Grace and Peace in Jesus

This first week of the series will enable us to introduce the series and the book of 2 Peter. It will focus on the simple phrase opening the letter: “grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”(2 Peter 1:2).

SERMON OUTLINE

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2)

The Story Behind 2 Peter

  • The story of Peter
  • The story of the churches Peter writes to
  • The basic structure and themes of this letter

How We Identify Ourselves (2 Peter 1:1)

  • Peter’s identification of himself (1:1a)
    • Birth name and spiritually given name
    • Servant
    • Apostle
  • Peter’s identification of his readers (1:ba)
    • Those who received something from Jesus
    • Those who received a precious faith from Jesus

Growing in the Reality of Who We Are (2 Peter 1:2)

  • Grace
  • Peace
  • Knowledge of God and of Jesus

Making It Real

  • Living our Jesus-given identify
  • Growing in grace in Jesus
  • Growing in peace in Jesus
  • Growing in knowledge of God through Jesus

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What are some essential characteristics of the family that you grew up in? What was unique about your family?
  2. This week we begin a new preaching series entitled “Growing in Faith: Exploring 2 Peter.” This week we explore 2 Peter 1:1-2. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud. You may want to read all of chapter 1, or even the entire book, aloud.
  3. Background: While some debate exists about who wrote this letter, the consensus through most of church history was that Peter wrote this letter before the end of his life. Tradition tells us Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome during the reign of the Emperor Nero, probably between 64-67 AD.
  4. What stands out to you about how Peter describes himself in verse 1?
  5. How does this strike you in light of Peter’s life. You may want to explore highlights of Peter’s life in the following Gospel passages:
    1. Jesus calls Peter (Mt 4:18-22; Mk 1:16-20; cf. Lk 5:1-11)
    2. Jesus selects Peter as one of the 12 apostles (Mt 10:1-4; Mk 3:13-19; Lk 6:12-16)
    3. Jesus walks on water and Peter joins Him (Mt 14:22-33; Mk 6:45-52)
    4. Peter declares Jesus is the Christ; Jesus calls Peter “The Rock”; Peter rebukes Jesus about His passion and Jesus rebukes Peter (Mt 16:13-23; Mk 8:27-33; Lk 9:18-22)
    5. Peter witnesses Jesus’ transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8; Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36)
    6. Peter expresses allegiance to Jesus and Jesus predicts Peter’s denial (Mt 26:30-35; Mk 14:26-31; Lk 22:31-34, 39; Jn 13:31-37)
    7. After Jesus’ arrest, Peter follows at a distance; Peter denies Jesus (Mt 26:57-75; Mk 14:53-72; Lk 22:54-71; Jn 18:15-28)
    8. After the disciples fish in Galilee, Jesus reinstates Peter (Jn 21:1-23)
  6. If you were writing a letter, how would you describe yourself to other believers?
  7. In verse 2, what stands out to you about Peter’s description of what we receive from God?
  8. What is one specific thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a 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

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