I. Peter instructed his readers that God had granted power to them for everything needed for life [eternal life] and godliness through their [experiential] knowledge of [or relationship with] Jesus. ()
II. Peter told them that their knowledge of Jesus possessed the promises of God that would allow them to partake in God’s nature as they escape the corruption that is in the world. ()
III. Peter instructed that escaping corruption would be hard work (every effort) and detailed a plan of escape…a list of 8 qualities that believers should progressively and continuously add and develop in their lives to move toward God’s divine nature. ()
A. Faith
B. Virtue
C. Knowledge
D. Self-control
E. Steadfastness
F. Godliness
G. Brotherly Affection
H. Love
IV. Peter told his readers that advancing these personal qualities would prevent them from living a wasted life that was “ineffective or unfruitful.”()
V. Peter charged that those who ignore these qualities are short sighted and blind to what God has provided to them, forgetting that all their former sins were cleansed and they are now free. ()
VI. Peter challenged his readers to not be lazy, but diligent in confirming their “call and election” by living out these qualities and encouraged them that by so doing they would “never fall.” ()
VII. Peter motivated his readers that faithfully pursuing these qualities would earn them a grand entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom. ()
