Verses 1-4
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We have a precious faith, and this faith begins with knowledge of God's Word.
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Everything that we need for eternal life, life on earth, and living godly, is found in knowledge from God and knowledge about God.
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Knowing the Word multiplies God's grace and peace in our lives.
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"Partakers of the divine nature" - First: we are participants as those who have the Holy Spirit. That is, simply put, God's divine nature in us. Secondly: God's divine nature is also creation. So if we have the Spirit and have a body on earth we are “parts of Him” wandering around in His world marveling at His creation!
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In addition, we are free from the power of sin over us, so we are expected to put off sin. Take off the nature of the world if you will put on the nature of God.
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Without knowledge, we perish (Hosea 4:6).
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Always increase in knowledge and understanding of the Word, and you will equip yourself for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Verses 5-9
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In order to put off sin and become more like Jesus, we have to put all our effort into growing in these listed qualities. We cannot settle for just passive belief and think that's enough to sustain us.
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Also grow in good order. To begin, after coming to faith in Christ, focus on repenting from sin and growing your knowledge of the Word.
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Also add disciplines that build qualities like self-control and patience.
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This will make you productive and effective!
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Remember that you have been cleansed of your old sins already. You are free from sin. Believe this, and you will live like it (Romans 6:1-2). Why would we resist repentance and growth if we know we are already freed from sin and stagnancy?
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If you do not believe that you are free from sin, you won't be. You will stay weak. Believe in the power of the gospel!
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Verses 10-11
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Work on making your faith strong and solid through the practices noted above, and this will empower you to stop sinning and be fully repentant.
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Be committed to growth, believe in the power of the Word, and you will be Christ-like in time!
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It is possible to put an end to all sin in your life (Jude 1:24, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23, 1 Timothy 6:14).
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With God and with faith, all things are possible!
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Verses 12-15
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To stay strong, be reminded of the Word always. You need to read your Bible every day (Deut. 17:19, Psalm 1:1-3).
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We easily forget even the most essential truths of the Word, so you must renew your mind daily in order to stay on top of things.
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Daily reminders through reading will keep our faith active and growing.
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*Overall, Peter teaches that diligence fuels growth in all areas. Be diligent to grow in knowledge and character, and then you will stop sin and secure your salvation.
Verses 16-21
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We can trust both the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament is evidently inspired by the Holy Spirit, shown in its prophecies, and the New Testament was written by the apostles who personally knew Jesus and saw Him in His power.
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So we trust in a message that's directly from God and based on proof, not rumors or fantasies. Have confidence in the Word!
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Verse 19. The Word is like a light. When we are unbelievers, and we choose to listen to the Word, it shines in the darkness of our hearts. And when we choose to believe and repent, the Spirit of Christ rises within us, and we are saved. We experience Christ's resurrection within ourselves!