Expressions such as “divine nature,” “evil desires,” and “world” (4) are clearly influenced by Hellenistic philosophy. Only by choosing God’s plan can we overcome the world, a symbol of corruption and evil.
In verses 5-7, we find a list of the eight virtues typical of Hellenism, also seen elsewhere in the New Testament (Rom 5:3f; Gal 5:22f), beginning with faith and ending with love; seeds that only grow through knowledge of Jesus. Verses 10ff are an invitation to stay strong in the faith received, as an initial payment to enter the kingdom of Jesus.