For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
(2 Peter 1:3, HCSB).
Things are kind of tuff just now, and like Peter, I took my eyes off Christ and was sinking in the sea. Like Peter all I can say is “Lord, save me!”
The omnipotence of God has provided everything required, not everything wanted or desired, for:
- Life, (ζωἠ. G2222) that is physical and spiritual life
- Godliness, (εὐσἐνεια, G2150) The word eusébeia literally means well–directed reverence, but does not imply an inward, inherent holiness. It is actually an externalized piety. (TCWSDNT) In other words Godly or right living as expressed to those around you.
This can only be accomplished “through” the knowledge of God. Knowledge here is the word ἐπιγνωσις (G1922) and means full knowledge. It also implies an intimate participation of the one acquiring the knowledge. This results in a change in the person acquiring the knowledge. This knowledge is only offered to those who are believers. One cannot know intimately one who they have never met.
We were called by “His own glory and goodness”, and this is how we grow to know Him. This is also the reason for His providing the means to have life and godliness. Our lives ether show others (both humans and angels) that God’s grace can change us, or that God’s grace is able to keep us in spite of our rebellion. In other words it is not all about us. It is about God.
