by Dena Green

2 Peter 1:3-8 – His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

God has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.  He granted his precious and very great promises that we may be partakers of his divine nature.

With my financial work background, I think of a grant as money given to an organization to be used in a certain way whether for research or to provide a good or service.  It is set aside for a specific purpose and is to be used for only that purpose.  It is for the betterment of society and to benefit a specific need for some individuals or group of people. (food pantry, classroom need, school band, social program, medical testing and research to name a few)

As related to the verses above, all of our needs are granted through Jesus Christ in order for us to glorify HIM.  He granted us precious and very great promises so that we may partake of his divine nature.

• God gave us faith and we are to grow in that faith.
• We are to make use of our faith.
• Our faith is precious and came at a high price to Christ Jesus.

We are to keep adding to our faith –

• Virtue
• Knowledge
• Self-control
• Steadfastness
• Godliness
• Brotherly affection
• Love

Just like funds given to an organization are to be utilized, we must use our faith.  Our lives will be spiritually richer and better off and those around us will benefit as well when we share and grow in our faith. Unlike a financial grant, the great and precious promises that God has granted to us are eternal.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29