Knowing & Growing by Pastor Scott
Our new study in 2 Peter will help us to know God and Jesus Christ through the study of His Word, experience Christian growth, combat false teachings and build our confidence in being ready for the return of Christ.
Let’s take Peter’s challenge to make every effort to process the qualities that will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive.
In our study of 2 Peter we are being called to “know that we are firmly established in the truth” (2 Peter 1:12) that we have in “the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2).
I hope that you will take some time to read, study & think about 2 Peter 1:1-15, especially verses 10-15.
Questions for deeper & personal study
1) What does it mean to grow in our knowledge of God & Jesus?
We have been given everything that we need for life & godliness (1:3).
2) So, how can we access this divine power and godly nature?
3) What is the relationship between God’s sovereignty in “your calling & election” (1:10) and our responsibility to “make every effort” (1:5) and to “be all the more diligent (eager)” to confirm God’s calling?
4) What godly characteristics have you been adding to your faith this past week (1:5-7), which ones have decreased or increased (1:8)?
5) Why does Peter and Scripture keep reminding us of these important things? (1:12, 13, 15)
6) “True godliness will only be sustained when we remember gospel truth, or else it will falter and fade under the assault of false teaching.” (Jim Shaddix in “Christ-centered Exposition – Exalting Jesus in 2 Peter) What are we doing to sustain and strengthen our faith in gospel truth?
7) What are some of Peter’s practical ways that we can wake up and “refresh our memory” about the knowledge and truth of God? (2 Peter 1:12-21)
I heard a Christian speaker say, “They (the world) are betting that our (Christians) decency translates to apathy.” Oh, may it not be so; decency – yes! but apathy – no!
Please God strengthen us to stand firmly established in the truth, not shrinking back from persevering in our faith (Hebrews 10:19-39).
