2 Peter. ch. 1

Divinely Built

Pray

In their book The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner write, "Every organization, every social movement, begins with a dream. The dream or vision is the force that invents the future." The following corporate vision statements, representing some of the dreams for various Fortune 500 companies can challenge the church to ask, "What is Christ's dream or vision for our church?"

Amazon—"To be earth's most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online." Harley Davidson—"To fulfill dreams through the experiences of motorcycling." Starbucks—"To share great coffee with our friends and help make the world a little better." Hilton—"To fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality." CVS—"To improve the quality of human life." Johnson & Johnson—"Restoring the joy of motion" Kraft Foods—"To make today delicious." Toys 'R' Us—"To put joy in kids' hearts and a smile on parents' faces." (joke)

We hear this story and What’s interesting is that each of these companies and millions of other companies across the globe, have placed a significant amount of time, money and effort into creating this vision of a future. A vision, which they intrinsically see value in. This value, which perhaps stems from helping others, perhaps a scientificcompany, hospitality industries (comfort of others), or perhaps in the sporting industry and likely for each of these visionaries there is an element of material possessions… there’s the idea that hey, if this business succeeds (as I believe it will…) there’s a great possibility that I will be retiring early, with some sort of a tropical drink in my hand, a straw hat on and nothing but sand and waves around me.

You see the vision… inspires the efforts that follow. The visions compels, the heart, which transcends to everything we say and do.

We then transition to our walk with Christ. We transition to the mission of the church and to our lives in general. And I just have to ask us. And not just us, but all churches… Do we see the value of being built into the image of God, and then accomplishing his purpose (for our lives, for the church and for the community?)

Last couple of weeks.

In a simple question… what exactly are we doing with ourselves? Are we just going through the motions, do we do just enough to feel good from week to week? Or are we on mission? Do we see the great commission as a recommendation? Or as a mandate?

If you have your bibles, turn with me to 2 Peter 1. As we discuss this idea that we have a purpose. That you are divinely built for 1. A life of power 2. A specific Purpose 3. For Paradise

1. Beginning with point 1, you are divinely built for a life of power

Look with me at 2 Peter 1:1-4

1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3 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. 4 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.

As we begin 2 Peter 1. We notice Peter opens his letter with a brief salutation to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: (and he writes) 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

And here Peter, the Human author of 1 Peter, would write this new letter, of 2 Peter and to his recipients, which are likely the same audience of the previous book which 1 peter 1:1 To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, which is modern day turkey. And they as you recall are experiencing persecution and difficulty of all sorts.

And he writes to them Of God, that:

3 His divine power has given us (past tense) everything (not most, not somethings, but everything) we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 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.

So, as we look at scripture, we notice that Peter addresses this concept great and precious promises… Which are all through the Old and New Testament. Promises of eternal life, promises of blessings and curses, promises of a relationship with God that we can have and characteristics of Joy , peace, and contentment in life and so on. And our knowledge of him and of his word compels us therefore onto holiness. It’s the source of motivation…

But in these promises, they should then serve as a motivation… to flee the fleshly nature and running towards the divine Nature of God.

But here’s the question, what is the means… of carrying out this holiness? In other words, how is it possible to participate in the divine nature and flee from sin? Look with me again at verse 3, we’re told:

3 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.

Here’s the point. It’s not from us, it’s not by might or power, but by my spirit says the Lord.

You see I want us to Peter for a brief moment in greater detail. Of all the different people in scripture, People had great moments of looking a lot like Christ… (Poster Child) and he had some moments, where he seemed like anything but a Christian. So, as we talk about this perspective of divine nature compared to human nature. Peter is a good starting point.

Starting with his name. Peter’s name was actually Simon Barjona, meaning “Simon son of Jonas.”The word Simon, In the Greek means: “to hear, or be heard.” And peter was often the spokesperson for the disciples so it’s a fitting name.

But at his first encountered with Jesus… Jesus would call him Cephas, which means “rock” in Aramaic. (You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church ) And “Peter” was the Greek equivalent.

But here’s what’s interesting is that when Peter dropped the ball. When he went back to his old, sinful nature, Jesus wouldn’t refer to him as Cephas or Peter… but instead, as Simon…

When carter breaks his blinds in his room because he was peaking out to see if his best friend Lincoln is home… it’s not just Carter… It’s Carter James… You’ve been there….

And here’s what I want us to see, is that while Peter was first given the name rock, or Cephas… that in the course of time, if he wasn’t careful, he went back to being Simon.

We see in Luke 5 for instance, that while out on the sea of galilee, Jesus said to Peter “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Peter was hesitant to follow the Lords’ advice; after all, Jesus had been a carpenter and was a rabbi, not a fisherman. No doubt, frustrated….

Luke 5 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” And as you know, the staggering haul of fish, would go on to nearly break their nets… but again, in this moment, this was Simon, not Peter.

Or at the last supper, after the twelve’s recurring debates as to which one of them was the greatest. Jesus would go on to warn the proud, overconfident peter of his betrayal. For we’re told: Luke 22:31-34 “31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

And then once more, after the resurrection. Jesus called Peter “Simon” as Peter was tired of waiting for the Lord. And impulsively announced In john 21:3 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

But here’s the key, this would be the last time that Jesus would call peter Simon… You See a few weeks later The Holy Spirit would descend on Peter and the rest of the apostles, and from that point on Peter lived up to his name. among other things Peter would go on to find a replacement for Judas Iscariot, he would boldly preach the gospel, he would confront the Jewish Authorities, and denounce false teachers and courageously endure persecution all the way up to his death.

What changed? The POWER of the Holy Spirit in his life. Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

It wasn’t about trying harder. It wasn’t about doing better, it was about the work of the Holy Spirit.

And for us this morning church, the message is the same… that 3 His divine power has given us (has given you) everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Friends, how are we doing in that this morning? Are we living out our faith? We’ve already been given every thing we need..You see, when we talk about what God is building in your life… it really starts with his power which changes us and transforms us inwardly… Are we allowing Him and his power to do a work within us this morning?

Point 2. you are divinely built for a Specific Purpose

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 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. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Pet 1:5-9

As we continue with the scripture this morning, Peter addresses his readers and in addition to their faith, he commends them to add 7 different attributes. He tells them to add to their faith 1. Goodness 2. Knowledge 3. Self-control. 4. Perseverance. 5. Godliness. 6. Mutual affection and 7. Love. And for the sake of time, we won’t go through and break these characteristics down one-by-one… But what I do want us to see is this… Peter writes, that if you possess these 7 characteristics, that in addition to faith… you won’t be ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here’s the key, Peter here is imploring his readers to not just have a saving faith… but to be effective and productive in their walk.

We then transition to our walk… and as God is building us up, today in 2023… the question is “are we being productive and effective in our lives?”

You see I’m reminded of the word so Jesus in Mark 11:12-14: 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.

Here’s the point, the purpose of the fig tree was not just to look pretty. It was just to take pictures of to throw on social media. The fig tree had a purpose… You see, it’s not just faith… it’s also deeds.

We then transition to our lives this morning. I’m sure if you went into work tomorrow, they would tell you what your job was… but what about us as Christians… both in our homes, and here as a church. what’s the point and are we accomplishing the point?

With this in mind, I just want to let you know what God has put on my heart, and on the leadership of the church. For one, several elders met yesterday to discuss the idea of discipleship. And I would encourage you over the next several months to be praying as we work together for what God has for the church.

But really the purpose of the church is ultimately to go and making Disciples. The great commission tells us the same thing: to 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority (power) in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:18-19

The question for us this morning is are we answering the call? Are we going, and making disciples? Is there the inner drive?

I came across an illustration this week in a book entitled renovation of the heart. And the concept in view is motivation:

Consider a case where someone wishes to speak a language they do not presently know, say French or Arabic or Japanese. In order to carry through with this simple case of (partial) personal transformation, they must have some idea of what it would be like to speak the language in question- of what their lives would then be like and why this would be a desirable or valuable thing for them. They also need to have some idea of what must be done to learn to speak the language and why the price in time, energy, and money that must be expended constitutes a bargain, considering what they get in return. In the ideal case, all of this would be clearly before them and they would be gripped by the desirability of it.

Now, this is the vision that goes into the particular project of learning the language. Unless one has it or, better, it has them… the language will pretty surely not be learned. The general absence of such a vision explains why language learning is generally so unsuccessful in educational programs in the United States. The presence of such a vision explains why, on the other hand, the English language is learned at a phenomenal rate all around the world. Multitudes clearly see the ways in which their lives might be improved by knowledge of English. If the vision is clear and strong, it will very likely pull everything else required along with it; and the language (whichever it is) will be learned, even in difficult and distracting circumstances. Pray, serve, (in the church & out)

Here’s the point… is that Peter caught the vision. His eyes were open. And even though he would have to endure persecution, difficulty and even death; it was worth it.

What about us this morning? We in our walk with Christ are called to be effective and productive. We’re called to make disciples, and we’re called to utilizes the gifts God has given us.

Ephesians 4:7-12 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Friends, are we using the gifts God has given to us? Are we building others up? Are we on mission this morning?

Time is short… No one Knows the day or the Hour

Point 3. you are divinely built for paradise

2 peter 1: 10-11 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

You see, for Peter this morning his perspective was on paradise. Although he had a wife, a home, he likely also had kids of his own. His commitment was on Christ. His focus wasn’t on his persecution, or his imminent death. His focus was on the rich welcome he would receive into eternity.

I’m going to call the worship team back up at this time

1 Cor 3:8-15:

8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

Friend, I don’t know about you. but I don’t want just to barely escape the flames, I want to receive a rich warm welcome. I want to hear my Father say well done good and faithful servant.

1. Maybe you’ve taken your eyes of Christs PURPOSE.

2. Maybe you’re here this morning and …… POWER.

3. Maybe you’ve NEVER ACCEPTED CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR.

Pray