Confirming the Call Outline

2 Peter 1 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. 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. 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. 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. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Confirmed and Called: Living Out Our Faith

Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1

Summary: In 2 Peter 1, the apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of confirming one’s calling and election by growing in virtue, knowledge, self-control, and other Christian qualities. This passage serves as a reminder that our faith must be active and fruitful.

Application: This sermon can help Christians recognize the necessity of actively cultivating their faith and character, particularly during trials and uncertainties. It encourages believers to assess their spiritual growth and challenges them to pursue a life that reflects their calling in Christ.

Teaching: Believers are called not only to accept faith but to develop it through an intentional process of growth in godly attributes. True faith is demonstrated through actions that embody Christ-like qualities, reminding us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the foundation of our faith and our model for growth. The qualities mentioned in this passage reflect the character of Christ, and through Him, we receive the enabling power to develop these traits, ultimately pointing to our identity as part of the family of God.

Big Idea: Confirming our calling as Christians involves a deliberate and active pursuit of godliness, which manifests the transformative work of Christ in us and our commitment to living out our faith.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using Logos to explore the Greek terms used in 2 Peter 1 regarding the qualities of virtue and knowledge. Investigate the historical context of Peter's audience and how their challenges relate to the call to grow in faith. Additionally, examining different translations might unveil key nuances that can enrich your sermon.

1. Powerful Promises, Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:1-4

Maybe you could open with Peter's greeting to remind believers of the divine power and promises available through knowing Christ. Highlight how these promises enable us to partake in the divine nature, escaping worldly corruption. Stressing our identity in Christ fosters confidence in our calling, forming the foundation for spiritual growth.

2. Pursuit of Virtue: A Ladder of Growth

2 Peter 1:5-7

Perhaps emphasize how these verses describe a progression of virtues that build upon one another, urging believers to actively add to their faith. Explain the significance of each trait and how they, together, reflect Christ's character, encouraging Christians to be diligent in cultivating these qualities as evidence of their faith.

3. Producing Fruit, Ensuring Entry

2 Peter 1:8-11

You could discuss how Peter warns about the ineffectiveness of faith lacking these qualities, describing how they ensure fruitfulness in knowing Christ. Encourage the congregation to self-examine, ensuring their growing godliness confirms their calling and election, thus securing their entrance into the eternal kingdom.

4. Persistent Reminders, Steadfast Faith

2 Peter 1:12-15

Maybe highlight Peter's reminder of these truths despite being familiar to his audience. Stress the importance of continual reinforcement of our faith foundations, suggesting that remembrance serves as a safeguard to prevent stagnation. This underlines the need for ongoing reflection on Christ's work in us.

5. Prophetic Truths, Affirming Faith

2 Peter 1:16-21

Perhaps explore Peter's firsthand witness of Christ's majesty, underscoring the reliability of his message. Stress the prophetic word's confirmation, contrasting it with man-made myths. This reassures the congregation of the trustworthy, Spirit-inspired Scriptures that guide their pursuit of holiness.

APPLICATION THOUGHTS

Men, If you feel God is calling you to be more involved in your children's spiritual upbringing, start by organizing a weekly family devotion night. (BTW, exactly what we have been working through in recent men’s Discipleship fellowships)

This dedicated family time for Bible reading, prayer, and discussion can help reinforce your family’s faith and provide a platform for shared values. Not only does this foster a deeper connection among family members, but it also reinforces your call to lead your family spiritually, helping everyone grow together in Christ.

If you’re struggling with doubts about your spiritual journey, consider starting a prayer journal. Each day, write down your thoughts, struggles, and any sense you feel of God’s guidance. Set aside a few minutes each evening to reflect on your day, looking for moments where you felt a nudge in your heart. This practice can help clarify your sense of calling and make you more aware of God’s presence in your day-to-day life, ultimately leading to greater peace and assurance.

If you are feeling called to serve within your church community, identify a specific ministry that resonates with your passions. Approach your pastor or ministry leader and express your desire to contribute your gifts. You might consider GETTING INVOLVED IN a small group.

This response helps build a stronger church community.

In 1 Samuel 3, we see young Samuel, hearing the voice of God but not understanding it at first. This story reminds us of how God often calls us in unexpected ways. Samuel was in a place of quiet waiting, yet it took time and guidance from Eli to recognize and confirm his divine calling. Just as Eli helped Samuel decipher the call, we often need spiritual mentors to help confirm what God is asking of us.

The story of Gideon in Judges 6 exemplifies how God confirms His call through signs. Despite being hesitant, Gideon asked for proof multiple times—first, the fleece being wet and then dry. God patiently confirmed His call to Gideon, shaping him from a fearful man into a mighty warrior. This teaches us that it's okay to seek confirmation in our lives when we’re unsure about God's leading—He understands our hearts and doubts.

Moses, called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, really wasn’t keen on the idea. He stuttered and protested, feeling unfit for the task. However, God confirmed His call to Moses with miraculous signs like a burning bush! Sometimes we require a bit of 'burning bush' clarity in our own lives! Are we open to that guidance, even if it seems a bit dramatic?

Consider how Paul, originally a feared persecutor of Christians, felt that radical shift in calling on the road to Damascus. Talk about a confirmation! God literally turned his world upside down. It’s a joyful reminder that God can confirm His call in the most unexpected and powerful ways—even through a blinding light!