2 Peter: Build

Faith is a shovel, not a couch

2 Peter 1:1–2 “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.” So you have faith, now what? (Hey man what did you do with that computer I gave you) 2 Peter 1:3–10 (NIV)

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. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith Ephesians 2:4–10 “4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

(2 Peter 2 - people (who Peter calls dogs, idiots, and pigs) at the time were using this verse to take the responsibility out of our lives) goodness; Micah 6:8 “8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Life, Love, and Light and to goodness, knowledge; Colossians 2:1–3 “1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” 6 and to knowledge, self-control; 1 Corinthians 9:23–27 “23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” and to self-control, perseverance Romans 5:1–4 “1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.” ; and to perseverance, godliness Titus 2:11–13“11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” ; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection 1 Peter 1:22 “22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” ; and to mutual affection, love. (The binding agent of unity) 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, (This is the good/blameless/godly/mature life we’re after) 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. 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,

2 Peter 3:14 “14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

Vision

Faith is a shovel, not a couch. God gave you faith so that you would build a life that glorifies Him and fills you with joy on top; and He’s not going to build it without you. On the positive side, God has given you everything you need to share in His work. You don’t need a degree, or ordination, or a title, or anything else. If you are in Christ you have everything you need. Now build:

Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love If you don’t have faith here’s the gospel Where are you at in this process?