1. (2 Peter 1:1-11) God has provided some special blessings for the benefit of His people. a. (vs.3-4) He has provided what we need to be "partakers of the divine nature," including "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" and "exceeding great and precious promises." b. (vs.5-11) He has provided "the Christian graces" to prevent His people from falling. 2. Each Christian is to give "all diligence" in adding the seven graces. 3. Review: a. "Faith" is the foundation upon which the graces are to be added. b. "Virtue" [courage, the determination to do what is right] is the first grace. c. "Knowledge" [moral wisdom, such as seen in right living] is the second grace. d. "Temperance" [self-control, self-discipline] is the third grace. e. "Patience" [endurance, perseverance, steadfastness] is the fourth grace. f. "Godliness" [reverence or respect toward God] is the fifth grace. g. "Brotherly kindness" [an affectionate kind of love that God's children have for one another as brothers and sisters] is the sixth grace. h. "Charity" [love that seeks what is best for other people in all situations] is the seventh grace. 4. (vs.8-11) We are shown why developing these graces is so important. 5. In our last lesson we examined the information presented in vs.9. a. (vs.9a) One who fails to develop these graces has a vision problem [he is "blind" and "cannot see afar off"]. b. One who fails to develop these graces has a memory problem [he has "forgotten that he was purged from his old sins"]. 6. In this lesson we are concentrating on the positive information presented in vs.8, 10-11. Discussion:
I. (vs.8) ONE WHO DEVELOPS THESE GRACES WILL BE FRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST
A. The Lord wants His followers to bear fruit (John 15:8). B. To bear fruit we must hear the Lord's Word correctly (Matthew 13:8, 23). C. The Lord's Word teaches us to develop these graces -- by doing so we will be fruitful in the knowledge of Christ. II. (vs.10) ONE WHO DEVELOPS THESE GRACES WILL REMAIN FAITHFUL
A. The Bible teaches that a child of God can fall. 1. The rocky soil illustrates this principle (Matthew 13:20-21). 2. Also, see 1 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 2:20-21. B. However, by developing these graces we make our calling and election sure -- we won't fall. III. (vs.11) ONE WHO DEVELOPS THESE GRACES WILL BE BLESSED WITH A HOME IN HEAVEN
A. The Lord will bless His faithful servants (Matthew 25:20-23; Revelation 2:10). B. Heaven is described in Revelation 21:1-4. Conclusion:
1. After revealing the graces (vs.5-7), Peter showed why we must develop them (vs.8-11). 2. Let us examine ourselves to determine if we are diligently complying with the Lord's instructions (2 Corinthians 13:5a; 10:12, 18).
