2 PETER 1 WEDNESDAY CLASS

HAVING EVERYTHING WE NEED

One of the worries during this strange time in our nation and world is “will we have everything need to make it through this.” It can be easy to become fearful that the resources will run out and we will be stuck with less than we need. Having this kind of fear can lead to a “scarcity mindset” which has caused many people to stockpile supplies, leaving shelves empty, at least until the next supply truck comes. Weeks later we have found that the supplies are not running out and there was little to fear all along. Our supply chain is strong and we are doing fine with essentials being continually stocked in our market places.

While it is possible for a person, or group, or even nation to run low on certain physical supplies, God has given His people all the resources they need to thrive and grow spiritually no matter what is happening in their world. God’s spiritual “supply chain” is eternally strong and never ending.

One of the main truths of 2 Peter 1 is that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness so that we can grow towards and live out what He has called us to; “His own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3) While God has “given us all we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us” we have a vital part to play in using the resources and knowledge that He has given us to grow. We are called in this chapter to God’s glory and excellence, but to become more like Him in this way, we are also called to “making every effort” to add to our faith the “Christ-like qualities” that are listed in 2 Peter 1:4-7 that reflect His glory.

God gives us the greatest promises and motivation for us to use the resources, knowledge and our relationship with Him to add to our faith the virtues of Christ. The greatest of these motivations for adding to our faith are “participating in the divine nature” (1 Peter 1:4) and never falling but “an entrance into the eternal kingdom” being “richly provided” for us. (1 Peter 1:11)

With this motivation in mind let’s get into chapter one of second Peter with humility and desire to grow spiritually and add to our faith.

GOD’S POWER GIVES US EVERYTHING WE NEED

READ TOGETHER 2 PETER 1:1-3

2 Peter 1:1–2 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.

Peter is a great example of someone who continued to grow in Christ. Think about how Peter refers to himself in his greeting here and how what he calls himself is not what he always lived out in the gospels.

While Jesus patiently taught His apostles through words and example to be humble servants, they still struggled with being humility and often argued over who was the greatest in the kingdom.

Q: WHAT IN PETER OPENING STATEMENT REVEALS THAT HE HAD GROWN IN HUMILITY TOWARDS OTHERS IN THE KINGDOM AND AS A SERVANT?

Peter’s example demonstrates to us that no matter how close to Christ you have been in the past you can still grow closer. Not only can we grow continually closer, we should daily be making every effort to do so.

Q: HOW DOES PEACE AND GRACE BEING MULTIPLIED TO US CONNECT TO “THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND OF JESUS OUR LORD?”

READ 2 PETER 1:3

2 Peter 1:3 ESV

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,

Within the context of 2 Peter, the truth that God had already given them everything they needed for life and godliness through the knowledge of God that came through the apostles teaching was important for a number of reasons. One reason was likely that false teachers were among them (2:1) and who were telling them things that were not needed and additions to the apostles inspired teachings.

With the truth of God providing all we need in mind, consider these questions:

Q: HOW DOES “THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM” (GOD) GIVE OR LEAD US TO “ALL WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS” AS VERSE THREE STATES?

Q: HOW DID HIS DIVINE POWER GIVE US “ALL WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS? HOW DOES HIS DIVINE POWER CONTINUE TO GIVE HELP US THROUGH EVERYTHING IN LIFE?

READ AND CONSIDER: 1 PETER 1:5; EPHESIANS 1:17-19; 3:16, 20; JOHN 14:16-17

Q: WHAT PART DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT PLAY IN US BEING EMPOWERED TO LIVE FOR CHRIST AND HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED SPIRITUALLY?

WE OFTEN THINK THAT WE NEED THING IN LIFE THAT ARE NOT REALLY ESSENTIAL TO “LIFE AN GODLINESS.”

While it is not wrong to have things that we want and need we need to be careful that we do not put the things that we want in the category of the things we NEED.

When we do this we risk being distracted and over committed to things that take us away from Christ call for us to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Q: WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT WE OR MANY IN OUR CULTURE TREAT AS NEEDS FOR LIFE THAT ARE NOT ESSENTIAL?

OUR EFFORTS HELPS US ADD TO OUR FAITH

READ TOGETHER 2 PETER 1:3-7;

2 Peter 1:3–7 ESV

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.

It is great to know that God has given us everything we need to grow and live a powerful purpose filled life in Christ that can always be getting better and more effective.

God has shown the importance of spiritual growth, given us the greatest motivations to do so (1:8-11) and given us the power to do so. With this in mind discuss:

Q: WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT SO MANY FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST DO NOT “MAKE EVERY EFFORT” TO ADD GROW SPIRITUALLY?

Q: WHAT EFFORT ARE YOU MAKING, OR COULD YOU BE MAKING TO ADD TO YOUR FAITH?

READ AND CONSIDER: John 15:5-8; Colossians 3:16-17; Hebrew 5:14

One great truth in verse five is that we need to not just make an effort but make every effort. In other words, “give it all you’ve got.” This same kind of “all in” effort is reflected in the greatest commands to love the Lord with all you heart, soul, mind and strength.

Lets look at the specific qualities mentioned here.

ADD TO YOUR FAITH VIRTUE

When you read “virtue” you can be thrown off because the word has more than one meaning. In the Greek, the word implies as the NASB has it, “moral excellence.” The same Greek word appears in verse 3 in reference to God’s excellence in which we are called to.

Q: HOW CAN WE ADD TO OUR FAITH VIRTUE, OR “MORAL EXCELLENCE?”

CONSIDER 2 PETER 1:4; JUDGES 21:25; Psalm 119:137-138, 144

We have to realize where excellence or virtue comes from. It is not something that we define, but something that was defined before we were created.

It is not enough to know who defines moral excellence, we also have be willing to submit to God’s commands out of love. (Read John 14:15; Proverbs 4:25-27)

Q: WHY HAS MANKIND ALWAYS TRIED TO REDEFINE GOD’S STANDARD? WHAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE RESULT?

Q: WHILE WE MAY NOT “DO WHAT IS RIGHT IN OUR OWN EYES” IN EVERYTHING IN OUR LIVES, IS THERE ANY AREA THAT WE ARE NEGLECTING TO SUBMIT TO GOD’S STANDARD?

ADD TO YOUR FAITH KNOWLEDGE

The knowledge that we are told to grow in is not just facts but truly knowing; the type of knowledge that we are talking about is one that Paul wrote about and prayed that the churches would have. It was a knowledge that would lead to the moral excellence out of a relationship with Christ.

The true knowledge and understanding that we need most comes from God and His word and a relationship with Him!

1 Corinthians 2:6–7 ESV

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.

We find Paul often in his letters to the churches praying and encouraging them to grow or increase in knowledge.

1 Corinthians 1:4–5 ESV

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—

Ephesians 1:17–18 ESV

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Philippians 1:9 ESV

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

Q: WHY DO WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO GROW IN THIS KIND OF KNOWLEDGE?

CONSIDER COLOSSIANS 1:9-11; 3:9-10

Q: HOW CAN WE GROW RAPIDLY IN KNOWLEDGE?

READ 1 TIMOTHY 6:20-21; 1 KINGS 3:9; PSALM 119:23

Psalm 119:23 ESV

Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Q: WHAT IS THE GREATEST BARRIER TO YOU GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE?

ADD TO YOUR FAITH SELF CONTROL

As we think about this Christian virtue in regards to the others we understand that just as we need one we need the other. If we have no self control we have no moral excellence and our self control and moral excellence comes from true knowledge of God’s truth.

The Greek word that is in our text today is ‘enkrateia’ it is used in opposition to the passions of the flesh just as mentioned Gal 5 just as here in V4 Peter writes “sinful desires.”

Q: ONE LIE OF OUR CULTURE IS THAT FOLLOW YOUR DESIRES MORALLY BRING FREEDOM BUT HOW IS THE OPPOSITE TRUE?

Proverbs 25:28 ESV

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Q: HOW IS IT TRUE THAT SOMEONE WHO LACKS SELF CONTROL OPENS THEMSELVES US TO ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS?

Q: WHAT PROBLEMS HAVE YOU FACED IN LIFE BECAUSE YOU LACKED SELF CONTROL?

Self control is essential for success in every area of our lives especially our spiritual lives. Paul used the example of an athlete to illustrate the importance of self control.

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Titus 2:11–12 ESV

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Q: HOW DOES SELF CONTROL POSITIVELY IMPACT THE MAJOR AREAS OF YOUR LIFE? (i.e. parenting, marriage, relationships and work, physical and mental health, etc.)

Q: HOW CAN WE DEVELOP MORE SELF CONTROL IN OUR LIVES? IS SELF CONTROL ALL ABOUT HAVING A STRONG WILL OR DOES GOD GIVE US THE POWER TO BE SELF CONTROLLED?

Galatians 5:19-23; 5:16-18

Galatians 5:16–18 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

ADD TO YOUR FAITH STEADFASTNESS

What is steadfastness? This word ‘hypomenēn’ means “staying under.” It is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to constancy or steadfast endurance under adversity, without giving in or giving up.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEADFASTNESS AND PATIENCE?

Colossians 1:11–12 ESV

being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Here we have patience and endurance in the same sentence. The word here for patience is ‘makrothumia’ gives the idea of waiting when it is hardest. For instance 1 Pet 3:20 God waited in the days of Noah. We know what it is to wait when we do not want to, like when we are at a doctors appointment.

Patience is waiting for something to happen, endurance is standing your ground under pressure or pain.

Q: WHY DO WE NEED STEADFASTNESS? IN WHAT AREA OF YOUR LIFE DO YOU NEED TO GROW IN STEADFASTNESS?

Romans 15:4-5; Hebrews 10:35-36

Q: WHY IS STEADFASTNESS ESSENTIAL TO SUSTAINING YOUR WORK FOR GOD?

Q: AS WE GROW IN STEADFASTNESS, WHAT OTHER GOOD THINGS COME OUT OF OUR STAYING STRONG UNDER PRESSURE?

Q: WHAT SPECIFIC ISSUE OR PROBLEM ARE YOU HAVING TO PRACTICE STEADFASTNESS WITH? HOW CAN YOU SHARE THAT BURDEN WITH YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD?

ADD TO YOUR FAITH GODLINESS

2 Peter 1:6 ESV

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

The Greek word that Peter uses is; εὐσέβειαb, ας: (or eusebia) ;behavior reflecting correct religious beliefs and attitudes—‘piety, godliness.’

The way that Paul used it in 1 Tim. 2:2 is a good definition of it…‘that we may live a quiet and peaceful life in entire godliness and with modesty’ 1 Tm 2.2. In a number of languages εὐσέβεια in 1 Tm 2.2 may be appropriately translated as ‘to live as God would have us live’ or ‘to live as God has told us we should live.’ (New Bible Dictionary)

Just like our physical bodies, our spiritual lives have to have training to be in good shape. Are we in good shape spiritually.

1 Timothy 4:6–10 ESV

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

There is a similarity between physical training and training in godliness; if it is occasional or sporadic it is no good. How many of you have ever tried running or exercising? Try doing it only once a week and see what happens. If you tried to run just once a week it would be discouraging because you would get nowhere and it would be exhausting every time you went.

Godliness is something we must pursue. To pursue something takes effort.

1 Timothy 6:11 ESV

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Q: 1 TIMOTHY 4:8 SAYS THAT GODLINESS IS OF VALUE IN EVERY WAY, HOW DOES THAT PROVE TRUE?

COMPARE 1 TIMOTHY 4:8; 6:6; PSALM 37:9, 11

Q: WHAT ARE YOU DOING PERSONALLY TO PURSUE GODLINESS IN COMPARISON TO OTHER THINGS THAT YOU ARE PURSUING IN LIFE? (i.e. career, physical goals, etc)

ADD TO YOUR FAITH BROTHERLY AFFECTION AND LOVE

2 Peter 1:7 ESV

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

Brotherly affection comes from the Greek φιλαδελφία [philadelphia] Obviously, this is why the city is called the city of brotherly love. This love is to be distinguished from agape love that is what is next in 2 Peter 1:7

Brotherly love is a special, spiritual bond that goes beyond even the physical bond of biological family. Biological bonds are important and close, but God calls us as brothers and sisters in Christ to a bond that is even closer.

The reason that this bond can be closer is because it is built on something more powerful that physical family connect; the bond is made through Christ.

Not that we do not love all people and love that who are outside of Christ, or in our families, but there is a bond that is in Christ that brings us closer. Christ’s body is so diverse but can be so close.

Galatians 3:28 ESV

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Q: WE HAVE THE GREATEST BONDING AGENT FOR OUR RELATIONSHIP; CHRIST, SO WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT CHURCHES STRUGGLE SO MUCH TO HAVE DEEPER CLOSENESS?

Q: WHAT SHOULD BROTHERLY LOVE CAUSE US TO DO AND BE TO ONE ANOTHER?

GALATIANS 6:9-10

1 THESSALONIANS 4:9-10

AGAPE LOVE IS THE LAST QUALITY OF CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER IN THIS PASSAGES.

The Greek word here is ‘agape.’ We know that this is the word for unconditional love. It is the most prevalent word for love in scripture. At least 116 times it is used. That is a hint to its importance.

All of the other virtues are wrapped up in and can only grow if we have love. It is the most important and prominent. (1 CORINTHIANS 13:13)

Jesus taught and lived and even died out of this unconditional love. (Mark 12:29-31; John 15:12-13; EPHESIANS 5:1-2.

Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

The Holy Spirit through Peter calls us to have each of the qualities we have studied “in increasing measure (2 Peter 3:8).

Q: HOW CAN WE GROW IN UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR OTHERS?

CONSIDER 1 CORINTHIANS 10:24; PHILIPPIANS 2:4; 1 CORINTHIANS 16:14

Q: WHAT HAS HELPED YOU TO GROW IN LOVE TOWARDS OTHERS?

Q: HOW DO YOU PLAN ON CONTINUING TO GROW IN LOVE FOR GOD AND OTHERS?

WHAT ADDING TO OUR FAITH HAS TO DO WITH WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN US TO LIVE IN GODLINESS.

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.

God gives us all we need for life and godliness but having all we need is not automatic and all at once.

We must “make every effort” to add to our faith Christ-like qualities, draw near to God as He draws near to us (James 4:8), walk by the Spirit and bring all of our cares to Christ among other things. The point is we have a part to play in receiving what God has given us to live godly lives.