Sharing A Like Faith!

As Peter began his second letter, he stated. . .
"Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those WHO HAVE OBTAINED A FAITH OF EQUAL STANDING WITH OURS by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:" ( 2 Peter 1:1 ESV)

The Greek word used by Peter translated "equal standing" is "isotimon", from "isotimos", meaning "of equal value (compound of the Greek "isos", equal, and "time", value or honor). One commentary refers to this word as having been used for foreigners who had been granted the same privileges of citizenship as those who had been native born. Such usage seems to clearly point to the proper rendering of the English Standard Version's wording of "EQUAL STANDING."

We know Peter had to grow in his faith. The Scriptures reveal his struggle. However, what a marvelous and steadfast faith it became. Peter's encouragement for those to whom he was writing was that the faith they too had developed was of an "equal value" or "equal standing" as his and the other apostles. Though we may not have been given apostolic authority and gifts, we can possess a faith ON PAR with theirs. Even though the apostles physically walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and listened to Him speak -- all of which would have powerfully enhanced their faith -- we can still possess the SAME KIND of faith today and should.

In Peter's first letter he had stated. . .
"(8) THOUGH YOU HAVE NOT SEEN HIM, YOU LOVE HIM. Though you do not now see him, YOU BELIEVE IN HIM and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, (9) obtaining the OUTCOME OF YOUR FAITH, the SALVATION of your souls." ( 1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV)

When James encouraged those to whom he wrote, he noted the faith of the prophet Elijah, referring to him as being "a man with a nature like ours." ( James 5:17 ESV) Elijah's prayer of faith was powerful. (read James 5:16-18) Such faith needs to be our goal!
May we continue to grow in our faith, recognizing how it can be of EQUAL STANDING with that of the Apostles, to work just as powerfully to sustain us and provide boldness in our service for God even today. This is because the unchanging object of our faith -- the only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (note Hebrews 13:8) -- is the same as that of Peter!

Have a great day KEEPING CHRIST AS THE FOCUS OF OUR FAITH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Faith