6/18/2018 Peters Second Letter Parting Words Peter writes with the - PDF document

6/18/2018 Peter’s Second Letter Parting Words Peter writes with the conviction that his days are numbered. 2 Peter 1:14-15, NLT For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. Peter’s Second Letter Instructions Worth Repeating Peter reinforces truths that are familiar to his readers. 2 Peter 1:12-13, NLT & 3:1, NIV Therefore, I will always remind you about these things –even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live…Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 1

6/18/2018 “Holier–Than–Now” Peter begins and ends his second letter, urging his readers to keep growing more like Jesus! 2 Peter 1:8 & 3:18, NIV For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Divine Enablement We can only grow more like Jesus because he makes it possible! 2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Human Effort We are responsible to work hard at growing by responding to Christ’s “every” with an “every” of our own! 2 Peter 1:3 & 5, NIV His divine power has given us EVERYthing we need for a godly life…For this very reason, make EVERY effort to add to your faith… 2

6/18/2018 Growing A Godly Life The qualities of a godly life are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, not steps on a staircase. 2 Peter 1:5-7, NIV For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. Incentive To Grow Becoming more and more godly confirms that you are truly heaven-bound, and strengthens your assurance of salvation! 2 Peter 1:10-11, NIV Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Make Every Effort” (2x) Like great athletes, we all have God-given ability that must be combined with a strong work ethic. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith… Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. (vv. 5,10) Being a champion in godliness is within your reach! 3