8 Steps to Build Our Divine Nature Part 2

2 Peter 1:3–11 ESV

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. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

3. Knowledge

This is the third step or layer to developing or building our divine nature. According to Strong’s Concordance, “knowledge signifies in general intelligence, understanding:

a. the general knowledge of Christian religion

b. the deeper more perfect and enlarged knowledge of this religion, such as belongs to the more advanced

c. especially of things lawful and unlawful for Christians

d. moral wisdom, such as is seen in right living”

There is all kind of knowledge offered in the world today. The internet is full of knowledge. Do you know you do not have to prove the validity of something to post it on the internet? How do you know if something is true or not? Does it line up with the Word of God? Test it against the bible. We start to develop knowledge when we came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 1:7 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

It is up to us if we will continue to develop it.

James 1:5 ESV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

As we develop this part of our divine nature, we will be wise as serpents and should be harmless as doves.

4. Temperance – self-control

This is the fourth step or layer to developing our divine nature. According to Strong’s Concordance, self-control (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites)

How do we master this desire and passion? We are still human. Our sinful nature has dictated so many times in the past. The bible gives us many answers and offers guidance in this area.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

The Bible gives numerous examples of those who utilized self-control. Our Lord and Saviour demonstrated the greatest self-control imaginable.

Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane. He is on the verge of the torturous cross.

Matthew 26:38–39 ESV

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

He maintained His self-control through this entire ordeal for you and for me.

Matthew 26:53 ESV

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?

Over 36,000 angels. Wow!! That is not to set Christ free, that is an ELE. Now if you like to watch disaster movies, like me, then you know ELE is a extinction level event.

Genesis 19:1 ESV

The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth

This was just 2 angels, imagine if over 36,000 were sent to Christ. I can imagine the warrior arch angel Michael with his sword drawn, ready to come. I am sure there was confusion in heaven, when the God the Father did not give the order.

Christ lived out this self-control on the cross, not for Himself, but for you and for me. How can we not use the tools God gave us to build this layer of our divine nature in light of the cross? In light of what Christ Jesus did?

This is a very important part of our divine nature to develop.

Conclusion:

We need to develop knowledge and self-control. It is the next two steps in developing our divine nature. Knowledge - the deeper more perfect and enlarged knowledge of this faith. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us when we read the Bible. To open our eyes to new insights that we have never seen before. To not only experience the power of God in a new way, but not just for us, to share that with the world around us. There is so much knowledge in the Word.

Developing our self-control is not only crucial as we develop our divine nature, but also in reaching our world for Jesus Christ. The world sees too many times people who do not demonstrate any self-control and the devastation it leaves behind. God does not want us not to enjoy life, but life without self-control, has no enjoyment whatsoever. As we dwell on Philippians 4:8 whatever things are true,

whatever things are honest

whatever things are just

whatever things are pure

whatever things are lovely

whatever things are of good report

if there be any virtue

and if there is any praise

think on these things”