Growing in our Knowledge of Jesus

"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."

2 Peter 1: 3-4

There are times when it seems that the scriptures just mock us.  We struggle with the same sins over and over.  We make such horrible messes of our relationships.  On many days, it seems like we can't even get out of our own way. .... and then the bible says,

God has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.  How is this possible?  

Peter tells us that God has given us what we need through the knowledge of him who called us.  In other words, through the grace and mercy and power and love of Jesus.  All that pertain to life and godliness are directly related to growing in the knowledge of our loving Lord.

Knowing Jesus grants us access and assurance us of all the promises of God.  Knowing Jesus changes us from the inside out.  Knowing Jesus transforms our heart.  Knowing Jesus changes our relationship to the world.  

The knowledge of Christ is everything in the Christian life.  

Knowing Jesus comes from a transformed heart.  Knowing Jesus is based upon a life of repentance and a constant confession of faith.  Knowing Jesus, works from the heart outward to transform every aspect of our life.  Such true faith gives us life and godliness.  Such true faith gives power to escape the corruption of this anti-gospel world.

In the midst of struggle, do you know Jesus?

What would this mean in the real world?  It means we repent of our silly and ineffective self-effort.  It means we turn from our well-trodden paths and look upon Jesus alone as our only hope.  It also means that we have faith that Jesus can make the promises real.  He can change our heart, and He can give us power over sin and death.  

On a very practical level, I find myself often praying a well-known prayer.  "Lord, have mercy on me a sinner."  I have found this is a prayer He always answers.