Knowing God

2 Peter 1:1-11
Pastor Josh Whitney (josh@trc.life)

2 Peter 1:1 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

1 . You need to know the truth to see the

.

2 . Christians have the

righteousness of Christ.

2 Peter 1:2 May 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.

3 . A

knowledge of God won’t release His power in your life.

2 Peter 1:4 by 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.

4 . We get to know God specifically and personally through His

.

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

5 . Knowledge without Jesus leads to

.

2 Peter 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

6 . The Lord wants us

in our knowledge of Him.

2 Peter 1:9 For 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. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1 . How does Peter describe himself in his greeting? Why is this important?
2 . Where else do people turn to for these things that pertain to life? How are these sources of wisdom or strength lacking?
3 . List some “precious and very great promises.”
4 . If God has already granted us everything we need for a successful spiritual life, then how does “make every effort” fit into the equation?
5 . Share some ways Believers could grow in the qualities described in verses 5-7.
6 . How could you use verses 9-10 to help people reach an assurance of salvation?