Let's not miss it. Now, I know that Peter is speaking in sweeping generalities. However, notice that God's divine power has granted you and me all things that pertain to life and godliness. His giving and revealing power are working through the knowledge of God himself. He is the one who has chosen us and called us to know His glory and excellence. Wow.
Next, He gives us promises that are precious and great. These promises grant us the ability to share or partake of the divine nature. What does that even mean? Do you participate in the divine nature? Perhaps these promises provide a guarantee of our salvation. Paul told the Philippian church that he was "confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1;6). Our great God isn't powerful to save us once. His power and sacrifice are sufficient to keep us saved until he comes again. If we are chosen then we are His, no question.
Paul also tells the Romans 'That we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" and that "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37-39). We, therefore, have a connection to the great redeemer. If this is true about me, then how great is my connection to him? Would I call myself a partaker of the divine nature? Is it how I would identify?
All this talk of partaking in God reminds me of the ordinance of communion. I'm so glad that Jesus asked us to remember him in this way. We should remember our Lord in communion and do it often and together. This gathering is like a holy family meal. There is unity around our table. We are bound together, and we are bound to him.
Yes, we need to confirm our calling and election by growing in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, and godliness. But let's remember who we are and let that identity fuel our struggle and desire to be like Jesus.