GRACE BIBLE CHURCH
PASTOR ROBERT R. MCLAUGHLIN
SUNDAY 10-5-2022
GBIBLE.ORG
EPHESIANS - 0290-011
DIVINE DECREES, PART 8.
EUSEBEIA OR GODLINESS & PROMISES OF GOD; 2PE 1:3-4.
We are now on 2PE 1:3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness,
This is a recognition of the power God the Father has provided for the believer to become a winner which is called the zoe life.
The next word is 2PE 1:3 seeing that his divine power has given to us everything pertaining to life,
Then the next phrase “and godliness” which is;
The Greek noun eusebeia is translated godliness and has three very important definitions in view.
Eusebeia is the Greek noun translated godliness, and it is also translated holiness; devotion; dedication, or the one I prefer, eusebeia means living the spiritual life.
For example, in 1TI 6:3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to “eudebeia” or godliness,
1TI 6:4 he is conceited {and} understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
1TI 6:5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness (eusebeia) or living the spiritual life is a means of gain.
1TI 6:6 But godliness (eusebeia) is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.
1TI 6:7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.
1TI 6:8 And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
1TI 6:9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.
1TI 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.
1TI 6:11 But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness (eusebeia), faith, love, perseverance {and} gentleness.
So, 2PE 1:3 says;
2PE 1:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to zoe life and godliness, (eusebeia or living the spiritual life).
Next, we the phrase have the phrase 2PE 1:3 through the true knowledge of Him.
“through” is - dia plus the word true knowledge which is an ablative of means of a familiar noun epignosis.
The ablative of means describes the method and means of procedure that the power of God is understood and manifested.
The ablative of means indicates the separation needed for the believer from being worried about the details of life through metabolizing doctrine instead.
Epignosis is the noun for metabolized doctrine.
Epignosis is the most important thing in your life after you are saved.
- Epignosis is the divine energy and strength that a believer has to live the Christian life; ROM 10:2.
ROM10:2, tells us that you can have a "zeal" for God but not according to epignosis.
ROM 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with epignosis knowledge.
- Epignosis is also the basis for spiritual maturity according to EPH 4:11-13.
EPH 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
EPH 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
EPH 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the EPIGNOSIS knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.
- In PHI 1:9, we are instructed to “love” according to epignosis.
PHI 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more EPIGNOSIS knowledge and all discernment,
- The “new man” within is fed by epignosis.
In COL 1:10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the EPIGNOSIS knowledge of God;
COL 3:10 says that we are to put on the new self who is being renewed by means of epignosis doctrine or the means of living the spiritual life.
COL 3:10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to an EPIGNOSIS knowledge according to the image of the One [TLJC] who created him.
- God desires all men to be saved and to come to the epignosis knowledge of the truth; 1TI 2:3-4.
1TI 2:3-4, This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the EPIGNOSIS knowledge of the truth.
Philemon tells us about the fellowship of our doctrine so that it might become energy by epignosis knowledge which is in us with reference to Christ.
PHM 1:6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the EPIGNOSIS knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.
So, Peter says back in 2PE 1:3 says seeing that his divine power has given to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the epignosis knowledge of him who
NEXT is “called us” or elected us to privilege
“called” is the Greek word kaleo which refers to being elected to privilege.
You are elected to privilege!
God has done some fantastic things for you, and it's worth your while to learn what they are.
And one of them is that he has elected you!
Now, anytime God is doing something for you, it is only smart to find out what He's doing.
God has done a lot of things for you that you don't know about yet, but if you stick with doctrine long enough, you'll find them out.
The entire verse should look like this;
2PE 1:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to the ZOE life and godliness [eusebeia or living the spiritual life], through the true knowledge [EPIGNOSIS or metabolized doctrine] of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence or virtue.
Next in 2PE 1:4 For by these [His glory and virtue] He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
“for by these” - dia hos - and the best translation would be through which things (a reference to election and epignosis knowledge, God’s glory and virtue in verse 3.
It should read;
“through which things He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises.”
Precious and magnificent means beyond great or His most valuable.
Anything that is magnificent from God is "beyond great" or "most valuable" and it is worth paying attention to!
Precious and magnificent promises refer to fantastic promises for you as a part of His will for your life.
We can afford to miss a lot of things in life but one thing we can't afford to miss is God’s valuable and fantastic promises.
What are some of the promises of God?
1KI 8:56 "Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.
In Acts 1:4, the promise of God the Father to the Church Age believer is that God the Holy Spirit would be given to each one of them.
ACT 1:4 And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me;
Look at EPH 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
The indwelling of God the Holy Spirit is the Father's down-payment on His promises.
In EPH 3:6, the Royal family of God is said to be partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.
EPH 3:6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,
In HEB 9:15, talking about Christ as our mediator says, “and for this reason they which are elected may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
Look at HEB 9:15 And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
There are many valuable and fantastic promises throughout the scripture.
They are valuable because they come from a God that cannot lie and they are fantastic because they come from a God who only operates in perfection.
HEB 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
2CO 1:20 For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.
What are the characteristics of the Promises from God?
- 1Kings 8:56, His promises are unfailing.
- In Rom 4:16-21, promises are assured by divine ability.
ROM 4:16 For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
ROM 4:17 (as it is written, "A father of many nations have I made you") in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
ROM 4:18 In hope against hope he believed, in order that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So shall your descendants be."
ROM 4:19 And without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb;
ROM 4:20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
ROM 4:21 and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.
Do you believe that God is able to perform the promises?
God’s promises are based on God’s performance not man's.
- All the promises of God are said to be grounded "in Christ;" 2Co 1:20.
What are some of the promises?
- PSA 37:3 Trust in the Lord, and produce divine good, and you will receive all the supplies needed.
- Unlimited blessings are promised to those who believe; MAT 21:22 "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."
- What does it mean to believe?
- It means to metabolize doctrine.
So, answers to prayer are promised.
MAR 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.”
- Removal of obstacles is promised to those who have faith as a tiny grain of mustard seed; LUK 17:6.
LUK 17:6 And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you.
- We have the promise of Divine sonship; JOH 1:12.
JOH 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
Do you realize what an honor and privilege it is for us to have been promised that if we have “faith-alone in Christ-alone,” that we will become a child of God.
- In JOH 6:35, we have the promise of spiritual fullness and contentment.
JOH 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
- We have the promise of brighter days and joy; PSA 30:5.
PSA 30:5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
- Deliverance in affliction is promised; PSA 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
- Divine care in sickness is promised; PSA 41:3 The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; in his illness, thou dost restore him to health.
It's interesting that God’s promises are usually related to the believer giving glory to God.
PSA 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou wilt stretch forth Thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Thy right hand will save me.
- Then there's the beautiful promise of the Divine presence of God comforting the believer; ISA 43:2.
ISA 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.
Do you believe all these promises?
- We have the promise of an eternal home in Heaven; JOH 14:1-2.
JOH 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
JOH 14:2 "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
- We have the promise of all things working together for good for those loving God in ROM 8:28.
- We have the promise of 2CO 4:17 for momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
- The sufficiency of divine grace is promised in 2CO 12:9-10.
2CO 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2CO 12:10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
- This is the promise of God’s grace meeting our every need; PHI 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- The promise of final deliverance from death which is really a beautiful promise of final deliverance from sorrow, crying, and pain; REV 21-4.
REV 21:4 and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
- We have the promise to those that give liberally, with no strings attached; PSA 41:1How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble.
PRO 3:9 Honor the Lord from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce;
PRO 3:10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Go forward to PRO 11:24 There is one who scatters, yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want.
PRO 11:25 The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered.
PRO 22:9 He who is generous (looks for opportunities to give) will blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.
LUK 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
- We have the promises to the backslider or to those who have regrets and sorrow; PSA 34:18-19.
PSA 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
PSA 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the Lord delivers or him out of them all.
JER 3:22 "Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness." “Behold, we come to Thee; For Thou art the Lord our God.
HOS 14:4 I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them.
- There's the promise of the uniform of glory for those who win souls in PRO 11:30; DAN 12:3, and those who teach the Gospel and Bible doctrine as they are taught in the Old Testament.
PRO 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls.
DAN 12:3 "And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
In the New Testament that uniform of glory is mentioned in REV 3:5 'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments;
- There's the promise of rewards for those who serve in the so called "little areas; MAR 9:41 "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.
Back in 2PE 1:4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
Notice the word partakers;
“partakers” is the noun koinonoi which means partners and sharers in something.
“might become” is and aor-mid-subj of ginomai which means to become something you were not before.
The aorist tense points to a point of time when the believer reaches a place of spiritual adulthood, and becomes a winner!
And that means great happiness and blessing in life.
And it means something far greater above and beyond the resurrected body in eternity.
The middle voice, the believer makes the decision to pursue the PPOG and therefore acts for himself on behalf of himself, as well as bringing glory to God.
Remember that believer who executes the PPOG and becomes a winner glorifies God.
The subjunctive mood is the mood of potential which means that to become a winner has to do with human volition making the proper decisions.
And that means many decisions and the right priorities!
So;
This phrase says, in order that by them (valuable and fantastic promises) you might become partners of the divine nature.
Now;
Being a partner with the divine nature or the divine endowment means that, you and I have the most wonderful opportunities and privileges that have ever existed in human history.
Where in the Old Testament do you ever read of believers being partners of the divine nature?
Becoming a partner with divine endowment actually began with the First Advent of Christ when the humanity of Christ was partners with the divine nature.
And, in effect;
We are partners with Christ!
He is our ruler!
He is our high priest!
And, as members of the Royal Family we are in partnership with Him.
Therefore, the emphasis in verse 4 is on the fact that our partnership with Christ means that we share exactly the same divine endowment and power as He had.
Now,
The escape from the cosmic system becomes a last reference in this particular passage when it says having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
At salvation every believer escapes from the cosmic system and enters the divine endowment or the PPOG for the 1st time; COL 1:12-13.
COL 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
COL 1:13 for He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
At salvation every believer escapes from the satanic cosmic system and enters the divine endowment or the PPOG for the 1st time.
As spiritually dead individuals we were in Satan's cosmic system.
However, At the moment we believed in Christ. we are taken out of Satan's cosmic system and entered by God the Holy Spirit into the divine plan or the PPOG.
Therefore, For the first time we are "in the world" but not "of the world" or we are "in the cosmos" but not of the "cosmic system."
”by lust” is en plus the instrumental of epithumia which is “by means of lust or by means of evil desire.”
I like "evil desire" better than “lust” because a lot of people associate lust with sin, whereas evil desire can mean both sin and evil.
Evil desire can be any lust or desire or normal desire that you put before the PPOG.
And when we escape the cosmic system, we escape from those evil desires and evil deceptions that take us away from the PPOG.
And The reason why believers fall back into the cosmic system and its lust and desires is simply because after salvation they reject the teaching ministry of God the Holy Spirit.
So, the entire verse reads;
2PE 1:4 For by these (a reference to election and divine power giving the Church-age believer equal privilege and equal opportunities) He has graciously given to us His precious and magnificent or His most valuable and fantastic promises,
in order that by them you might become partners of the divine endowment having escaped from the corruption or degeneracy that is in the world by lust or evil desires.
Now, we are ready for 2Pe 1:5.
2PE 1:5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge;