II Peter 1  What kind of faith did we receive?  Peter says that it is the same kind as his (NASB)..  a "precious faith" (NIV).. a faith of great value and honor.  It is a faith that we obtained through "the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."  It is a "divine allotment".   As Paul wrote in Romans 12:3 "For though the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to thing more highly of himself than he out to think but to think so as to have sound judgement as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." 

Peter prays for "grace and peace" to be multiplied.. "in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."  Several times he points us back to the source of grace and peace.. and faith.. the "true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." 

Jesus has granted to us His "precious promises".. so that we can be "partakers of the divine nature". It is His power at work in us that enables us to live a life of godliness.  He has called us to Himself.. to His glory and virtue.. and freed us from "the corruption that is in the world.. " so that we can really know Him. 

In light of this truth, Peter tells us to apply "all diligence".. to earnestly, eagerly strive after these godly qualities.. adding to our faith.. moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.  "For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

To lack these qualities.. Peter writes.. is to be "blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from  [our] former sins."  Be diligent.. he tells us again.. "make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." (v10-11)

Father, thank You for the precious faith that You have given us. Thank You for grace and peace in Jesus Christ our Savior.  Thank You for making us partakers of His divine nature.  Thank You for delivering us from the corruption of this world.. from sin and death.. from the reign of darkness.  Thank You for the precious promises that we find in Jesus, our Savior.  Father, help us to be diligent to know You more.. let this be our goal.. our purpose.. our striving.. to know You and Jesus Christ our Savior.  May we walk in the light of Your Truth.  May our lives exhibit the qualities of true faith in Jesus.. virtue, godliness, knowledge, self-control, kindness, and love. Help us to persevere in this walk of faith.. filled by Your Spirit who teaches us all things.  May Jesus Christ receive all glory and honor and praise. amen.