Off the Shelf Sunday School--2 Peter

Grow into Christ Likeness (1:3-14)

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and he has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

1.??????God is the power source for faith, salvation, good works, spiritual growth into a deeper love with Jesus and transformation into his likeness. He gives us everything that we need and so all glory and honor belong to him alone. God does this for those he calls and chooses to save. Humans are purely recipients of his divine energy and we can do nothing that is of eternal value without it. This is why born-again Christians are eternally secure. It is a work of God that does not depend upon human performance or effort. (Eph 2:1-10)?

2.??????Peter says “make every effort” to co-operate with the leading of the Holy Spirit so that you become more like Jesus and do his will for your life. Spiritual development and being effective as a Christian can be slowed when we disobey or are slow to respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The “effort” that is required is a willingness to die to self and live for Jesus. This involves giving up our will and ways. (Lk 9:23-27)

3.??????What are some of “the great and precious promises of God” given to born-again Christians? Why are these promises certain and not like human promises? What happens when God fulfills these promises? (Rom 6:14; 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 12:9-10; Phil 4:13; Jas 4:6-8; 1 Jn 2: 3-11, 3:1-3)

4.?????Notice the order of growth in Christlikeness: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. What are some ways that these traits build on each other? Why do you think that love is listed last??What kinds of changes are required for a person to love God and others above all else?