Little Books Big Messages – 2 Peter 1
Growing in Our Relationship with God
2 Peter 1; John 21:18-19
Chapter 1 addresses the need to grow in our relationship with God through
Jesus life, death and resurrection. The letter begins with encouraging Christians
to grow in our relationship with God.
We are divinely enabled by Jesus 2 Peter 1:1-4
Divinely delivered from sin! Peter a servant of Jesus Christ. A faith all Christians
have because of knowledge of Jesus through experience with Jesus. Divinely
empowered with everything a Christian need to live a God honoring life. Divinely
called by God through Jesus own glory, perfection and goodness. Divinely
protected by the promises of Jesus. Divinely offered participation in the
redeeming work of God.
We are to develop productive virtues. 2 Peter 1:5-11
Virtue is high moral standing. Virtues are tools that help make our faith in Jesus
known in the community. Let’s unpack: Faith: believe beyond mental acceptance
trusting God is real and involved and a trustworthy partner. Goodness and
knowledge: Jesus demonstrated goodness in life. Knowledge: not having a
mental understanding, but knowing by experiencing Jesus. Self-control:
managing our emotions and actions because of the knowledge of Jesus.
Perseverance: the ability to trust in adversity. Godliness: God honoring life.
Brotherly kindness: being warmhearted the family of faith. Love: acting with
compassion when it’s not deserved and regardless of how the person responds.
We are to be determined to remain strong in The Lord 2 Peter 1:12-21
Remember truth presented by Jesus and eyewitness be refreshed. Jesus taught.
FOLLOW ME! Remember the eyewitness accounts of the supernatural life of
Jesus. Remember the prophecy as the greatest refresher of our strength.
Our relationship with God rests in God’s desire, love and will to wrap Himself
around us. We are in a meaningful daily relationship with God. Christianity is
divinely enabled. Develop productive virtues pointing hurting, confused,
hopeless people to Jesus. Be determined to remain strong in the Lord. When life
challenges, hurts, disappointments come into our life. Remember God is with us.
Our faith in Jesus is always present. On many occasions Jesus not only present,
but carries us when we are overwhelmed! God is faithful!