2 Peter 1:4
Verse
Context
Partakers of the Divine Nature
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.4Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whereby are given unto us - By his own glorious power he hath freely given unto us exceeding great and invaluable promises. The Jews were distinguished in a very particular manner by the promises which they received from God; the promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and the prophets. God promised to be their God; to protect, support, and save them; to give them what was emphatically called the promised land; and to cause the Messiah to spring from their race. St. Peter intimates to these Gentiles that God had also given unto them exceeding great promises; indeed all that he had given to the Jews, the mere settlement in the promised land excepted; and this also he had given in all its spiritual meaning and force. And besides τα μεγιστα επαγγελματα, these superlatively great promises, which distinguished the Mosaic dispensation, he had given them τα τιμια επαγγελματα; the valuable promises, those which came through the great price; enrolment with the Church of God, redemption in and through the blood of the cross, the continual indwelling influence of the Holy Ghost, the resurrection of the body, and eternal rest at the right hand of God. It was of considerable consequence to the comfort of the Gentiles that these promises were made to them, and that salvation was not exclusively of the Jews. That by these ye might be partakers - The object of all God's promises and dispensations was to bring fallen man back to the image of God, which he had lost. This, indeed, is the sum and substance of the religion of Christ. We have partaken of an earthly, sensual, and devilish nature; the design of God by Christ is to remove this, and to make us partakers of the Divine nature; and save us from all the corruption in principle and fact which is in the world; the source of which is lust, επιθυμια, irregular, unreasonable, in ordinate, and impure desire; desire to have, to do, and to be, what God has prohibited, and what would be ruinous and destructive to us were the desire to be granted. Lust, or irregular, impure desire, is the source whence all the corruption which is in the world springs. Lust conceives and brings forth sin; sin is finished or brought into act, and then brings forth death. This destructive principle is to be rooted out; and love to God and man is to be implanted in its place. This is every Christian's privilege; God has promised to purify our hearts by faith; and that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so shall grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life; that here we are to be delivered out of the hands of all our enemies, and have even "the thoughts of our hearts so cleansed by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit, that we shall perfectly love him, and worthily magnify his holy name." This blessing may be expected by those who are continually escaping, αποφυγοντες, flying from, the corruption that is in the world and in themselves. God purifies no heart in which sin is indulged. Get pardon through the blood of the Lamb; feel your need of being purified in heart; seek that with all your soul; plead the exceeding great and invaluable promises that refer to this point; abhor your inward self; abstain from every appearance of evil; flee from self and sin to God; and the very God of peace will sanctify you through body, soul, and spirit, make you burning and shining lights here below, (a proof that he can save to the uttermost ail that come to him by Christ), and afterwards, having guided you by his counsel through life, will receive you into his eternal glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whereby, &c.--By His glory and virtue: His glory making the "promises" to be exceeding great; His virtue making them "precious" [BENGEL]. Precious promises are the object of precious faith. given--The promises themselves are a gift: for God's promises are as sure as if they were fulfilled. by these--promises. They are the object of faith, and even now have a sanctifying effect on the believer, assimilating him to God. Still more so, when they shall be fulfilled. might, &c.--Greek, "that ye MAY become partakers of the divine nature," even now in part; hereafter perfectly; Jo1 3:2, "We shall be like Him." the divine nature--not God's essence, but His holiness, including His "glory" and "virtue," Pe2 1:3; the opposite to "corruption through lust." Sanctification is the imparting to us of God Himself by the Holy Spirit in the soul. We by faith partake also of the material nature of Jesus (Eph 5:30). The "divine power" enables us to be partakers of "the divine nature." escaped the corruption--which involves in, and with itself, destruction at last of soul and body; on "escaped" as from a condemned cell, compare Pe2 2:18-20; Gen 19:17; Col 1:13. through--Greek, "in." "The corruption in the world" has its seat, not so much in the surrounding elements, as in the "lust" or concupiscence of men's hearts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whereby are given unto us,.... Or "by which", that is, glory and virtue; by the glorious power of Christ, or by the glorious and powerful Gospel of Christ; and so the Arabic version renders it, "by both of which"; or "by whom", as the Vulgate Latin version reads; that is, by Christ; for as in him are all the promises of God, so they are at his dispose, and by him are given unto the saints: exceeding great and precious promises; meaning the promises of the new and everlasting covenant, of which Christ is the Mediator, surety, and messenger; and which are "exceeding great", if we consider the author of them, who is the great God of heaven and earth, and who was under no obligation to make promises of anything to his creatures; and therefore must arise from great grace and favour, of which they are largely expressive, and are like himself; are such as become his greatness and goodness, and are confirmed by his oath, and made good by his power and faithfulness: and they are also great, as to the nature and matter of them; they are better promises than those of the covenant of works; they are not merely temporal ones, nor are they conditional and legal; but as they relate to things spiritual and eternal, to grace here and glory hereafter, so they are absolute, free, and unconditional, and are irreversible and unchangeable; and they answer great ends and purposes, the glory of God, and the everlasting good and happiness of his people; and therefore must be "precious", of more value and worth than thousands of gold and silver, and to be rejoiced at more than at the finding of a great spoil, being every way suited to the cases of God's people, and which never fail. The end of giving them is, that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature; not essentially, or of the essence of God, so as to be deified, this is impossible, for the nature, perfections, and glory of God, are incommunicable to creatures; nor, hypostatically and personally, so as the human nature of Christ, in union with the Son of God, is a partaker of the divine nature in him; but by way of resemblance and likeness, the new man or principle of grace, being formed in the heart in regeneration, after the image of God, and bearing a likeness to the image of his Son, and this is styled, Christ formed in the heart, into which image and likeness the saints are more and more changed, from glory to glory, through the application of the Gospel, and the promises of it, by which they have such sights of Christ as do transform them, and assimilate them to him; and which resemblance will be perfected hereafter, when they shall be entirely like him, and see him as he is: having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; not the corruption and depravity of nature, which is never escaped by any, nor got rid of so long as the saints are in the world; but the corrupt manners of the world, or those corruptions and vices which, are prevalent in the world, and under the power and dominion of which the world lies; and particularly the sins of uncleanness, adultery, incest, sodomy, and such like filthy and unnatural lusts, which abounded in the world, and among some that called themselves Christians, and especially the followers of Simon Magus. Now the Gospel, and the precious promises, being graciously bestowed and powerfully applied, have an influence on purity of heart and conversation, and teach men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly; such are the powerful effects of Gospel promises, under divine influence, as to make men inwardly partakers of the divine nature, and outwardly to abstain from and avoid the prevailing corruptions and vices of the times.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 enable you to share his divine nature: Peter probably did not mean that our souls are merged with God but that believers share God’s qualities (cp. Lev 11:44; Matt 5:43-48; Eph 4:24; 5:1).
2 Peter 1:4
Partakers of the Divine Nature
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.4Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews) 5-Abel and Enoch
By Leonard Ravenhill16K1:09:38EnochJHN 8:11ROM 8:16HEB 2:12PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who committed adultery and ended up in prison. The man confesses his crime and expresses remorse for his actions. The preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and the unseen, stating that everything visible will perish. He also discusses the power of meditation and the need to have faith, hope, and love in order to overcome any challenges in life.
(Blood Covenant) the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast - 2
By Milton Green4.7K1:08:02Blood CovenantMAT 24:27MRK 13:222PE 1:42PE 2:1REV 12:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of possessing the land and entering into God's rest. He emphasizes the need to fear falling short of this promise and encourages the audience to set their minds on things above. The preacher also warns against being deceived by false signs and images, referencing the book of Revelation. He concludes by urging the listeners to listen to the entire series of teachings in order to fully understand the message.
Salvation
By Alan Redpath4.3K1:19:58SalvationMAT 6:33ROM 8:2PHP 2:12COL 1:272PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the purpose of the Christian's life is not for personal gratification, but for widespread blessing. The Christian is described as living in a crooked and perverse generation, surrounded by people who are morally distorted and have a distorted view of God and the Bible. The preacher uses the analogy of a ship with a leak to illustrate that when the world influences the Christian, it leads to disaster. The ultimate purpose of the Christian is to shine in the world and reflect the light of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting the beauty of Jesus and not relying on church programs or modern methods to convert people.
What Is My Authority
By Richard Wurmbrand3.1K58:04PSA 23:4MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 6:182PE 1:41JN 1:9REV 3:21In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching in communist countries and the persecution he faced. He emphasizes the importance of not hating the communists but instead loving them. The speaker talks about the hardships endured by Christians in communist countries, including torture and hunger. He also highlights the power of faith and the ability to find peace and serenity even in the midst of suffering. The sermon references the Bible, particularly Psalm 23, to encourage listeners to trust in God and not fear, even in the face of death.
Go and Get Your Family
By Carter Conlon2.6K53:10Household SalvationMAT 6:331CO 10:111CO 10:132TI 3:162PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to transform ordinary people into extraordinary individuals. He prays for God to work in people's lives and bring about miraculous changes. The preacher encourages the congregation to trust in God and surrender their hearts to Him. The sermon is titled "Go and Get Your Family" and is based on the story of David pursuing his family in 1 Samuel chapter 30. The preacher highlights the importance of studying and applying the scriptures in order to fulfill God's purpose in our lives.
Be Not Conformed to the World
By William Fitch2.2K37:42MAT 5:13JHN 17:14ROM 12:2JAS 4:42PE 1:41JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the conflict between the Church and the world. He emphasizes that the Church is called to be different from the world and not conform to its ways. The preacher references Jesus' teachings, stating that there will always be hostility between good and evil, and that the Church will face increasing opposition. He also mentions the story of the pilgrims in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" as an example of how the Church should stand out from the world. The preacher concludes by quoting St. Paul's exhortation to not be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by renewing the mind.
Understanding Spiritual Authority (Part 3): The Greatest Faith in Israel
By Carter Conlon2.0K48:23Spiritual AuthorityGEN 1:3PRO 31:28JON 2:8MAT 6:33MAT 22:29JHN 1:112PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Passover in Egypt and draws parallels to the present generation. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions and coming under the authority of His word. By applying the blood of the lamb to their doorposts and having family devotions centered around God's truth, the children of Israel were saved from the spirit of death. The preacher also highlights the significance of recognizing Jesus' presence and power among His people, and the need to yield to His authority and the authority of the scriptures.
Lifting Up Jesus in the Gates
By Carter Conlon1.9K47:12KindnessPSA 46:10PRO 31:17PRO 31:30ISA 6:7MAT 6:33ROM 12:212PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of lifting up Jesus in the gates. He emphasizes the need for believers to seek resources from God in order to fulfill their calling. The speaker highlights the characteristics of a virtuous woman as described in Proverbs 31, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and obedience to God's will. He also emphasizes the role of kindness in glorifying God and reaching out to others.
The Beginning, Increase and End of the Divine Life
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K44:30PSA 23:2PSA 119:105PRO 27:17MAT 7:7LUK 22:19HEB 10:252PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the principle that although the beginnings of good things may be small, they will greatly increase over time. The preacher aims to provide practical applications of this principle. Firstly, to reassure those who are new in their faith, secondly, to strengthen their faith, and thirdly, to motivate them to be diligent in their spiritual journey. The preacher uses various metaphors, such as stars emerging in the night sky and a small stream growing into a mighty river, to illustrate the progression of good things. The sermon encourages believers to have confidence in their spiritual growth and to not be discouraged by comparing themselves to others.
God Honours Those Who Honour Him
By Zac Poonen1.8K58:51Honour1SA 2:30MAT 6:33JHN 13:341CO 10:311TI 6:62PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the character of God. He encourages the audience to look at Jesus as an example in various areas of life, such as money and relationships with women. The speaker highlights that the purpose of God's promises is not to make us materially wealthy or physically healthy, but to enable us to partake in divine nature. He emphasizes that our lives should be a demonstration of God's power and goodness, so that others may see and be drawn to Him.
(Genesis) - Part 25
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:00:24GEN 31:12PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through a period of breaking and discipline in order to be used by God. He uses the example of Jacob in the book of Genesis, who had to be alone and have a personal encounter with God before God could work in his life. The speaker encourages young people to be patient and humble, allowing God to do a work of breaking in their lives. He also highlights the tendency for believers to become fearful and anxious even after experiencing God's deliverance, and emphasizes the need to trust in God's blessings and not give in to temptation.
Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Tape 3 (Middle Portion With Song at End)
By George Warnock1.5K40:06SeminarISA 62:1MAL 4:6GAL 5:22HEB 3:151PE 4:172PE 1:4REV 5:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to God's visitation and not hardening our hearts. He highlights the need for gratitude for past blessings and anticipation for future ones. The preacher also emphasizes the significance of reconciliation among believers as a precursor to revival. He uses the analogy of a wheat field to illustrate the process of growth and maturity in the spiritual realm. Ultimately, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to be prepared and to radiate the same light that was in Jesus to bring forth salvation to all nations.
Pastor Chuck Smith's Last Sermon - Be Strong in the Faith
By Chuck Smith1.5K26:562KI 7:1JER 32:27MAT 19:26ROM 4:19PHP 4:19HEB 10:232PE 1:4This sermon focuses on the importance of faith and not staggering at the promises of God, using the example of Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promise of a child despite seemingly impossible circumstances. It emphasizes the need to praise God and trust in His ability to fulfill His promises, even before seeing any evidence of them coming to pass.
Born, Yet Not Begotten
By Major Ian Thomas1.4K1:10:30SalvationTransformation in ChristDivine LifeJHN 6:53JHN 7:38JHN 14:19ACT 13:30ROM 1:4ROM 10:4EPH 2:1COL 1:18HEB 5:82PE 1:4Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the profound truth that Jesus Christ is not only our Redeemer but also our life, highlighting the necessity of being born again to receive divine life through the Holy Spirit. He explains that while Jesus lived a sinless life, it was His death and resurrection that allowed believers to partake in that same life, transforming them from mere existence to true spiritual vitality. Thomas stresses that being a Christian involves a continuous process of faith and dependence on Christ, leading to a life that reflects His character and power. He warns against living a nominal Christian life, which lacks the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and encourages believers to allow Christ's life to manifest through them. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to be both born and begotten in Christ, urging believers to live out their faith in a way that is only explicable through Jesus.
Many Going Back to Hell - Part 2
By Milton Green1.3K10:07MAT 6:192CO 10:122TI 3:132PE 1:42PE 2:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from the nature of Satan. He highlights the need to receive Jesus Christ as our new master and to be led by His Spirit. The preacher also emphasizes the need to put to death the deeds and character of the flesh and Satan in order to be perfected in love and fulfill God's law. He warns against resisting the word of God and hardening our hearts, as it can lead to being unable to be purified and sanctified. The sermon also touches on the dangers of worldly-mindedness and the importance of staying true to the holy commandments.
Anabaptist History (Day 10) Growth and Persecution of the Swiss Brethren
By Dean Taylor1.3K1:21:49MAT 5:10JHN 18:36ROM 12:21CO 3:16GAL 5:16HEB 4:12JAS 4:81PE 4:162PE 1:4This sermon reflects on the persecution faced by men and women of God throughout history, emphasizing the importance of not judging movements or individuals but seeking to glorify God. It delves into historical events where Anabaptists were hunted and killed, highlighting the impact of conscience and divine authority in such situations. The message urges listeners to examine their hearts, avoid carnal behaviors, and strive to be filled with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Roman Catholic's View of Man's Primitive Condition
By John Murray1.3K51:20Roman CatholicGEN 1:26ROM 8:291CO 15:49EPH 4:24COL 3:102PE 1:41JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the fall of man and the loss of his free-to-natural and supernatural gifts. The fall resulted in man reverting to a state of pure nature, losing his connection to the divine. The preacher also explores the idea of when man was endowed with these gifts, suggesting that man naturally consists of both flesh and spirit, with affinity to both beasts and angels. The sermon also criticizes the idea that the Bible offers a twofold action for man's origin, instead emphasizing that man was created in God's image with qualities intended to address the defects in his nature.
Growing in the Grace of God #04 - the Old Covenant of Law
By Bob Hoekstra1.2K41:23MAT 5:17MAT 6:33HEB 8:72PE 1:41JN 1:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Romans 8, 3, and 4, discussing the limitations of the law and how God overcame those limitations. The law, being weak through human flesh, could not bring righteousness or give life. However, God sent his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin and deal with the sin principle in humanity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that the fulfillment of the law is not achieved through imitation, but through impartation of the divine nature. This is done through the promises given to believers, allowing them to escape the corruption of the world through lust.
A Challenge to All Who Call on the Name of the Lord - Part 1
By Hamp Sirmans1.1K57:08ChallengeGEN 12:3PRO 19:11PRO 27:17MAT 6:332TI 3:16HEB 12:12PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus in our Christian journey rather than relying on our own strength. He highlights three obstacles that hinder Christians from becoming who God wants them to be: offenses, change, and familiarity with Christ. The preacher reminds the congregation that even biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Peter had their flaws and shortcomings, but it didn't make them any less spiritual or usable by God. The sermon encourages believers to have a perfect heart towards God and to allow Him to work in their lives.
Faith and Feelings
By Roy Daniel1.1K39:30MAT 6:33ROM 8:151CO 2:122CO 1:20EPH 1:3COL 2:62PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of crying out to God for the souls of men. He emphasizes the importance of not relying on feelings but on God's promises. The preacher mentions how Satan can manipulate our feelings but cannot change the word of God. He gives an example of Charles Finney, who preached without preparation and saw God move mightily. The preacher also warns against falling into the trap of seeking feelings or signs before claiming God's promises. He uses the analogy of a child trying to retrieve a ball from the roof without any means to do so, highlighting the need to trust in God's provision.
Plans (Compilation)
By Compilations1.1K04:45Pursuing God's PromisesDesperation for GodCompilationGEN 32:24JER 29:11MAT 7:7MAT 11:12LUK 16:16ROM 8:29EPH 4:24PHP 3:20JAS 1:52PE 1:4In the sermon 'Plans (Compilation)', the preacher emphasizes the relentless pursuit required to enter the kingdom of heaven, likening it to the desperate struggle of a starving man. He describes those used by God as 'passionate weak' individuals who, recognizing their own limitations, press into God's promises with fervor and urgency. The preacher urges believers to abandon the desire for a comfortable life and instead seek a deeper relationship with God, wrestling with His promises and embracing their new nature in Christ. He highlights that true joy and fulfillment come from God alone, not from worldly pursuits, and encourages the congregation to embrace God's higher plans for their lives.
Npg Radio 1980 #3 - Radio Interview
By Norman Grubb1.0K1:06:09Radio InterviewMAT 6:33JHN 5:30ROM 7:7ROM 7:9GAL 2:202PE 1:41JN 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that as Christians, we are not meant to live the Christian life on our own. Instead, we are containers for Christ to live through us. Many Christians struggle and feel defeated because they try to live the Christian life in their own strength. The speaker encourages listeners to recognize that it is Christ who must live the Christian life in and through us. This is achieved through a union with Christ, allowing His nature to be expressed in and through us.
How Not to Come to God
By David Wilkerson84452:00Christian LifePSA 55:22PSA 119:105MAT 6:33MAT 18:21ACT 20:27HEB 11:62PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the blessings that God has bestowed upon the congregation in New York City. The focus of their seeking is on God's kingdom, righteousness, and the salvation of souls. The speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God with a forgiving heart and trusting Him to work miracles in their lives. They also address the idea that more fasting, praying, and reading of Scripture will make them better Christians and lead to answered prayers, highlighting the need for unwavering faith in God's ability to fix any situation, no matter how hopeless it may seem.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 43
By Zac Poonen61625:41PRO 3:5ISA 55:8MAT 11:25MAT 16:17JHN 1:18JHN 14:9ROM 8:162PE 1:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, simplicity, and trust in understanding spiritual truths and receiving revelation from God. It contrasts the pride of clever and intelligent individuals with the humility of babes, highlighting the need for a childlike faith and openness to God's truth. The message stresses the significance of revelation in salvation, partaking of God's nature, and building a unified church as the body of Christ.
Partaking of God's Nature
By Zac Poonen6021:05:59MAT 11:11MAT 23:25EPH 5:18COL 3:2HEB 12:14JAS 4:72PE 1:41JN 2:6This sermon emphasizes the contrast between the old covenant and the new covenant, highlighting the importance of inner transformation and overcoming sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. It challenges believers to seek God's nature, to live a life of holiness, love, and victory over sin, surpassing even the great prophet John the Baptist in the new covenant era.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whereby are given unto us - By his own glorious power he hath freely given unto us exceeding great and invaluable promises. The Jews were distinguished in a very particular manner by the promises which they received from God; the promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and the prophets. God promised to be their God; to protect, support, and save them; to give them what was emphatically called the promised land; and to cause the Messiah to spring from their race. St. Peter intimates to these Gentiles that God had also given unto them exceeding great promises; indeed all that he had given to the Jews, the mere settlement in the promised land excepted; and this also he had given in all its spiritual meaning and force. And besides τα μεγιστα επαγγελματα, these superlatively great promises, which distinguished the Mosaic dispensation, he had given them τα τιμια επαγγελματα; the valuable promises, those which came through the great price; enrolment with the Church of God, redemption in and through the blood of the cross, the continual indwelling influence of the Holy Ghost, the resurrection of the body, and eternal rest at the right hand of God. It was of considerable consequence to the comfort of the Gentiles that these promises were made to them, and that salvation was not exclusively of the Jews. That by these ye might be partakers - The object of all God's promises and dispensations was to bring fallen man back to the image of God, which he had lost. This, indeed, is the sum and substance of the religion of Christ. We have partaken of an earthly, sensual, and devilish nature; the design of God by Christ is to remove this, and to make us partakers of the Divine nature; and save us from all the corruption in principle and fact which is in the world; the source of which is lust, επιθυμια, irregular, unreasonable, in ordinate, and impure desire; desire to have, to do, and to be, what God has prohibited, and what would be ruinous and destructive to us were the desire to be granted. Lust, or irregular, impure desire, is the source whence all the corruption which is in the world springs. Lust conceives and brings forth sin; sin is finished or brought into act, and then brings forth death. This destructive principle is to be rooted out; and love to God and man is to be implanted in its place. This is every Christian's privilege; God has promised to purify our hearts by faith; and that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so shall grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life; that here we are to be delivered out of the hands of all our enemies, and have even "the thoughts of our hearts so cleansed by the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit, that we shall perfectly love him, and worthily magnify his holy name." This blessing may be expected by those who are continually escaping, αποφυγοντες, flying from, the corruption that is in the world and in themselves. God purifies no heart in which sin is indulged. Get pardon through the blood of the Lamb; feel your need of being purified in heart; seek that with all your soul; plead the exceeding great and invaluable promises that refer to this point; abhor your inward self; abstain from every appearance of evil; flee from self and sin to God; and the very God of peace will sanctify you through body, soul, and spirit, make you burning and shining lights here below, (a proof that he can save to the uttermost ail that come to him by Christ), and afterwards, having guided you by his counsel through life, will receive you into his eternal glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whereby, &c.--By His glory and virtue: His glory making the "promises" to be exceeding great; His virtue making them "precious" [BENGEL]. Precious promises are the object of precious faith. given--The promises themselves are a gift: for God's promises are as sure as if they were fulfilled. by these--promises. They are the object of faith, and even now have a sanctifying effect on the believer, assimilating him to God. Still more so, when they shall be fulfilled. might, &c.--Greek, "that ye MAY become partakers of the divine nature," even now in part; hereafter perfectly; Jo1 3:2, "We shall be like Him." the divine nature--not God's essence, but His holiness, including His "glory" and "virtue," Pe2 1:3; the opposite to "corruption through lust." Sanctification is the imparting to us of God Himself by the Holy Spirit in the soul. We by faith partake also of the material nature of Jesus (Eph 5:30). The "divine power" enables us to be partakers of "the divine nature." escaped the corruption--which involves in, and with itself, destruction at last of soul and body; on "escaped" as from a condemned cell, compare Pe2 2:18-20; Gen 19:17; Col 1:13. through--Greek, "in." "The corruption in the world" has its seat, not so much in the surrounding elements, as in the "lust" or concupiscence of men's hearts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whereby are given unto us,.... Or "by which", that is, glory and virtue; by the glorious power of Christ, or by the glorious and powerful Gospel of Christ; and so the Arabic version renders it, "by both of which"; or "by whom", as the Vulgate Latin version reads; that is, by Christ; for as in him are all the promises of God, so they are at his dispose, and by him are given unto the saints: exceeding great and precious promises; meaning the promises of the new and everlasting covenant, of which Christ is the Mediator, surety, and messenger; and which are "exceeding great", if we consider the author of them, who is the great God of heaven and earth, and who was under no obligation to make promises of anything to his creatures; and therefore must arise from great grace and favour, of which they are largely expressive, and are like himself; are such as become his greatness and goodness, and are confirmed by his oath, and made good by his power and faithfulness: and they are also great, as to the nature and matter of them; they are better promises than those of the covenant of works; they are not merely temporal ones, nor are they conditional and legal; but as they relate to things spiritual and eternal, to grace here and glory hereafter, so they are absolute, free, and unconditional, and are irreversible and unchangeable; and they answer great ends and purposes, the glory of God, and the everlasting good and happiness of his people; and therefore must be "precious", of more value and worth than thousands of gold and silver, and to be rejoiced at more than at the finding of a great spoil, being every way suited to the cases of God's people, and which never fail. The end of giving them is, that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature; not essentially, or of the essence of God, so as to be deified, this is impossible, for the nature, perfections, and glory of God, are incommunicable to creatures; nor, hypostatically and personally, so as the human nature of Christ, in union with the Son of God, is a partaker of the divine nature in him; but by way of resemblance and likeness, the new man or principle of grace, being formed in the heart in regeneration, after the image of God, and bearing a likeness to the image of his Son, and this is styled, Christ formed in the heart, into which image and likeness the saints are more and more changed, from glory to glory, through the application of the Gospel, and the promises of it, by which they have such sights of Christ as do transform them, and assimilate them to him; and which resemblance will be perfected hereafter, when they shall be entirely like him, and see him as he is: having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; not the corruption and depravity of nature, which is never escaped by any, nor got rid of so long as the saints are in the world; but the corrupt manners of the world, or those corruptions and vices which, are prevalent in the world, and under the power and dominion of which the world lies; and particularly the sins of uncleanness, adultery, incest, sodomy, and such like filthy and unnatural lusts, which abounded in the world, and among some that called themselves Christians, and especially the followers of Simon Magus. Now the Gospel, and the precious promises, being graciously bestowed and powerfully applied, have an influence on purity of heart and conversation, and teach men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly; such are the powerful effects of Gospel promises, under divine influence, as to make men inwardly partakers of the divine nature, and outwardly to abstain from and avoid the prevailing corruptions and vices of the times.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 enable you to share his divine nature: Peter probably did not mean that our souls are merged with God but that believers share God’s qualities (cp. Lev 11:44; Matt 5:43-48; Eph 4:24; 5:1).