The Foundation of An Unshakable Faith

The Foundation of An Unshakable Faith 2 Peter 1:1-2 April 18, 2021 The Big Idea: The quality of your faith [everything from what you believe to your daily interaction with God] is basically up to what you choose to make of it. The Bible is God’s Word to His people – do you know what it says, believe it, and live by it? Daily experiences with God’s grace and peace are determined by how well we know Jesus. AUTHOR – Peter, the disciple of Jesus – Apostle of the Christ DATE OF LETTER – probably written from a Roman jail cell between AD 65 and 67. It was likely Peter’s last major communication before his execution. Jesus had said to Peter: John 21:18–19 (ESV) 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” PURPOSE OF LETTER: To encourage Christians to grow in their faith through the knowledge of Jesus and stay true to Gospel, rejecting false teaching. Key Verse: 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 1:1–2 (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: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Spiritual Truth for Your Walk With Jesus: 1. Your faith is on an equal standing with anyone else’s -meaning, everything available to them is available to you. The depth, breadth, and strength of your relationship with God can be the same as theirs, if you desire it and pursue it. è In this short letter, Peter uses “know” or “knowledge” 16 times. § § § In chapter 1 we are called to know our salvation and the trustworthiness of Scripture. In chapter 2 we are called to know about and watch out for false teachers. In chapter 3 we are called to know the promises of God, especially concerning the return of Jesus. Peter has deep concern that Christians will be prepared to recognize false teachers and their lies. Peter tells us that false teachers will … ü Teach destructive heresies ü Deny Christ and twist the Scriptures ü Bring true faith into disrepute ü Mock the Second Coming of Christ ü Display immoral character 2. All we have in Christ is by the imputed Righteousness of Christ. 1 Corinthians 5:16-21 3. Once we have experienced salvation by Grace, we are at Peace with God. The daily experiences of Grace and Peace can then be multiplied in our lives in direct proportion to how well we come to know Jesus. Philippians 3:1-10