Pursuing glory and excellence: Part 1: Knowing

2 Peter 1:2-4

2 Peter 1:2–4 NKJV

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Multiplication of grace and peace

Grace is charis or undeserved merit. Often grace is discussed as a principle, and also there are expressions of grace. John 1:17 says that grace came through Jesus. Romans 5:2 “through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” says that grace came through Jesus. In the spiritual realm, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing and it is by grace.

So what does the multiplication of grace mean? Let’s refer 1 Cor 12:4 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”. The word gift here is charismata, which is derived from charis, ie, grace. So the multiplication of charis could mean the multiplication of the expression of grace in the natural realm. In the spiritual realm, everyone has been provided the same grace, and it is the same grace in which we stand. You can definitely use what you have received in the spiritual realm, and use it in the natural. However, such grace gifts are expressions of grace. Here Peter is most likely talking about these grace gifts.

What about peace here? Peace is sought after. At the time when Peter wrote 2 Peter which was likely in AD66 in Rome, there were such turmoil and uncertainty about the future, and yet, Peter talks about peace, not in the way the world says it, but “tranquilizing peace”. A tranquilizer is a drug that is used to reduce anxiety, fear, tension, agitation, and related states of mental disturbance. Peter talks about a multiplication of tranquilizing peace. A person who has been tranquilized does not worry about anything, but talks as it is, operates from within, and the external has no influence in him. That is what Peter is talking about here. Strong translates this as peace, harmony, tranquility.

Here Peter is saying that May grace and peace be multiplied to you through knowledge. Then Peter is saying that this is not just mere understanding.

Knowledge: the key

Christendom has often taught that God has held back certain things for us, and that if we fast and pray enough, and if we do certain things, God will bless us.

But Eph 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” . It says that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. So what are we doing? So, then comes the question. Why is it that these blessings are not seen in my life?

2 Peter 1:2-9 answers this in one word epignosis or experiential knowledge. You need knowledge.

This knowledge produces a revelation (Eph 1:17 “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” )

You have to “see” that everything we need comes through epignosis or knowledge. What do we need to know?

Know what you have been given

Knowledge that We have been given everything pertaining to life which is zoe. This is not about eternal life, but life. God has given you everything that you need in life, and knowledge that we have been given everything pertaining to godliness, which is the right conduct towards God, eusebeia, G2150).

Peter says that we need to “see this”. We need to not only have a knowledge, but we need to see it, and this seeing comes through epignosis.

The regular Greek word for personal knowing is gnosis, but here the word is intensified with the preposition epi. Paul is asking for an epignosis — a “real, deep, full knowledge” 5 — a “thorough knowledge”

R. Kent Hughes

Unless you see that you have been given everything that pertains to your life on earth, and that you have been given everything pertaining to godliness, you will not have the multiplication of grace and peace.

When you see it, you will quit trying, you will “be”. You will be walking in sonship rather than waiting for something from God so that you will be more accepted, pleasing to the Lord.

Know what you have been called to

We have a calling. This calling is an invitation. We have been called to

Glory: We are called to His Own splendor, glory, brightness, shining, radiance, amazing might, demonstration of power, praise, greatness, and state of being wonderful (Strongs, G1518). We are not called to gel in- but to stand out, as radiant. Matthew 5:14-16 ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Virtue: We are also called to virtue or excellence, manifestation of power, implying excellence (Strongs G746). We have been called to excellence. This excellence is shown in everything that we do.

We have been called by:

His glory and His virtue: What we have is not on the basis of what we did.

Since we are called by His grace and virtue, we have an assurance in what has been provided for us, because we have received everything by His righteousness.

Unlocking of divine promises

He has called us by His own glory and excellence. It is by grace, and because of what Jesus did. That is why 2 Cor 1:20 “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”

Through these, (in Greek its plural), referring to glory and virtue, we have received precious promises, we will be God-natured and God-beings. By this we become koinonos or partakers or we partner with God in His divine nature.

Partakers (koinōnos) is often translated “fellowship,” and means “sharer” or “partner.

John F. MacArthur

This is the part of multiplication of grace which Peter was talking about.

Conclusion

Quit trying to get something from God, by works, fasting praying and wailing to God to get something from Him. But rather the true breakthrough lies in the experiential knowledge of what He has given.

Know that you have been called into his glory and excellence, and also to be partners with God in dominion. Walk in it.