This passage required quite a few readings on my part; there’s a lot in it. The opening greeting is so affirming: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” How wonderful that I might receive a blessing of grace and peace in abundance—not just a little, but in abundance—and added to that abundance, “through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Can I even hope to gain the knowledge of God and of Jesus? Oh please, yes!
Then the reminder that “he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.” Wait a minute—through his promises, I too can be part of that which is divine? Really? Because of his own glory and goodness, such a thing is promised to a sinner like me? Amen, count me in!
Then there is that last LONG list of characteristics, qualities of being a maturing follower of Christ. At first glance, it reads like a lot of daunting work; but I really do want to acquire those qualities “in increasing measure.” I do want to grow in all of those ways—but I might need another translation to help me. Here are verses 5 -9 as translated by Eugene Peterson for The Message:
“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Lord Jesus.”
In some way, when I read that list with the added adjectives, complementing and enhancing the nouns, this American, 21st century believer can see a way forward. I can understand the character goals and persevere toward them.
I encourage you to mediate on this passage this week and see how you might take small steps on the path, as you grow in your life with Christ.