Last week I started a four-part series on what Peter meant when he wrote, ““His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3, NIV).
What is everything? Last week I wrote about wisdom for foolishness (Colossians 2:3-4), and today I want to write to you about power for inability.
Here’s our second text from Colossians: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority” (Colossians 2:9-10).
Sin leaves you weak and unable to be who you’re supposed to be and do what you’re supposed to do. You were created to be a righteous and worshipful child of God, finding your identity in Him alone, but sin decimated that. You’re simply unable.
Unable, that is, in your own strength. But you’re not left alone – the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. What an amazing reality! This means that you’re the temple where the God of glory and grace now lives.
Husbands and wives, you can move toward your spouse and work on your marriage. On your own, you would ruin your marriage, but because the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, you can love your spouse sacrificially. Parents, you can move towards your children with patience and raise them in faith. On your own, you would ruin your children, but because the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, you can raise them with wisdom.
Whoever you are, and whatever God has called you to, move forward with courage and faith, because the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. You don’t have to live in timidity as a believer.
At the same time, you shouldn’t live in bold arrogance, thinking that you can solve your problems on your own. Know that sin has left you unable, but more than that, embrace the Gospel and live out of the new power that is yours in Christ.