Begin by reading 2 Peter 1:1-9 slowly and prayerfully (read aloud).
Begin by reading 2 Peter 1:1-9 slowly and prayerfully (read aloud).
1. From verses 3 and 4, what are my resources to take on the character of Christ?
2. Verses 5-7 list various character qualities to be diligently applied to our faith.
What is promised to those who seek to grow in character (vs. 8) ?
What warning is given in the next verse to those who are not growing in these areas?
GROWTH
1. Looking at 2 Peter 3:18, what are the two sides of responsibility in growth?
2. Compare Hebrews 5:14 with Genesis 2:17 & 3:5ff. Is growing instantly part of God's plan for us? Explain.
3. What do I see about growing in Ephesians 2:21-22?
4. List the character qualities from 2 Peter1:5-7, and circle the one(s) you feel weakest in:
FAITH
1. What does Hebrews 11:3 say about the tangibility of faith and God's working?
2. Read Romans 1:17. What do you observe about faith?
3. Living by faith is not easy; what must I do to grow in faith according to Hebrews 12:1-2?
4. From Jude 20-21, what do I see about growing in faith? Explain.
VIRTUE is moral excellence; purity in thought, feeling and action.
1. What is God's promise in Matthew 5:8 to the pure in heart?
2. Carefully and prayerfully look at 2 Corinthians 7:1. Why should I be morally pure?
3. Living by faith is not easy; what must I do to grow in faith according to Hebrews 12:1-2?
4. From Jude 20-21, what do I see about growing in faith? Explain.
KNOWLEDGE is both factual and personal regarding God.
1. Isaiah 33:6 tells me that knowledge can do what in my walk with the Lord?
2. From Psalm 119:66, what should my attitude be in gaining any knowledge of and about God?
3. How can knowledge help me to grow in love as Philippians1:9-10 states?
4. What does Philippians 3:8 tell me about "knowledge"? Explain.
SELF CONTROL is to keep desires and actions in restraint.
1. What is the result of no self control according to Proverbs25:28?
2. Name two good reasons from 1 Corinthians 9:25,27 for exercising self control:
3. What must I be always aware of in striving for self control (Galatians 5:17)?
4. How can I have victory over self (Matthew 26:41)? Explain.
PERSEVERANCE is patient waiting and endurance.
1. What will I lack if I just give up as Luke 8:15 tells me?
2. Colossians 1:11 says what about
perseverance?
3. What was David's reason for not giving up in Psalm 27:13?
4. Read Romans 5:3-4. What is God telling us about
perseverance here? Explain.
GODLINESS is reverence and respect of God, and piety of character.
1. What should motive me to godliness (Titus 2:11-13)?
2. What else should my motive be according to 2 Peter 3:11-12?
3. By reading 1 Timothy 4:7-8, what can I learn about the character of true godliness?
4. From 2 Corinthians 3:18, what is the goal of godliness? Explain.
BROTHERLY LOVE is a sibling type of love for other people.
1. How do I learn to love my brother (1Thessalonians 4:9)?
2. Looking at 1 John 5:2, what determines whether or not I can love my brother?
3. 1 Peter 1:22 describes brotherly love in what way to me?
4. What are some practical ways I can love my brother as I look at Hebrews 13:1-3? Explain.
LOVE is unconditional, no-strings-attached goodness to another in action. (John 3:16)
1. How important is love, based on Matthew22:37-40?
2. From Romans 13:10, what is a characteristic of true love?
3. What is a result of love in action seen in 1 Peter 4:8?
4. Read and spend time in prayer over Colossians 3:14. How important do I consider love? Explain why.
FOR FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:
1. Memorize the 36verse passages of this study by topic (Growth . . . Love) and prayerfully meditate on them (James 1:25).
2. Do your own study on love based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (use cross-references like this study does for each verse of 2 Peter 1:5-7, and think of questions to reflect on the meaning).
Meditate on these things during the coming week, seeing how God's certainty can affect your life!
Questions, comments, sharing - email your response to this form to: ipdave@hotmail.com.