Because of God’s amazing grace, power, and promises, we have all we need to live effectively! He has provided the only escape from this world’s evil that actually works. He calls us to share in his own divine nature as well. So — let’s diligently go full steam ahead to grow in the qualities that keep us on track!
Let’s create and use a sentence outline for this passage.
Because of His Grace and Power … (2 Pet. 1:1-4)
Jesus is “our God and Savior.” Where else does the Bible assert his deity?
Discuss the idea that his righteousness is imputed, reckoned, or accredited to us.
The phrase “same kind” of faith refers to its having equal value and deserving equal honor. What makes the Christian faith so very precious?
How are grace and peace multiplied to us through knowledge?
Since he has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness …
What does this include or exclude?
Are we missing anything of spiritual value?
If God hasn’t given it to us, do we really need it?
Shouldn’t we be content? Why are we not at times?
Do we ever look beyond Christ for what the world offers?
In what sense has God “called” each of us? Doesn’t he call everyone?
When you think of God’s glory and excellence, what comes to mind?
Name some of God’s very great and precious promises that give you direction.
Is it God’s goal for us to partake of his divine nature? Is it our goal, too?
Is the Christian faith an “escape” from the world? Don’t we stay in the world?
In Christ you have escaped this world’s corruption and lust. Don’t go back!
Add to Your Faith with Diligence … (2 Pet. 1:5-7)
In 1:1-4, the emphasis was on God’s power, grace, and promises.
In 1:5-11, the emphasis shifts to our necessary, determined effort.
“Applying all diligence.” Does spiritual growth require strenuous work? Why?
Does each of these qualities lead to the next, or do they all build on each other?
Describe “moral excellence” and suggest ways we might add or supply it.
Is this just about intellectual knowledge, or also about intimately knowing God?
Discuss each quality, and note specific ways to grow in each area.
Self-Control
Perseverance
Godliness
Brotherly Kindness
Love
To be Useful and Fruitful, not Blind and Forgetful … (2 Pet. 1:8-9)
1:8 What results from having these traits and growing in them?
Suggest practical ways that these attributes make believers fruitful and effective.
What will happen if you become near-sighted and take your eyes off the cross of Christ? Will you stumble and fall without spiritual exercise in these areas?
In what ways might a Christian be useless (Heb 6) or unfruitful (Jn 15)?
And Therefore be Sure of Your Salvation. (2 Pet. 1:10-11)
Again Peter exhorts his readers to be diligent (cf. 1:5) regarding God’s call (1:3).
Can you be certain that you are among God’s called and chosen people? How?
How can we guarantee that we will never (irrevocably) stumble?
God’s kingdom in its earthly phase (the church) began on Pentecost, after Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and sat on his throne as King.
In its heavenly phase (eternity) it is yet future for us (1 Cor 15:50; 2 Tim 4:18).
