Partakers of God's Sovereign Nature

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Through the power of God, His children have been given ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness. Thus, we are blessed to be partakers of God’s divine nature. We need not be bound to the sin and corruption that is in the world.
“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. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
The character traits of a godly person are found in Galatians 5:22-23. When the fruit of the Spirit is active in our lives, we can ascertain we are walking in the way of holiness and righteousness. This righteousness is given, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe (Ro. 3:22).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”   Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
Godly character is preceded by a devotion to God. All that we do should be for His glory, never ours. Since God gave each one of us gifts and talents, we ought to bless others in using them but accredit God for our performance. Musical talents, athletic prowess, mathematical abilities, artistic accomplishments, and an aptitude for engineering feats were knit into our being before birth. Nothing we accomplished is apart of His power and grace.
“You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.Leviticus 20:26 (NIV)
Living in a fallen world will challenge even the most determined soul when it comes to maintaining virtue. Yet, the apostle Peter stressed the importance of diligently adding to our faith virtue. Lifestyle evangelism is the calling of every saint and requires behavior that demonstrates high moral standards.
When the world lies to avoid trouble, believers are to speak the truth, trusting God with every problem. When finances are tight, a dishonest gain is a temptation many cannot resist. Christians are blessed when they trust God with money matters, for He promises to provide for every need. In times of desperation, how many of us have received an anonymous check in the mail that covers the rent or food bill? Maybe a job falls into our lap during such times, or a bill is canceled. Faith in God’s provision glorifies His name and is a witness to the unbelieving world. The lost may call it luck, but we know it is God’s grace.
Taking on the divine nature of God includes self-control and a willingness to persevere through the darkest of times. Will we succumb to self-pity and grumble against God, or will we praise His name throughout our adversity? It is not only God who tests and observes us in such times, but our neighbors, co-workers, and fellow Christians are making note of our experience. They will be encouraged and inspired by our behavior, but they could use our behavior to criticize our faith and belittle God’s power and love.
May we all strive to walk in godliness and brotherly kindness through every trial, including those of unimaginable suffering, pain, and loss. When we are weak God is our strength. When our eyes are on Him our troubles are forgotten. The lost will see HIS power in us, and our reliance upon His grace will produce much fruit for His kingdom. We must remember He is sovereign. Take on the divine nature of God, choose to persevere, and believe that the one who loves you will carry you through every hardship. He is faithful.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NKJV)

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Luke 21:36 "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

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