The Pilgrim’s Knowledge (Part 2): The Means of Effectiveness and Fruitfulness
October 14, 2018 Preacher: Series: The Pilgrim Letters: 1 & 2 Peter
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5–15
Key Truth: We are called to make every effort grow in Christian character and confirm our calling and election so as to remain firm on the foundation of the Gospel of Christ by regularly remembering.
Introduction:
What is your definition of the Gospel of Christ?
“The first statement of the Gospel is not an exhortation to action or to conduct and behavior. Before (humanity) is called upon to do anything (we) must have received something. Before God calls upon a (person) to put anything into practice, He has made it possible for (that person) to put it into practice.”
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Expository Sermons on 2 Peter
The Call to Make Every Effort to Make Your Calling and Election Sure:
2 Peter 1:5-11
Characteristic |
Basic Definition |
Faith - |
A sure hope in the promises of God |
Virtue - |
Christ-like thinking and character displayed in private and public |
Knowledge - |
Practical understanding of the Scriptures and the work of Christ |
Self-Control - |
Mastery of our passions according to wisdom |
Steadfastness - |
Firmly founded in the Gospel and its practical outworkings |
Godliness - |
Reflection of God’s attributes in and through our lives |
Brotherly Affection - |
Selfless care and concern for the saints |
Love - |
Selfless care and concern for those who are not yet saints |
What are some of the efforts that you have made in the past that have helped you to grow in Christian character?
What efforts are you currently making?
The Call to Remember and Never Forget the Gospel of Christ:
2 Peter 1:12-15
“Reminders arouse and provoke believers, prompting them to prize the gospel afresh. Peter hoped that his words would stab the believers awake so they would reject what the opponents taught. Believers know the gospel, and yet they must, in a sense, relearn it every day.”
Thomas R. Schreiner, The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude
What helps you to remember the Gospel on a regular basis?
How are you helping your friends and family remember and not forget the Gospel of Christ?
Application:
2 Peter 1:5-15 teaches us that we are called to:
-make every effort grow in Christian character and confirm our calling and election
-remain firm on the foundation of the Gospel of Christ by regularly remembering
“Peter is convinced that true Christian knowledge is not irrelevant book-learning, but that it changes the Christian and then impacts the world.”
Dick Lucas & Christopher Green, The Message of 2 Peter & Jude: The Promise of His Coming
Communion
Benediction:
2 Peter 3:17-18
More in The Pilgrim Letters: 1 & 2 Peter
November 18, 2018
The Pilgrim's Future Hope (Part 2): Growth in Grace and Knowledge of Jesus ChristNovember 11, 2018
The Pilgrim’s Future Hope (Part 1): The Lord’s Redemptive PatienceNovember 4, 2018
The Pilgrim’s Warning (Part 2): Beware Worldly Re-entanglement