Evidence of the Divine Nature 2 Peter 1:5-8 Todays Scripture reading contains a helpful checklist for evaluating how we are doing when it comes to putting on the divine nature (v.4); faith-firm persuasion; a conviction based upon the truths of Gods Word (v.5); virtue-moral goodness; excellence seen by others; and exercise of faith (v.5); knowledge-an attitude of inquiry; seeking to know spiritual truth (v.5); temperance-self-control; the power of the will to yield to the operation of the Spirit (v.6); patience-an abiding under; endurance that grows only when our faith is subject to the trial of the Refiners fire (v.6); godliness-that devout piety which, characterized by a God-like attitude, strives in all things to please Him rather than men or self; to be of like mind and purpose with the Father (v.6); brotherly kindness-philadelphia; the tender affection that characterizes Christians when they genuinely care for their brethren (v.7); charity-agape; the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the indwelling Holy Spirit; the love of God that is always expressed only in accordance with biblical truth (v.7). If these things be in you, and abound (v.8)-this conditional implies the real possibility that these characteristics of the divine nature can be measurably lacking in the believers life. If this is the case, then we must get back to the basics. Confess your sin to God, affirm the promises of His Word that reveal how He wants these fruits to be manifest, and then trust the Spirit to make them a blessed reality. Abounding in fruitfulness and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires a walk in the Spirit. An attitude of apathy to this important truth reveals a rebellious heart toward God. DWC
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 21:40:31 +0000
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