3.6.25 5.16.2021 2 Peter 1.1-11 Peter and the Qualities which Qualify us

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Entice: So far during this series we have focused on the example of heroic OT figures learning lessons from what they did, to inform our heroic actions in difficult times. Beginning this week we will change course a bit and look at some NT passages which focus on learnable, qualities which will equip us for service. We need to take that hope that is growing within us out for a spin. How can the hope we have in Jesus make a difference in the world if we keep it to ourselves?

Engage: We expect certain people to be qualified for certain tasks they perform. Surgery. Legal advice. Teaching. Even ministry.

What are the qualities that qualify a person for a chosen task?

How does a person

get them?

How does a person

cultivate them?

How does a person

lose them?

Another thought. There are no part-time or amateur disciples. You are Christian or not. Born again or not. I'm not talking about giftedness which of course differs disciple to disciple. I'm taking about the qualities which qualify us to be a disciple. To live for Jesus. You might be a qualified plumber as I am a qualified preacher. It is more important for each of us to exhibit the qualities of a qualified disciple of Jesus.

Expand: Peter got his qualifications from Jesus. He knew what was expected. He understood the difficulties. He knew very well what was at stake. When He talked about the qualities which qualify us as genuine, born-again, ready-for-service disciples of Jesus he knew what he was talking about.

2 Peter 1:1–11 ESV

1 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: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 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, 4 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. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 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. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Excite: Hope should be as specific as possible. Anchored to the reality of what Jesus has done for us.

Explore:

These qualities qualify us for service as well as salvation.

Explain: Peter describes three essential qualities which qualify us for both service and reward.

1. Conversion. vv 3-4

1.1 Called to God's glory and excellence.

1.2 Partakers of His divine nature.

1.3 Escape from corruption.

2. Consecration. vv 5-9

2.1 Consecration is a process.

(Qualification takes time and growth.)

Faith

Virtue

Knowledge

Self-control

Steadfastness

Godliness

Brotherly Affection

Love

2.2 Consecration gives perspective.

3. Confirmation vv 10-11

Practice makes Perfect

Certainty

Stability

Practice anticipates the promise!

Shut Down:

The hope we have in Jesus is not abstract or symbolic or idealistic. Jesus gives us the hope of living a transformed life right here in Grayville IL. The new birth. New creature in Christ. Christian. Disciple. Follower of Jesus. He changes us so that we might be sanctified into His image confirming and affirming His claim upon our life.

When you become a Christian your past is pardoned and your future is prepared. Will you choose Him? Will you come to Him in faith and dedicate your life to becoming qualified; not only for eternal life but for more fulfilling life here and now?