Text: 2 Peter 1: 1-21
Today’s passage reveals to us the need for Christians to grow and mature in the grace and true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The first section of the passage urges us to understand that God’s provision and the apostolic truth of Jesus Christ is sufficient for spiritual maturity and godly living: the truth of Christ’s gospel and the apostolic testimony (vv. 1-4), and God’s Spirit-given Word (vv.19-21). However, believers are still responsible to apply diligence and build upon their faith to grow. Notice the range of Christian graces or characteristics believers ought to cultivate in their lives with passion in vv.5-9. Also, note the logical progression in the traits listed therein and the consequences of pursuing them (vv. 10-12). Although the word ‘knowledge’ used in v.5 sounds like the word already used in connection with our experience of God’s blessings in the gospel (vv. 2-3), the Greek root word used in this verse refers to practical wisdom or discerning knowledge. Why do you think “discerning knowledge” is listed before self-control? Why is ‘discerning knowledge’ important in the life of a believer today? Now, the last section of the passage closes with a climactic statement that refers to not only the testimony of the apostles but also to the Bible itself which is the only reliable guide for God’s people and the only foundation for the true gospel (vv. 13-21). We are to place our faith, not in the flimsy words of men, but in God’s infallible Word—the Bible.
Meditate on verses 5-10. What kind of obstacles do you see hindering your spiritual progress? What do verses 16-18 teach you about the character of the gospel and how does it mark it out as being radically different from other
spiritual messages?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, give me the strength, encouragement and hope to deal with the obstacles impending my spiritual progress. Amen.