God’s Provision for Our Sanctification

Introduction:  The Apostle Peter addresses his second epistle to a group of people that he identifies as sharing with him a “like precious faith,” or in our own phraseology, a faith of equal standing. He then goes on to express his wish for them as a wish for complete sanctification. Sanctification, as much as Justification, is a part of the divine bestowal of spiritual life. And just as God made full provision for our Justification through the righteousness of Christ, so too He has made full provision for our Sanctification. Let us examine the three characteristics of this provision for our Sanctification.

I. The nature of the provision (2 Pet. 1:2-3a)

A. Its components

1. Grace is the free and unmerited favor of God bestowed on man in and through Jesus Christ. Grace allows us to experience forgiveness and reconciliation (Acts 20:32; 2 Cor. 9:8; 2 Pet. 3:18)

2. Peace is the effect of receiving God’s grace and may be defined as the state of well-being that flows from the experience of forgiveness and reconciliation (John 16:33; Rom. 14:13-21; Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:23; James 3:18; 2 Pet. 3:14)

B. Its multiplication

1. The multiplier is singular – knowledge

2. The objects of the multiplier are plural

a. Knowledge of God

b. Knowledge of Jesus, Our Savior

C. Its goal

1. Life (John 10:10; 20:31)

2. Godliness (Romans 8:28-29; 12:1-2)

II. The means of the provision (2 Pet. 1:3b -4a)

A. Knowledge

B. Promises (Gen 3:15)

III. The results of the provision (2 Pet. 1:4b)

A. Partaking of the divine nature

B. Escaping corruption

Conclusion: Peter makes it very clear here that the doctrine of Justification followed up with Sanctification is the only sure protection against the false teachings that are going to abound in this world. The devil and his minions will hide their pernicious lies in large amounts of truth. Only those who are continually increasing in their knowledge of God and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ will be able to detect these deceptions.

Are grace and peace being multiplied in your life? Do these precious words characterize your interactions with your family? … of your relationships with friends? … coworkers?