8 Steps to Build Our Divine Nature Part 3

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.

Today is part 3 of 4 parts of the Divine Nature as outlined by the Apostle Peter. Patience and Godliness

Patience

According to Strong’s, this word for patience is defined as steadfastness, constancy, endurance. In the New Testament, this characteristic of a man or woman who is not swerved from their deliberate purpose and his or her loyalty to faith and righteousness by even the greatest trials and sufferings.

James 1:3 ESV

for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

Martin Lloyd-Jones, a Welsh minister and doctor who was very influential in the British evangelical movement during 20th century wrote, “There is nothing which so certifies the genuineness of a man’s faith as his patience and his patient endurance, his keeping on steadily in spite of everything.” .

There are times we want to turn around and go back down to an easier step. But holding on to what we know is true is what gives a greater victory. We could turn around and not embrace and build this next step or layer to our divine nature, but we would not enjoy the victories and the new found unshakable faith and strength that comes from this next step.

James 1:4 ESV

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We not only can be steadfast, but we will not swerve from our deliberate purpose and passion as we walk this Christian walk to our real home. We will share our testimony and the saving and redeeming gospel of Jesus Christ and bring others on this walk with us as we utilize the tools God has given us to see our divine nature built and all the glories and blessings that our Lord and Saviour has for us and this community. We are the blessed ones.

Godliness

According to Strong’s Concordance, this word for godliness is reverence, respect, and piety towards God.

Jerry Bridges, evangelical Christian author of the Pursuit of Holiness and speaker wrote, “Every day that we’re not practicing goldliness we’re being conformed to the world of ungodliness around us.” .

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

It is not easy to choose godliness over worldliness. This world is so tempting and inviting and it looks like so much fun. It is actually a gilded cage. But unfortunately, the time will come to pay the price. The price is your very soul.

Romans 6:23 ESV

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 10:28 ESV

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

The world masks death, desperation, and separation from God in a beautiful shiny wrapper. Maybe it looks like chocolate covered cherries, but the devastation it leaves scars this vessel. The life of godliness is the only way to live. The life of godliness leaves no regrets. How do we live unto godliness? The 10 Commandments, not the 10 suggestions.

1. You are to have no other gods before me.

2. You are not to make an image or picture in heaven or on the earth or in the waters under the earth

3. You are not to take the Lord’s name in vain.

4. Keep the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

5. Give honour to your father and to your mother, so that your life may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

6. Do not kill.

7. Do not commit adultery.

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not give a false testimony about another person.

10. Do not covet or have obsessive desire over your neighbor’s house or possessions.

Conclusion:

Adding patience and godliness to our divine nature will benefit us greatly. It keeps our focus on our blessed hope and looking to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. This divine nature is a controversy. It is debated back and forth whether it is possible.

1 Timothy 3:16 ESV

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

This is only possible because of His divine power that He has given us all exceeding and great precious promises. As we take these steps and develop our divine nature, we will fight the good fight and receive a crown of righteousness. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witness encouraging us and pushing us forward. It is more than possible to be the vessels of honor that God wants us to be full of the Holy Spirit and power.