Confirming the Call

2 Peter 1. 1-15

INTRODUCTION:

As with Peters first letter, He identifies himself as “A Servant and Apostle of Jesus Christ.”

Unlike other NT epistles, Peter then passes on any further preliminaries and cuts right to the chase.

His overall emphasis stresses the importance of building a strong foundation of Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Self control- As well as several other aspects of a healthy Christian life.

At the heart of this passage lies a profound truth: our faith is not meant to be stagnant.

Rather, it should be a dynamic journey marked by intentional growth in character and virtues, all aimed at bringing us into a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior.

1- Divine Powers and Promise

2 Peter 1:1–4 (ESV)

Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

The basis of our Faith- That “Firm Foundation” begins and rests on the Divine Power granted to us through Jesus Christ.

God has promised Christians EVERYTHING we need to become spiritually mature

This does not mean we get a secret decoder ring, a special handshake or become the latest version of the Power Rangers

It does mean that everything pertaining to living a life of Godliness comes through knowledge and continued growth in Jesus Christ.

What we fail to recognize is the fact that each and everyone of us, as Believers in Christ, have been called to a purpose- Commissioned by God.

Walking faithfully in that purpose opens up the Divine nature that enables us to live in a world corrupted by sin- Without that sin corrupting us.

When we think of the New Testament, we often think of Paul writing letters filled with greetings of ‘grace and peace.’

But imagine the first recipients reading those letters; they were likely struggling with their faith amidst persecution and hardship.

Paul’s words were not just formalities, but treasures of encouragement that offered them hope.

It was as if he was saying, ‘In the midst of life’s storms, remember that grace covers you and peace strengthens you.’

This simple yet profound connection can touch our hearts too, especially in challenging times today.

Peter mentions Grace and Peace in combination with the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord

GRACE:

When used as divine grace toward mankind, it refers to the undeserved favor of God in providing salvation for those deserving condemnation.

PEACE:

In OT Hebrew, Shalom was a common greeting:

Presenting a picture of wholeness, unity and Harmony.

In the NT Peace is best expressed in:

Philippians 4:4–8 (ESV)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication (Humble requests- not demands) and with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

In the early church, as the Apostle Paul addressed various congregations, he often began his letters with the phrase "Grace and peace to you."

These simple words encapsulated the foundational truths of the Christian faith:

Grace, the unmerited favor from God, and

Peace, the profound sense of wholeness and well-being.

Just as Paul emphasized their importance, today we are reminded that grace is the soil in which peace grows, allowing us to flourish even amidst hardships.

The story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) is a profound illustration of grace and peace.

Jesus not only forgave her but also commanded her to go and sin no more, demonstrating grace that leads to transformation.

His act of mercy brought peace to her shattered life, emphasizing that grace is not just about pardon; it leads to a new life where peace can reign.

We should be challenged to extend the same grace to others.

I encourage everyone here, myself included:

To embrace these promises- Understanding that Spiritual growth begins with 100% submission and reliance on Jesus Christ in every area of our lives.

So, how do we do that?

2- Growing Christlike Virtues

2 Peter 1:5–7 (ESV)

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,

and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Any gardener will tell you that for a garden to grow-

For planted seed to sprout and produce a harvest...

The ground has to be worked and cultivated.

A Christian lifestyle is no different.

If we, as Believers, do not build on our Faith with Virtue (??)

(Moral excellence and righteousness; goodness.)

Virtue with Knowledge- That is NOT being a know-it-all

Biblical/Godly knowledge to Self-Control

Self-Control to Steadfastness

Steadfastness with Godliness

Godliness with Brotherly affection

Brotherly Affection with Love ( Godly love)

These are all character traits of Christ and should be reflected by us to the world around us non-stop.

As long as we allow these reflections of Christ to nurture our spiritual garden, we will produce a bountiful harvest for Gods Kingdom.

How do I know that… Let’s keep reading...

3-Effective and Fruitful Faith

2 Peter 1:8–11 (ESV)

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If these qualities are yours.. AND are increasing… You will be effective and Fruitful in your Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In my life I have known far to many well-meaning Christians who can remember the day of their salvation like it was yesterday… And, sadly have nothing to testify about since that day.

As was brought out last Sunday, mankind has been sick and depraved from before the moment Cain picked up that rock and killed his brother.

Even if we do not slip back into the sins of our past- If we are not continually building our faith- precept upon precept- on a daily basis, we are losing ground.

It becomes easier for a seed of bitterness or discontent to take root- We may not be living in outright sin- But we are certainly not living in victory either.

And the world can tell.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

This powerful declaration speaks to both grace and peace. When someone accepts Christ, they embrace God’s grace, leading to a new identity and a peace that transforms their heart.

This signifies that grace doesn't just forgive; it redeems and refreshes every believer, drawing them closer to God's perfect peace.

The only way to keep our Testimony and Witness fresh and Alive-

Is to keep our Relationship with our Lord and Saviour Fresh, Alive and Growing every day.

The world around us will look at our lives and listen to our words, of a wonderful event that happened “X” amount of years ago and rightfully ask,

“But what has He done for you lately…?”

We had better have a fresh and real answer for them.

Peter ends this section with a “Call to Action”:

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

4. Persistently Reminded of Promises

2 Peter 1:12–15 (ESV)

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.

I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.

And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

Therefore… Peter is now beginning his closing statement as he realizes his own death being imminent.

Either by Divine visitation or by seeing the reality of his present circumstances- We do not know for sure.

Tradition holds that he was crucified like Jesus but insisted on being hung upside down, as he did not feel justified in the same manner as his Lord and Saviour.

What we do know from the text is that Peter is not worried about his pending death.

In fact we can draw much strength from Peter’s determined intention to be a constant reminder of perseverance in the faith.

As we draw to a close, let's reflect on Peter's final call to action..."

Peter reminds his audience that, although they already know the truth,

He calls to them all to be diligent and firm in their calling.

As he promises to continue to be a good witness, So they can continue to draw strength from Peter’s example, even after his death.