NT Fire Starters – Day 329: 2 Peter 1:1-21

READ: 2 Peter 1:1-21

THINK: Most people spend their lives trying to accumulate more–more stuff, more knowledge, more power, more friends, more security, and on and on. But God has already given you access to all the resources, promises and power to be all He created you to be. You may not always recognize what you have, and you might still need to discover and develop what’s available to you. But regardless of your circumstances or what you seem to have or not have, God has provided just what you need at the present time to develop the character and fulfill the purposes He intends for you. And He will continue to provide everything at the right time and place as you trust Him for all of it.

RESPOND: By what means has God “given us everything we need for life and godliness” (v. 3)? How do God’s provisions help us develop Christlike character? (See 1:3 note.) What’s wrong if God’s Word doesn’t seem to have the effect that it should? (See 1:3 note, sub point 2.) Who did Peter likely have in mind when emphasizing that God has already given us everything we need? (See sub point 3.) What does it mean that “you may participate in the divine nature” (v. 4), and how is this possible? (See 1:4 note.) According to verse 4, what causes corruption in the world, and how do we escape it (v. 4)? What character traits must Christ’s followers develop along with faith (vv. 5-7)? (See 1:5 note.) Why did Peter emphasize the need for these traits? (See 1:5 note.) What happens “if you possess these qualities in increasing measure”? (See 1:8 note.) What happens if you lack them (v. 9)? What does this passage imply about spiritual growth? What does it mean “to make your call and election sure”? (See 1:10 note.) What does it mean that “we have the word of the prophets made more certain”? (See 1:19 note.) What does this imply about the authority and reliability of God’s Word? What’s the origin and source of all Biblical prophecy? (See 1:20 note.) How did men receive and deliver God’s message? (See 1:21 note.) What can happen if we lack a strong and uncompromising view of Scripture?

PRAY: Give God thanks for providing everything you need for life and godliness, and for the light and authority of His Word. Ask God to help you grow in character traits that will help you be productive in your relationship with Jesus.

ACT: Look back over the list of character qualities in verses 5-7. Write these on a piece of paper or note card that you can carry with you today. Refer to the card frequently and make every effort to practice and develop these traits.