Don’t forget to ask these 4 questions when reading the text:
Who is God?
What has He done?
Who are we?
What are we to do?
Feel free to pick any of the following questions to lead your discovery and discussion. Don’t feel like you have to get through them all, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you during your time together.
Remember, as we open our hearts, our Bibles, and our lives, let’s be sure that our discovery and discussions lead us to the Bible, personal honesty and actual action in the ways we live as we are led and lead one another to Jesus.
The best way to start learning any book of the Bible is to simply read it over and over. Thankfully, that is an easy task with 2 Peter. Since it is only 61 verses long, it can be read in roughly 10 minutes.
WEEK 1: 2 PETER 1:1-15
Scripture: 1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those 1 4 who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2May 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, 4by 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, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For 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. 11For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
Introduction
Peter begins his second letter to Christians who were increasingly despised and opposed in their culture as they were seeking to learn how they could continue to become like Christ and point others to Christ. The tone of the letter is like that of a spiritual father with a family who wants to do what is right and is wrestling with how to do it.
Peter teaches all Christians that, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). The Christian life is, contrary to a lot of popular opinion, a life we live for God. No, the Christian life is God working for us in Jesus, as well as in us and through us by the Holy Spirit. This truth provides the courage to live through suffering for Christ, and the humility to live through the Spirit like Christ.
Observation
1. Peter says that all Christians have “equal standing” with him in Christ. Do you really and truly believe that there is no such thing as junior varsity Christians, and that you are as loved, forgiven, and empowered as Peter?
2. List out the things that Peter warns us are working against our progress in Christian living. Which of these items is most difficult for you?
3. List out the virtues that God the Holy Spirit wants to grow in you by His “divine power”. Which one have you made the most progress in? Which one(s) still need the most growth?
4. Peter says that there are things we need to remind one another of. What are the most important things that you know, but sometimes forget, and need to be reminded about (e.g. reading Scripture, confessing our sin, forgiving others, praying, worshiping, giving, serving, etc.)?
Interpretation
1. Peter talks about being a “servant” “of Christ”. Who has been the most helpful to you in your Christian walk? Who has God called you to serve in this season?
2. Peter talks about stirring up passion for Christian living in fellow believers. How can we encourage one another practically during the week to continue moving forward in our faith walk?
3. Peter talks about how he could not be physically with them, and one day would die, but that they could continue to learn about and grow in Christ without him. Who has served you in your past in this way? Who are you praying continues to walk with Jesus even when you are not present with them, or alive on the earth? How can we join you in prayer for them (e.g. spouse, friend, child, grandchild)?
4. Peter says that the Christian can become so “near sighted” that they are essentially “blind”. This happens when we lose sight of the judgment of our lives for eternal rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven. In which area(s) are you most prone to nearsightedness–thinking and focusing on the short-term instead of long-term?
Application
1. Since it takes around 10 minutes to read 2 Peter, will you commit to reading it every day for the next month?
2. Peter wrote a letter to communicate encouragement to believers who were suffering and struggling. Who do you know that would benefit from you following his example and writing a letter to them?
3. Who do you need to stir up a passion in for continuing to mature as a Christian? How can you encourage and motivate them in love?
4. Of all the negative things Peter lists, which one would you like prayer for the most so that you can walk in victory over it?
5. Of all the positive things Peter lists, which one would you like prayer for the most to make that a focused area of growth in your life?
6. Peter is writing to numerous small churches that operated a lot like small groups that meet in homes. What kind of relationships would result if our group followed his instruction? How can you be praying together to foster that environment for healthy relationships?