Growing In Faith Through Knowing Jesus – A Study of 2 Peter 1

Growing in Faith Through Knowing JesusI. IntroductionA. Context of 2 PeterAuthor: Peter (Simeon Peter)Date: Around 64 AD, shortly before Peter’s deathAudience: Possibly the same as 1 Peter (speculative)Occasion: Farewell addressPurpose: Combat false teaching, emphasize the return of ChristB. Central Theme: God provides everything for life and godlinessII. The Foundation: Knowledge of JesusA. Definition: ἐπίγνωσις (epígnōsis) – full discernment and acknowledgmentB. True vs. False KnowledgeFalse teachers claimed “knowledge” (possibly proto-Gnostic)Peter only attributes true knowledge to knowing ChristC. Key Verse: 2 Peter 1:2 – Grace and peace through knowledge of God and JesusIII. God’s Divine ProvisionA. Divine power gives all we need (v.3)B. God’s promises allow us to:Share in the divine natureEscape corruption and evil desiresC. Entry into divine community through the Holy SpiritIV. The Growth Process: Spiritual Virtues (vv. 5–7)A. Faith as the foundationB. Add to your faith: Goodness, Knowledge, Self-control, Endurance, Godliness, Brotherly affection, Love (agape)C. Key Ideas:Growth is intentional and requires effort.We are empowered, but must partner with GodV. The Evidence of Growth (v.8)A. Spiritual maturity keeps us from being:Useless (ἀργός – inactive, idle)Unfruitful (ἄκαρπος – barren)B. Fruitfulness reflects increasing knowledge of ChristC. Warning against busyness that lacks fruit VI. The Danger of Stagnation (v.9)A. Lacking growth leads to:Spiritual blindnessForgetting Christ’s cleansing workDrifting away from gratitude and purposeVII. Confirming Your Calling and Election (vv.10–11)A. Make every effort to confirm callingB. Divine invitation and participation in God’s planC. Balance of God’s sovereignty and human responsibilityD. Assurance of eternal reward: Entry into the eternal kingdomVIII. ConclusionA. Spiritual growth is a lifelong, active processB. God empowers us—but we must respond with intentional effortC. Growing in Christ leads to stability, fruitfulness, and eternal hopeIX. Additional Scriptures:Psalm 1:1-3, Matthew 7:13-20, John 15:5, John 17:3, Romans 8:16-17, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:15-16. Philippians 1:6, Colossians 2:2-3, Hebrews 10:24-25