2 Peter 1:1-11
Q.1. How did Peter see his and our standing with God? How extensive is the blessing bestowed upon God’s children? How does God turn sinners into saints? – (2 Pet.1:1-4)
Peter pointed out that the basis of our right standing with God, through faith is – by the righteousness of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Pet.1:1). Peter described Jesus as God (and Saviour). By the merits of Christ’s atoning work, we have been given all we need since – … His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence (2 Pet.1:3). Sinners can be transformed into saints, by claiming and applying the Word, since – … by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Pet.1:4). Peter saw a direct link between sanctification and the Word of God. In other words, the same Holy Spirit Who inspired the words of Scripture, is the One Who indwells us and purifies us from sin – … by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Q.2. How did Peter confirm that growing in Christlikeness is a process? What is involved in that process? – (2 Pet.1:4-7)
To become like Jesus requires a huge transformation. It involves many character changes. Peter outlined many of these qualities, and the process of change that must take place – 5 … applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love (2 Pet.1:5-7). None of these qualities are ours naturally. It is a life-long process of change and growth. Many of these changes may involve pain and correction.
Q.3. Is changing towards Christlikeness inevitable? How did Peter view Christians who do not grow? Why is submission to the Lordship of Christ such a blessing? – (2 Pet.1:8-11)
Spiritual change is a joint-operation, between the believer and God. It requires personal effort, and reliance upon God’s Spirit. Paul wrote – 12 … work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil.2:12-13). The Living Bible unveils how God tackles our two problems – 13 For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants (Phil.2:13). God’s Spirit helps both our lack of desire (at times) and our lack of ability (at other times). It is clear that Peter understood that we could choose to either grow or fail to grow – 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins (2 Pet.1:8-9). Consequently, Peter urged believers to – … be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble (2 Pet.1:10). He showed us that relying on and obeying Christ is the only way to gain – … entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ … (2 Pet.1:11).