4. Be Intentional – Then you will Grow2 Peter 1:1–11

(p. 1124)

1 & 2 1 & 2

PeterPeter

Growing in our Faith …

▲ “If you possess these qualities in increasing

measure, they will keep you from being

Ineffective Ineffective and UnproductiveUnproductive

in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v 8)

▲ “... If you do these things you will

never stumblestumble ... (v 10)

1. Set up for VICTORY

▲ His Divine Power (v 3)

■ Has given us everything we need

■ Through our Knowledge● Right information and understanding (knowledge of

reality)● Intimate relationship (knowledge of person)

▲ His great & precious Promises (v 4)

■ Offered because of His “Glory” and “Goodness”

1. Set up for VICTORY …

▲ The BENEFITS for us NOW: (adapting Greek philosophy)

■ Participating in the divine nature (v 4)● Gk: implies permanence and immortality – like the gods● Bible: Transformed into the image of Christ (Col 3:10; 2 Cor 3:18)

■ Escaping the corruption of Sinful desires (v 4)● Gk: purification through – (i) contemplation of the divine,

(ii) personal discipline, & (iii) detachment from world/body

● Bible: Purified through Christ’s blood, now live it (Rom 6:2, Eph 4:17)

2. SEIZING the OpportunityAdd –

… to your Faith – Goodness

… to goodness – Knowledge

… to knowledge – Self Control

… to self control – Perseverance

… to perseverance – Godliness

… to godliness – Brotherly Kindness

… to brotherly kindness – Love

2. Seizing the Opportunity …

▲ Possess these “… in increasing measure” (v 8)

■ Not absolutes – a growing in Christ-likeness

▲ A Call to CHANGE – ● Not just our HABITS

● Not just our ATTITUDES

● OUR VERY SELVES (deep inside !!!)

3. SYMPTOM & CURE

Being Ineffective and Unproductive is a symptom:

▲Of NEARSIGHTEDNESS(v 9)

■ To the point of BLINDNESS

■ Seeing only what is right in front of you – Look UP!

▲Of FORGETFULNESS (v 9)

3. SYMPTOM & CURE…

The “medicine” to cure these symptoms is:

▲ Being DILIGENT (v 5, 10)

▲ Making your CALLING sure (v 10)

■ Being SURE of God’s hold on you (you are HIS)

▲ DOING these things (Holy Living) (v 10)

The benefits to US

A rich welcome into the

eternal Kingdom of our

Lord.

Conclusion …

▲ God has set us up for victory / success

▲ We have a part to play to take hold of it

■ If we DON’T – we’ll lead ineffective, unproductive lives

■ If we DO – we’ll have joyful life in God

– we’ll have victory over sin,

– We’ll get a victory parade to enter Heaven