This week we continue to think about this statement:
We are baptized believers participating in the life of God for the sake of others.
Our focus is the middle portion of the statement: participating in the life of God. We are using 2 Peter 1:2-4 as a conversation starter.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His 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. Through 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.
Talk about anything you want regarding this passage.
What about the part that says we participate in the divine nature? What do you think that means? How do we do it? How do the verses that follow connect with the thought?
I really value your thoughts!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Yes, it is fitting. The class tonight was clarifying for me, as usual. Participating in the life of God comes by faith which comes from our knowledge of God (See Romans 10:17). This knowledge includes the "great and precious promises" of God. Participation in the life of God leads to a virtuous life, which Peter describes in the verses that follow. Knowledge, faith, virtue leads to effectiveness and productivity, which leads to security. Pretty cool.
Do you think I am right or wrong on this brief analysis?
How do we, as participants in the divine nature, cultivate the virtues Peter mentions (goodness, brotherly kindness, self-control, etc.)?
Don't be afraid. Post a comment!
Allen, you're right, at least as far as you go. But, I think we make a mistake if we think we're doing all the work ourselves. You're leaving out the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit on the heart and mind of the believer. Romans 14:4 "...he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
Donna
Good point, Donna, but where does that show up in this passage? (I think it's there, but where?) Peter really emphasizes our response. "Make every effort." "Be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure."
I wasn't trying to pull the regenerative work of the Spirit out of this particular passage; but, I was a little concerned we were isolating one section of scripture and, maybe, over-emphasizing man's work to perfect himself in a way that left out God's part out of the process.I do believe we have a responsibility to work hard to refine our Christian character and participate in the life of God. But, if my interpretation of scripture is correct (certainly not a foregone conclusion) God steps in to help. If we leave out God's work on us, we border on Pelagianism.
Donna
Post a Comment