The author reminds his readers of the power of God available to them. Through faith in Jesus Christ we have access to God’s “very great and precious promises” so that we have “everything we need for a godly life.”
2 Peter 1:3-4
SERMON OUTLINE
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)
God’s Power (2 Peter 1:3a)
- Divine power
- God gives everything we need
God’s Purpose (2 Peter 1:3)
- Everything we need for a godly life (“life and godliness”)
- The intersection of divine power and divine knowledge
God’s Promises (2 Peter 1:4a)
- God’s gift to us
- God’s very great and precious promises
God’s Presence (2 Peter 1:4b)
- Participating in the divine nature
- Escape world’s corruption in sinful desires
Making It Real
- Living for God’s Purpose
- Living with God’s Power
- Living by God’s Promises
- Living in God’s Presence
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When has someone’s promise made a big impact upon your life?
- This week we continues our series “Growing in Faith” by looking at events at 2 Peter 1:3-4. Whether you are on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
- Peter continues the opening of his letter by making some pretty strong statements about what we have received from God. What has God given us according to verse 3?
- How would you describe “a godly life” in your own words?
- In verse 4, Peter talks about how God “has given us his very great and precious promises.” What are some of these promises that you know from Scripture?
- In what specific areas of your life could you apply a particular promise of God in order to grow?
- Peter says that God gives us His promises for a specific reason. What is that reason?
- What do you think it means to “participate in the divine nature”?
- How might God’s promises help us escape “the corruption in the world caused by evil desires”?
- What is one specific thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize 2 Peter 1:3 or 4, or both verses together.
- Read through some of the promises of God (“50 Bible Promises to Build Your Faith”), and then journal or reflect on this question: What might it mean to live in light of God’s promises every day in your life?
- Choose one promise from God that is applicable to a specific area of your life or struggle in your life. Memorize that promise and pray over it until your life is affected by God’s divine power. Share the journey with others.
- Consider watching one or both of these Bible Project videos: