2010-11-14
2 Peter - Gotta Know (Jesus) to Grow
Steve Lane

A. Introduction to 2 Peter
Peter was probably within two years of writing 1 Peter
2 Peter 3: 1 Still a strong theme of growth (see 3: 18)
2 Peter 1: 13 - 14 Much danger from the inside; lack of growth and false teachers
2 Peter 2: 17 - 18 Many similarities to Jude 17 - 19
2 Peter 2: 19 - 20; 3: 2,16 Emphasis on the Word of God
It is the will of God that His Word crush the feelings of arrogance and self-reliance, and that it give hope to the poor in Spirit
~Tom Stellar
Isaiah 50: 4-5,10-11

B. Knowing Jesus

2 Peter 1: 1
Gentle and real, but he is an Apostle and hes does have authority

2 Peter 1: 2
This abundant and growing grace and peace will be the result of the Holy Spirit producing fruit in the heart of a yielded believer, as they know Jesus more and more.
Knowledge [epignosis] a full knowledge, discernment and recognition. (Ephesians 1: 17)
Grace and peace are multiplied through this experiential heart knowledge
Growing in grace and peace is directly tied to intimacy with Christ—experiencing Him
Meeting with God over the Word, and then pursuing Him wholeheartedly with a heart and a mind that is in line with the Word of God

C. We have Everything We Need for Life and Godliness

2 Peter 1: 3
Really... He has already given us everything we need
He has deposited in us all we need to escape the chains of sin and death, and the pull of this world. But, we must epignosis (know) Him and walk in the new nature. Run while you can.

2 Peter 1: 4
Growing is painful. Over and over you have to see your weakness and rely fully on the promises of God. Earnestly desire the most our of...
We can participate in the divine nature. We can:
Galatians 5: 22
Romans 6
2 Corinthians 5: 21
Galatians 2: 20
John 15
Colossians 3: 1 - 4 Participating in the divine nature. Being hidden in Christ - yielded
Being led astray by evil desires, sinful desire or simply lust - strong desire.

D. Conclusion - Prepare to Grow

What if I had always pursued with abandon God's purpose and His desire, rather than my own?
Too busy with my own desires and plans.

"Knowing [epignosis] You Jesus", Graham Kendrick
All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world revers and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now compared to this
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing
Now my heart's desire is to know You more
To be found in You and known as Yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All surpassing gifts of righteousness
Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death, my Lord
So with You to live and never die

I don't want to waste another situation (even trials), circumstance or relationship
Prepare yourself (2 Peter 1: 10 - 11)