God's Boot Camp: How 2 Peter Turns Believers into Battle-Ready Disciples

Have you ever wondered what separates cultural Christians from genuine warriors of faith? In this powerful teaching, we dive deep into 2 Peter 1:1-11 to uncover the biblical blueprint for spiritual growth that transforms believers into battle-ready disciples for today's challenges.

The Apostle Peter, writing shortly before his martyrdom, provides a revolutionary framework for understanding what it means to live with a truly biblical worldview. We explore how Peter describes our salvation as a precious gift received through God's righteousness—not something earned or achieved through human effort. This foundation of grace becomes the launchpad for remarkable spiritual development.

At the heart of Peter's message is an astounding promise: God's "divine power has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness." You already possess all you need for spiritual victory! But accessing these resources requires growing in the "full knowledge" of Christ—not just intellectual understanding, but deep, transformative relationship.

Most striking is Peter's revelation that believers actually become "partakers of the divine nature," sharing in God's moral character while escaping the corruption dominating our world. This isn't about becoming gods but about experiencing supernatural transformation from the inside out. The seven virtues Peter lists—moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love—create a comprehensive portrait of Christ-like character that believers must diligently cultivate.

When we develop these qualities, Peter promises two powerful outcomes: we "will never stumble" and we'll receive an "abundant entrance" into Christ's eternal kingdom. By making our "calling and election sure" through godly living, we gain personal assurance while providing compelling evidence of the gospel's power to a watching world.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Christian Warrior Mission
• 3:23 Scripture Introduction: 2 Peter 1
• 10:43 Precious Faith and Divine Promises
• 33:07 Seven Virtues for Christian Growth
• 51:09 Confirming Your Calling and Election
• 1:01:15 Living a Biblical Worldview Today
• 1:08:26 Final Blessing and Dismissal

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:39

All right, hello everyone and welcome to Christian Warrior Mission, a home, church, community, ministry and farm that forges Christian warriors for today's challenges. Here we forge disciples who will faithfully worship, work and war until every knee bows to King Jesus. We lock shields to protect the innocent and disciple the nations. Today we will charge into our study of 2 Peter 1, verses 1 through 11. I had to break it up into two. We are not people to hide from battle. We are those who stand firm, shoulder to shoulder, shields locked together, eyes fixed on Christ, hearts ablaze for his kingdom. All right, so hold on here. I got the wrong. I need one more. Oh man, I got one more version. I got to transfer over because I didn't do it over here, but that's all right. Okay, all right, so let's go ahead and get into prayer here. Technical challenges as usual. I apologize everyone.

Speaker 1: 1:44

Heavenly Father, lord, we thank you. We thank you for today. We thank you for this amazing weather we're having in Tennessee. Lord, we thank you for your son who died for our sins. Lord, we thank you for our countless blessings, known and unknown, your protections, lord. We thank you for all the people in our lives. We help us to treasure every moment we have with them. Lord, I pray that these words today are your words and not mine, and that you will use them to help somebody somewhere somehow. So may we proclaim you with every breath of our lungs and serve you with every beat of our hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen. All right, let's get into the Lord's Prayer. Before we proceed deeper into worship, let us be rooted in the fundamental prayer for our Lord.

Speaker 1: 2:35

Jesus Christ taught his disciples the model prayer for every Christian warrior In Luke 11.1,. The disciples ask the Lord. Teach us to pray. Brothers and sisters, prayer is not an option for the soldier of Christ. It is the essential communication with the commander of the armies of heaven. Now let us together read and teach through the Lord's Prayer, the Lord's Prayer Matthew 6, 9-13. Pray then in this way Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors, and do not lead us in temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen, alright, our Father, who is in. God is our sovereign commander, ruling from his throne. Surrender your plans and trust in his leadership. Hallowed be your name. God's holiness must be honored above all. You know too often today morning churchianity. We talk about God's love, god's love, god's love. But God is holy, holy, holy. It is his primary attribute. So God's holiness must be honored above all. Live to glorify his name in your every action. Your kingdom come May Christ's rule. Expand our hearts and this world. Pray for the gospel of advance and courageous witness your will be done.

Speaker 1: 4:08

We align our lives with Christ's kingdom purpose, not our own agendas and align daily decisions with his divine strategy, not our own. Give us this day our daily bread. We live in daily dependence on God, our provider and sustainer. We depend on his provision for every need, day by day. Forgive our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. We live out forgiveness because we ourselves have been forgiven much, repent. Swiftly forgive others. Restore unity. That's what we need to do. Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. We seek god's protection and strength against temptation and spiritual attack. Who recognize and avoid dangers, choose god. There is almost never a time where you're at a fork in the road in your life and there's a decision and you're like I don't know what the right thing is to do here. There's the selfish and the sinful thing to do, and then there's God's way and far too often we choose not God's way, for yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. We affirm God's eternal dominion, power and victory. We must claim Christ's victory and press on without fear. So 2 Peter 1, verses 1 through 11, again, I had to split this up because there's so much here. Dayton author.

Speaker 1: 5:38

This was written around 64 to 68 AD by the apostle Peter, shortly before his martyrdom under Nero. That's where he was crucified upside down. He requested to be crucified upside down because he said he was not worthy to be crucified like Lord Jesus. Okay, and this is for believers scattered throughout the provinces of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, grappling with false teachers and persecution, just like we are today false teachers everywhere. So imagine receiving a final letter from a beloved pastor who knows his time is short.

Speaker 1: 6:19

And 2 Peter 1, the Apostle Peter, nearing the end of his earthly life, writes to strengthen believers. He reminds them of the precious faith they share, urges them to pursue godly virtues with diligence and anchors their hope in the sure truth of Christ's majesty and Scripture's inspiration. Peter's words provide a blueprint for living out a Christian biblical worldview in a corrupt world, in a reformed and conservative theological framework. This chapter highlights God's sovereign grace in salvation and sanctification, our responsibility to grow in holiness and the absolute reliability of God's word. And the absolute reliability of God's Word All key in confident, hopeful, even post-millennial, outlook on Christ's advancing kingdom. Today we will walk line by line through Peter 2, 1 through 11. We'll explore its rich meaning, from historical context to Greek terms, cross-referencing scripture along the way. We will draw on the wisdom from the giants of the faith Calvin, spurgeon, edwards, knox, warfield and others to illuminate the text. And we will especially apply verses 4 through 11 to our lives, seeing how believers can live out a biblical worldview today. May this journey through God's word stir us, as Peter says, to remember these truths and be established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1.12, which we'll get to next week.

Speaker 1: 7:51

So, first thing, what is a biblical worldview? A biblical worldview means you apply the Bible to everything you do In your life. It is to live this book. You look at everything through this book, you live everything through this book. It is called a biblical worldview. Contrast that with the secular worldview. The secular worldview is all about you, you, you, you, flesh, flesh, flesh, flesh. Sin, sin, sin, sin, no consequences. Live for the moment, there's nothing else. It's terrible. Biblical worldview is to look at everything the way that the Bible tells us to, which is God's way. Okay. So are you leaving, lauren? If you could come get Yaya, that would be great. Thank you, and close the door behind you. Thank you, where was I? Okay, okay, so a biblical worldview, all right.

Speaker 1: 9:24

Far too many today in Christian Christians say they believe the Bible but don't live what the Bible says. So they are hypocritical and they are double-minded. Okay, so we're going to get into how 2 Peter 1, verses 1 through 11, help us to walk out and live a biblical worldview. We're also going to get into some Calvinism today and pre-election and all that stuff. So first let's go to the text and I'm going to read it from the book no, I don't have my glasses.

Speaker 1: 10:01

The second letter of Peter, precious and magnificent promises Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I find it interesting that it's not my buddy Jesus. It's not Jesus bro. It's. I am a slave of Jesus Christ. It's not Jesus, bro, it's. I am a slave of Jesus Christ. That's how much reverence his friends had for him, the people who knew him. But today we wanted to call him. You know, buddy, okay To those who have received the same kind of faith as ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior, jesus Christ, are you done?

Speaker 1: 10:46

Are you done Okay? Are you leaving or are you staying? Okay, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, jesus Christ, grace and peace be multiplied to you in the full knowledge of God and of Jesus. Our Lord, seeing his divine power, has granted us, to us, everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the full knowledge of him, who called us his own glory and excellence. By his own glory and excellence, for by these he has granted to us his precious and magnificent promise, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now, for this very reason, also applying all diligence in your faith, supply, a moral excellence and in your moral excellence. Knowledge and in your knowledge. Self-control and in your self-control. Perseverance and in your perseverance. Godliness and in your godliness. Brotherly kindness and in your brotherly kindness, love, for as these things are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful, in the full knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, for in whom these things are not present, that one is blind, being nearsighted, having forgotten the purification from his former sense. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and choosing sure, for in doing these things you will never stumble, for in this way, the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, jesus Christ, will be abundantly supplied to you.

Speaker 1: 12:34

Okay, and we're going to stop there before they'll jump into verse 12. Now there's a lot to talk about in there and there's a lot of fancy words and a lot of fancy language we're going to have to go over, so I wanted to make this as plain as I could. Precious faith and divine promises verses 1 through 4. Verse 1, simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who obtained like precious faith with us by righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ, peter introduces himself with humility and authority, a slave and apostle right of Christ. He writes to believers who have obtained a faith as precious as the apostles' own.

Speaker 1: 13:19

Now what's interesting here for those non-Calvinists out there? The word used for obtained is a Greek word, and I've said I'm not going to humiliate myself and even when they look like I can say them, but I'm not going to. So the Greek word obtained for this actually implies received by lot, like when you draw lots where everybody would have straws of different lengths and you draw and he who had the longest one won Right or by divine allotment, indicating that true faith is given by God, not obtained by human effort. Indeed, as Spurgeon observed, that's the pastor's pastor. Faith does not grow in men's heart by nature. It is a thing which is obtained. It must be given to us. And well are we taught in Scripture that faith is not of ourselves, it is a gift from God, a gift of God. All-saving faith is a sovereign gift of grace. Peter calls this faith like precious, and the Greek word there means equally honorable and valuable. So again, as those of us who believe that God chose us, here is like instance 342 of God saying or one of the apostles, or God, or God through the apostles in the Bible, telling us that we were chosen, we didn't choose them, and that our faith and our grace was not a choice. It was given to us by God. So, free willers, people who want to fall and die and worship at the altar of free will because they want to believe that God needs them to do something. They don't like that. I am the most reluctant Calvinist on the face of the earth. I hate authority, but it is what it is. It's not what I want, it's what God says. It is okay. So equally honorable and valuable, showing that every believer, even new Gentile converts, share the same priceless faith as the apostles. It was no common gift.

Speaker 1: 15:42

Calvin writes that they had all been called to one and the same faith, though the measure is different, all possessed by faith, the same Christ with his righteousness and the same salvation. Thus we have real fellowship of faith with Peter and the apostles. In Christ there is no second-class Christians. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. This faith is obtained by the righteousness of our God and Savior, jesus Christ. Notice Peter unites God and Jesus under one phrase. The grammar and context indicates that Christ, jesus Christ is our God and Savior. Here this is to alleviate people who say that Jesus wasn't God, he was just the Son of God. Peter here is showing you that no, in very clear terms Jesus is our God and Savior Our faith comes by or in his righteousness of Jesus, likely not referring to God's justice against us, but his righteous salvation for us. In other words, jesus' perfect righteousness granted to us is the ground and channel through which we receive faith. Calvin explains that Peter adds this phrase in order that they might know that they did not obtain faith through their own efforts or strength, but through God's favor alone. Our believing is wholly due to God's gracious, gracious, righteous action in Christ on our behalf.

Speaker 1: 17:20

This opening reminds us, as Reformed theology teaches, salvation is of the Lord from start to finish. God is glorified in the work of redemption, in this that there appears that it appears in so absolute and universal, a dependence on the redeemed on him, writes John Edwards. We depend on God, not only for the gift of Christ, but even for the gift of faith to embrace Christ. All praise him. So God is glorified in the work of redemption, in this that there appears in it, so absolute and universal, a dependence of the redeemed on him, writes John Edwards. Okay, we depend on God, not only for the gift of Christ, but even for the gift of faith to embrace Christ. All praise him.

Speaker 1: 18:13

Verse two grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus. Our Lord Peter extends the greeting of grace and peace. Be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus. Our Lord Peter extends the greeting of grace and peace, familiar in New Testament letters, yet he nuances it with a key theme these blessings flourish in the knowledge of God and of Jesus. The word for knowledge, here again Greek, signifies a deep, full, personal knowledge. Christianity is not mere moralism or mysticism, it is knowing God through Jesus Christ. Jesus said this is eternal life. That they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Speaker 1: 18:57

John 17.3. Peter prays that grace and peace be multiplied, increasing abundantly as our knowledge of God in Christ grows. That's important. Peter prays that grace, meaning more forgiveness and more peace, be multiplied, so to increase abundantly as our knowledge of God in Christ grows. We never outgrow our need for growing in grace. The more we know of his character and work, the more we experience his unmerited favor and wholeness. So unmerited favor, grace and wholeness, peace in our lives. This knowledge is not merely head information. It is relational and transformative. It comes through scripture, as Peter will later emphasize, and through walking with Christ daily. How do we find more peace in turbulent times by seeking to know our Lord more deeply. As we set our minds on him, he keeps us in perfect peace. So Peter's pastoral heart shines. He wants his flock to richly enjoy God's grace and peace through close fellowship with Jesus. In our anxious age, we too need the multiplying knowledge of God that puts life challenges into perspective.

Speaker 1: 20:24

Verse 3,. His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue. Here is a staggering assurance. Christ's divine power, the power of God himself, has granted us everything we need for life and godliness. Nothing is lacking for the believer to live a vibrant spiritual life. When God saved us, he didn't leave us unequipped. He supplied us a full treasure trove of resources. In Christ, all things means all things Forgiveness, the Holy Spirit's indwelling, the guidance of scripture, the fellowship of the church, the hope of glory, everything necessary to sustain a spiritual life, our relationship with God and godliness. With God and godliness, faithful conduct reflecting God. We are not left to stumble in the dark or achieve holiness by our own strength. It's laughable. From regeneration onwards, his divine power energizes our growth. If you ever feel inadequate to live the Christian life. Take heart, the omnipotence of Christ is working in you and he has provided all the necessary means of grace.

Speaker 1: 21:47

So what is regeneration? Once you become a Christian, once you believe in Jesus Christ and you're filled with the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit starts healing you and convicting you of the things you're doing wrong. It is a counselor or a guide in you that starts your sanctification process. Now, your sanctification? That's another crazy, weird Christian theology word. It is the process in which you die to self and become more Christ-like. So you stop becoming you. You stop being you and you become more like Jesus. You become a new creature, as we'll cover here in a second. Things that you used to be okay with you're not okay with. You have a complete realignment. All right, how do we access these resources?

Speaker 1: 22:46

Peter says it is through the knowledge of him who called us Again that same Greek word of the knowledge here. A true, saving knowledge of Christ is the channel by which God's power and provision flow into our lives. The moment we came to know Christ by faith, his power began supplying us regeneration. The more our knowledge of him deepens, the more we appropriate the unsearchable riches of Christ. The unsearchable riches of Christ. We are like children with a trust fund of infinite value. As we mature in the knowing of God, we increasingly draw upon what is already ours in him.

Speaker 1: 23:27

Notice that God called us another term loaded with grace. This is the effectual call of God into salvation, romans 8.30. Not a mere invitation. His call is powerful, it creates life in us. He called us by or to his own glory and virtue. Some translations read by his glory and goodness, others say to his glory and excellence. Both are true. We were attracted by the glory and the moral beauty of Christ when we heard the gospel and we are ultimately called to share in God's glory and virtue forever. The term virtue here the Greek term here means moral excellence or goodness, in God's case his moral perfection. In saving us, god intends to make us reflect his own excellence. He calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light to proclaim the excellencies of him.

Speaker 1: 24:29

1 Peter 2.9. Thus, from the beginning, calling to end glorification, that's when we die and we are raised up into heaven and glory. The Christian life is about God's glory and goodness. We live by his power for his praise, verse four by which we have been given, sorry, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises that through these, you may partake of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is the world, through lust Flowing from God's glory and power, are his promises described as exceedingly great and precious? Indeed, scripture is filled with magnificent promises to God's people Promises of salvation Joel 2.32, of the Holy Spirit's presence, john 14.16-17, god's provision, philippians 4.19, and resurrection and eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15.52-57, and so much more. These promises are precious, of inestimable value, because they come from our faithful God, who cannot lie. 1 Titus 2. Or Titus 1, 2, I'm sorry and they convey to us the riches of Christ.

Speaker 1: 25:58

Charles Spurgeon once preached that his promises are precious because of their source they are the promises of God. They are precious because of their substance. They tell of exceedingly great and glorious things. And they are precious because of their sure fulfillment in Christ. Every promise is an assurance backed by the infinite power and integrity of God. It has been well said God's promises are checks to be cashed in the bank of heaven. We honor him by trusting and acting on his promises.

Speaker 1: 26:32

Through these promises, peter says, you may become partakers of the divine nature. This is another astounding phrase. It does not mean we become gods or merge into deity, like the Mormons think. Peter is not teaching pagan deification or New Age pantheism. Rather, as the early church understood it means we share in God's moral nature, his holiness, life and love through union with Christ. As the early church understood it means we share in God's moral nature, his holiness, life and love through union with Christ.

Speaker 1: 27:08

By claiming God's gospel promises, we were born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit who imparts to us God's own life. We now share, in a creaturely way, the family likeness of our Heavenly Father. That's the Holy Spirit. We become, as 2 Corinthians 5.17 says, new creations in Christ. The Apostle John put it this way we have fellowship with the Father and with his Son, and his seed abides in us. 1 John 1.3. Over time we grow more and more into likeness of Jesus. This is sanctification, reflecting God's attributes such as love, righteousness and purity, grace. Jonathan Edwards described it like this God puts his own beauty. Jonathan Edwards described it like this God puts his own beauty, his beautiful likeness, upon the saint's soul. We're the saints. They are made partakers of the divine nature or moral image of God. They are holy by being made partakers of God's holiness. What a high calling to be participants in God's nature. This is the foundation of a Christian worldview.

Speaker 1: 28:19

We are regenerate people, no longer driven by the world's values, but by God's spirit within us. This is where a womanizer, becoming a Christian, no longer wants to chase after a woman, but wants to find one woman. This is where the alcoholic who, before they, were saved, all they want to do is drink, drink, drink or drug, drug, drug. They get saved and they want none of that anymore. This is what it is to be regenerate. This is for the pathological liar who has lied every day, so much that they don't even know that they're lying anymore. They believe their own lies. They get saved, and their own lies horrify them. Okay, this is what it is to be regenerate, or to be regenerating, okay.

Speaker 1: 29:08

At the same time, being partakers of God's nature entails having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The word corruption means decay or ruin, describing the moral and spiritual decay in a world separated from God. The world lives by sinful lusts, evil desires and passions, and thus it is constantly in a state of corruption. We see this in societal immorality, injustice, idolatry and the brokenness of life apart from God. But believers, by God's grace, escaped this corruption.

Speaker 1: 29:47

When we came into Christ, we broke free from the world, doomed the world's value system. In Christ, we have escaped the futile ways inherited from our forefathers 1 Peter 1 through 18, and the pollutions of the world. 2 Peter 2.20. This doesn't mean we've left the world physically, but we've been delivered from its dominating power of sin. We now have new desires, having crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts Galatians 5.24.

Speaker 1: 30:20

We can live differently. Our worldview is no longer shaped by the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life 1 John 2.16, but by the character and promises of God. What an encouragement. God has not only called us and given us promises, but also made us new creatures with a power to resist worldly corruption. In summary, verses 1 through 4, peter reminded us of who we are. In Christ we have received a precious faith by God's righteousness. We have all we need for life and godliness through knowing him. We are called by his glory and we possess great promises that make us participants in God's life and able to escape worldly corruption. Christian, do you realize how spiritually rich you are in Christ? When we grasp this gratitude and confidence, it should floor us, should flood our souls with gratitude and confidence. His divine power, not our own strength, equips us as we stand on his promises. We can live a godly life in the midst of corrupt culture. We must stand on the promises.

Speaker 1: 31:43

Reformer John Knox once declared the scriptures of God are my only foundation and substance in all the matters of weight and importance. If we build our life on God's word and promises, we will partake even more of his nature and shine as lights in this dark world. Philippians 2.15. With that firm foundation laid, peter now turns to our active response. What we're supposed to do now? All right. So now it's our turn? Diligent growth and grace All right. So now it's our turn. Diligent growth in grace. Having established gracious provisions, peter now exhorts us to respond by actively cultivating Christlike character.

Speaker 1: 32:30

In Reformed theology we sometimes call this sanctification, the process of growth and holiness which flows from God's prior work of salvation. There is a balance here. God's grace and power are the foundation, but our effort is also required. Peter's first phrase in verse 5, but also for this very reason, points back to verses 3 and 4. Because God has given such promises, it made us new and therefore we must make every effort to grow. We must make every effort to grow. Pardon me, grace is never an excuse for laziness. It is the motive and the energy for diligence, and this quote floored me. As Augustine famously put it without God we cannot. Without us God will not. God works in us, therefore we work. Peter's call to give all diligence, which means spare no effort, is a stirring reminder. Growing in godliness is an intentional pursuit, not an accident and not an automatic drift. Yet we must not misunderstand Our effort in sanctification is dependent effort. We labor, but it is a grace-fueled labor.

Speaker 1: 33:58

John Calvin, confronting those who twist such verses to exalt human free will, pointed out that Peter, by requiring these things, by no means asserts that they are in our power, but only shows what we ought to have and do. Scriptures plainly testifies that right feelings are formed in us from God and that all of our progress and perseverance are from God. Therefore, when we see our duty and find ourselves wanting, nothing remains for us but to flee to God for aid and help. In other words, apart from Christ we can do nothing, john 15.5. But in Christ's power we can and must do much.

Speaker 1: 34:45

Peter's urgent tone make every effort, be diligent shows that sanctification is not passive. As one Puritan said we cannot be idle because we serve a God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. With this in mind, let us see what virtues Peter calls us to pursue Verses 5 through 7. Giving all diligence add to your faith virtue to virtue, knowledge to knowledge, self-control to self-control, perseverance to perseverance, godliness to godliness, brotherly kindness and brotherly kindness, love. Peter lists seven qualities to supplement or furnish alongside our faith. The idea is not that if we abandon faith for works, that we abandon faith for works, that we abandon faith for works, but that true faith will produce these virtues. Faith is the root, these are the fruit. As Spurgeon eloquently said, you shall never find true faith unintended by true godliness. On the other hand, you shall never discover a true holy life which is not, for its root and foundation, a living faith. Faith and life go together.

Speaker 1: 36:05

Peter's list here has often been called a ladder of virtues, though we should not overly press a sequential cause and effect. These aren't inescalating, they're in all at once. A sequential cause and effect. These aren't an escalating, they're an all at once. There's not some automatic springs from previous in strict order, or it's not a step one, step two, step three. Rather, it's a holistic portrait of Christ-like character. All these should increasingly adorn a believer's life.

Speaker 1: 36:33

Let's look at these. So if you don't have these and you call yourself a Christian, you've got problems. Faith the list assumes. Faith is the starting point. Add to your faith. This is the foundational trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Without saving faith, no virtue can please God. Hebrews 11.6. By faith we were grafted into Christ. Now we must build on that foundation. So, before all else, examine have I truly trusted in Jesus? It's one heck of a question. If you haven't, then you're just doing fire insurance. You're a cultural Christian. I'm a Christian because my family was a Christian. I'm a Christian because it'd be great to be a Christian and live forever. I'm a Christian because of this. But the evidence is if you're a Christian, have you given up everything else? If you haven't, you don't believe a word of this.

Speaker 1: 37:42

Peter already addressed our like precious faith in verse 1. Now he says on the platform of faith, supply, virtue, virtue, moral excellence, goodness. This word in Greek literature often meant valor or excellence of character. In a Christian sense it is a life of integrity and goodness. I would also say courageousness. That reflects the excellence of Christ. Calvin notes here virtue is not miraculous power, but a life honest and rightfully formed, essentially moral excellence In today's terms we might say integrity, courage to do what is right, and holy character. Our faith must not be naked or empty of moral transformation. We are called to heroic goodness in an evil world. Heroic goodness in an evil world when the world's culture normalizes sin. We strive for virtue, honesty, purity, justice and all things praiseworthy.

Speaker 1: 38:54

Philippians 4.8. Knowledge Greek Gnosis, that one I know Spiritual understanding or wisdom. This is a practical knowledge of God's will and ways. Gang through what? Reading this book over and over and over and over, and not just speed reading it trying to figure out what it means, but also prayer Gain through scripture and experience.

Speaker 1: 39:31

Having zeal virtue without knowledge can be dangerous. We need discernment. Discernment is a fancy word for good judgment. Paul prayed that believers' love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1.9. Peter likely means knowing God and his truth more deeply, echoing knowledge in verses 2 and 3. Virtue must be guided by truth, by sound doctrine and understanding of right from wrong.

Speaker 1: 40:07

In our era of information overload, believers must continually grow in the knowledge of scripture to navigate life wisely. It has been said, every increase of knowledge, if sanctified, produces an increase of humility. So add to your passion of virtue a robust, bible-informed mind. There is nothing you do in your life, nothing you do in your life, nothing you do more in your life than read this. It is miraculous.

Speaker 1: 40:42

The first time you read it you may not get a single thing out of it other than you sacrifice the time to pursue God. And then your biblical IQ will rise. And then you'll read it again and you may understand 3%, and that 3% will be transformative. And then you go back through and then you'll know 10%, and that'll be even be transformative. And then you go back through and then you'll know 10%, and that'll be even more transformative. And then you go back through and now you understand even more. Your biblical IQ rises and now you're understanding key concepts. And what is it showing you?

Speaker 1: 41:18

Every time you come to a depth of understanding, the mirror that you stand in front of in the morning becomes clearer. It starts. It's like in the beginning. Your sin is really blurred out and you can see like something doesn't look right in the mirror. Right, but it's so blurry you can't really tell. You've got sleep in your eyes, you don't have your glasses, your contacts in. It's totally blurry.

Speaker 1: 41:44

The more you read this book and the more you understand, the more high definition comes in, the more you see how bad you are. Which leads to repentance, right, which is a good thing, which leads to more grace. And it's a reciprocal process, or not a reciprocal process, but a repeating cyclical process Over and over and over. And old parts of you are going to die, old sin parts of you are going to fade away, gone. They're not going to have a grip on you and you're going to become more Christ-like, working through your sanctification. And then you're going to find something else you didn't even know, some major thing that is a part of you, and all of a sudden you're like, oh man, god doesn't want me doing that either. And then that is going to be another battle and another battle and another battle which is going to require the next thing self-control.

Speaker 1: 42:51

The Greek term here how can I say it? Mastery of one's passions, is what it means. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, galatians 5.23. And highly counter-cultural In Peter's day and ours. The Greek concept often related to restraining sexual lust or bodily appetites, but it extends to all desires. It means having mastery over oneself, one's impulses, emotions and tongue, rather than being controlled by them. A believer growing in knowledge of God will learn to say no to sin and to self. This includes temperance in food and drink, chastity, impurity in sexual matters, control of anger, discipline in devotions, moderation of lawful enjoyments and a society enslaved to instant gratification. If it feels good, do it. Mentality. Christian self-control shines as a distinct virtue. By God's grace, we can be self-controlled in all things. 1 Corinthians 9.25. Keeping our bodies and desires submitted to Christ.

Speaker 1: 44:05

Perseverance is next Endurance, steadfastness, patience under trial. This is an ability to bear up under challenges without quitting or losing faith. It's not passive resignation but active endurance, like a soldier standing firm or a runner pressing on. Peter's readers were facing, or soon would face, false teachers and perhaps persecution. They needed endurance. We too need perseverance to remain godly in the long haul, through temptations, hardships or dry seasons. This virtue builds on self-control. As we control our immediate reactions, we also develop long-term endurance. James 1.4 says Let perseverance have its perfect work that you may be mature and complete. Keep trusting God and doing right even when results are not immediate. The Reformers often spoke of the perseverance of the saints, that true believers, by God's preserving grace, will endure to the end. Our part is to cultivate that steadfastness day by day. By your endurance you will gain your lives, said Jesus, luke 22, 19.

Speaker 1: 45:27

Six godliness, piety, reverence towards God. Godliness means a God-centered life, living in a way that honors God and evidence his devotion to him A biblical worldview, one would say. It encompasses worship, reverence and dutiful obedience. A godly person lives with a constant awareness of God's presence and a desire to please him in all things. This term could also be rendered piety or devotion. It's the opposite of the secular mindset that leaves God out. Peter will later contrast true godliness with the false teacher's ungodliness. Add to your perseverance an ever-deepening devotion to the Lord, an attitude like Enoch or Noah who walked with God. In practice this means constant prayer, delight in God's word, heartfelt worship and obedience flowing from love. Train yourself for godliness, paul urged in verse Timothy 4, 7 through 8, for godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of that life that is now and that which is to come. Biblical worldview is, by definition, theocentric, god-centered, and our lifestyle must reflect that.

Speaker 1: 46:50

Seven brotherly kindness Greek word Philadelphia. There's another brotherly love. This refers to a warm affection and care for fellow believers, literally the love of the brethren. In Christ we are made family, so we ought to treat one another with kindness, compassion and loyalty. Jesus said by this, all will know you are my disciples if you have love for one another. John 13, 35. Brotherly kindness means bearing one another's burdens, forgiving one another, serving and encouraging the church family. It corrects any notion of a lone wolf.

Speaker 1: 47:31

Christianity Growth in godliness, necessarily turns us towards our brothers and sisters. The early Christians were noted for their fervent love for one another. In a fractured, individualistic society, such loving community is a powerful testimony. Since COVID, this has been much harder, because we've all fled to our isolation and ourself and got hooked on Netflix and Grubhub and Instacart. I mean you don't have to leave your house ever and interact with anybody. They'll just leave it by the door.

Speaker 1: 48:15

Eight love Greek agape selfish, charitable love for others. Finally, topping the list is the greatest Christian virtue love. This is that divine love which God poured into our hearts, a love that extends beyond brotherhood to all people, even enemies. While brotherly affection is love within the church, agape love goes further and embraces all mankind. As Calvin notes, it is the love that seeks another's highest good, that sacrifices self-interest for the welfare of others. Paul exalted this love in 1 Corinthians 13. And indeed, jesus taught that the entire law hangs on love, love for God and love for neighbor. We are to add that this love is an increasing measure. It completes the picture of Christlike character, for God is love. He's also holy, holy, holy, and we are never more like God than when we love.

Speaker 1: 49:16

In a world full of hate, selfishness and division, how desperately is this agape needed Now. There's a problem with love Today. Societal love is tolerance, tolerance of sin, enablement of self-destruction, you know all these horrible, horrible things. It's not love. God defines love. It's self-sacrificial love. It's loving them enough to tell them the truth, even if it's going to make them upset, because an eternity in hell is waiting for them. We might picture faith as the root, love as the ripe fruit, and other qualities as the growth rings in a healthy tree, or think of them as facets of a diamond. That's the one I really like. Like because they all reflect off of one other and they all reflect the light of Christ's character.

Speaker 1: 50:07

Peter's point is not to dissect them into isolation, but to urge a balanced, diligent pursuit of all these virtues. None of us can say we have arrived. We are all in a process, yet by God's grace we can grow. We have all things we need. The sap of the Spirit is in us, but we must work out what God is working. In Verses 8 and 9. For these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Speaker 1: 50:44

Peter now gives reason for cultivating these virtues. They ensure a fruitful knowledge of Christ. If these qualities are yours and abound, if they increasingly fill your life, you will not be barren or unfruitful. The word barren here means inactive or idle, like land laying fallow. God saved us not to be idle or ineffective but to bear fruit for his glory. Bear fruit for his glory. Jesus chose us to go and bear fruit. That remains John 15, 16, the knowledge of Christ. Again, that full personal knowledge is meant to be a living, growing knowledge that produces Christlike character and good works. If we truly know him, it will show in our lives.

Speaker 1: 51:41

Conversely, to stagnate in these virtues is to become ineffective in our knowledge of Christ, like a tree that has life but yields no crop. James would call such faith dead or useless. Remember what Christ did to the fig tree that bear fruit. This sobering warning spurs us into self-examination. We have grown since last year, oh sorry. Have we grown in the last year in these virtues, or have we stalled and we find ourselves stagnant or regressing to remedies? To go back to the cross, remember afresh that you were cleansed from former sins.

Speaker 1: 52:24

Preach the gospel to yourself daily. Gratitude for Christ's cleansing will fuel a desire to honor him with a holy life. Our worldview must be cross-centered, never forgetting that we are ransomed to people. When we forget the gospel, we become blind to why holiness matters. But when we keep the gospel in view, our knowledge of Christ will continually bear fruit. As Jesus said, whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.

Speaker 1: 53:00

Verses 10 to 11,. We're almost done. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election Sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior, jesus Christ. Peter concludes this section with an emphatic exhortation and promise. And Savior Jesus Christ. Peter concludes this section with an emphatic exhortation and promise. Therefore, in light of the benefits of growth verse 8, and the dangers of negligence verse 9, be all the more diligent, spare no effort to confirm your calling and election.

Speaker 1: 53:45

Here we touch a profound theological truth calling and election, election is God's eternal choice of a people in Christ by his grace. Calling is when that eternal choice becomes real in time, the Spirit's effective call bringing us to faith. Peter is not asking us to cause our calling or election. We cannot. God alone saves. Rather, he urges us to confirm or validate them. The Greek word for make sure means to firm up, validate, certify, in other words, live in such a way that the reality of your salvation is unmistakable. In other words, live in such a way that the reality of it, sorry, is unmistakable both to you, to yourself and to others. A tree is sure to be an apple tree when it produces apples. Likewise, our growth in the Christlike qualities in these you know, verses five through seven is evidence that we truly have been called by God and chosen by him.

Speaker 1: 54:41

As Calvin explains, holy living is not the cause of our election, but it is evidence and proof of it. We confirm we are God's elect not by peeking into his secret decrees, but by seeing his grace active in our lives. Good works are the fruit, not the root, of salvation, but they are an important fruit that give assurances. Fruit of salvation, but they are an important fruit. They give assurances To be sure. It is ultimately God who keeps his elect from falling. Jude 24, 1 Peter 1.5.

Speaker 1: 55:14

But God uses means, and our diligence and holiness is one means by which he preserves us. Peter promises if you do these things, you will never stumble. These things refer us to practicing the virtues just listed. Never stumble means you will not fall away or crash spiritually. In an ultimate sense, you will not stumble into the apostasy or miss the finish line of faith. A lifestyle of growing holiness keeps us on the narrow path and guards us from many pitfalls. As Spurgeon admonished, idle men have no right to assurance.

Speaker 1: 55:51

The scripture says give diligence to make your calling and election sure. Indeed, a careless, spiritual, lazy Christian is likely to trip into doubt, error or sin. But a diligent Christian, by God's grace, will be kept steady. This is the perseverance of saints, god enabling us to persevere as we actively pursue him. And what glorious outcome awaits. So the entrance will be supplied to you abundantly in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior, jesus Christ.

Speaker 1: 56:25

Here Peter paints the picture of a triumphant entrance into Christ's eternal kingdom. Every true believer will enter Christ's kingdom, but the imagery here is a rich or lavish entrance, perhaps the victorious athlete welcomed with fanfare, or a ship arriving safely full of cargo. To those who run the race with their endurance and finished well, god will grant a hero's welcome into heaven. The everlasting kingdom refers to the final state of salvation, living under Christ's rule forever in the new heavens and new earth. That kingdom is already in breaking. Christ reigns even now, but it will be fully consummated when he appears in glory.

Speaker 1: 57:02

Postmillennial theology especially emphasizes the triumph of Christ's kingdom in history leading up to the consummation. Here we will see a personal aspect. The believer who has lived faithfully will hear well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your land, lord, matthew 25, 21. We desire that abundant entrance. Not that we earn heaven by our works never. But by growing in grace we build up for ourselves treasures in heaven and anticipate a jubilant reception.

Speaker 1: 57:37

Consider also the life abounding in the virtues of Christ Not only assures us of our salvation but also magnifies our witness on earth. A church full of faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love will profoundly impact the surrounding culture. This is how believers live out a biblical worldview by embodying God's truth and love in every sphere of life. Our holy living under the Lordship of Christ is a testimony to the present reality of his kingdom. It is how transformative effect in families, workplaces and society happen. We begin to see even now the will of God done on earth as it is in heaven A post-millennial perspective is optimistic and the gospel and Christian virtue. God done on earth as it is in heaven A post-millennial perspective is optimistic and the gospel and Christian virtue will spread and influence all over the world over time. Certainly, if more and more Christians heed Peter's call to diligent growth, the fragrance of Christ will permeate communities and even nations. Righteousness exalts a nation, proverbs 14.34. And while we await the everlasting kingdom, we work to advance Christ's reign in the here and now by living as kingdom citizens.

Speaker 1: 58:51

Our assurance of salvation, made more sure by consistent life, gives us boldness to engage the world rather than shrink back. As Spurgeon observed, those who are confident in God's sovereign calling can be strong to do great and valiant deeds, giving themselves up to God's will. They know God is with them. So, brothers and sisters, be diligent. The Christian life is compared to a race, a fight or a pursuit. It requires exertion, but ungirded by grace.

Speaker 1: 59:24

When you feel weary or discouraged in your growth, remember verses three and four. His divine power and precious promises are yours. You are not running in your own strength. The same grace that called you will keep you. As John Calvin confidently notes, god affectionately calls whom he has preordained to life and he carries on the perpetual course of calling through grace alone. We confirm our calling by holy living, but our solid foundation remains God's free grace in Christ. Rest in that foundation, even though you exert yourself. Then you will never stumble and you will finish your course with joy. May we each live in such a way that when our race is done, heaven's gates will open wide for us in rich welcome. As one hymn puts it O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end. O give me grace to follow my master and my friend Living out a Christian worldview.

Speaker 1: 1:00:21

Today we would do well to pause and apply Peter's message to our context. In today's world, corruption and lust are not hard to find. They dominate media, public morality and personal ambitions. What does a Christian, biblical worldview look like in practice? Amid such darkness, peter's answer is this Live out the gospel by displaying these seven virtues in all of life. For example, in a culture of ethical compromise, a Christian who excels in virtue, moral excellence and integrity will stand out like Daniel in Babylon, influencing others by his honesty and courage. In a society confused about truth, a believer who grows in the knowledge of God's word will have a solid framework to navigate issues like sexuality, justice, gender, theology and the meaning of life, and to speak wisdom into confusion when the world is enslaved to addictions and impulses, from consumerism to pornography to anger. A Christian exercise in self-control testifies to the freeing power of Christ, showing that we are not slaves to our appetites but servants of the Holy God.

Speaker 1: 1:01:22

In an age of instant gratification and burnout, perseverance shines as hope-filled endurance. Whether it's a wife patiently loving an unsaved husband for years, or a young man or woman refusing to give up their purity amidst peer pressure, such perseverance motivated by God's promises often provokes questions that allow us to share our hope and our why. Godliness or reverent devotion is increasingly countercultural as secularism rises. When we prioritize worship, prayer and obedience to God above material success and popular opinion, we declare with our lives that Jesus Christ is Lord, and not just say it, and that worldview challenges others to consider eternal realities over temporal ones. Brotherly kindness within the church, practical love across lines of race, class or background, gives the watching world a picture of true community that many long for, see how they love one another.

Speaker 1: 1:02:29

What's said of the early Christians? Can the same be said of us? If so, it validates the gospel we preach. And, above all, love and action. Caring for the poor, speaking kindly to neighbors, forgiving those who wrong us, loving our enemies displays of radical ethic of Christ's kingdom. Living out these virtues is not easy in a hostile culture. It may invite ridicule or even persecution, but it will make a difference. The early church turned the world upside down, not by political power, but by faithful gospel living by being salt and light. A post-millennial vision would encourage us that, over time, as more people, more and more people are converted and discipled in a christian-like or christ-like way of life, society can be transformed for the better.

Speaker 1: 1:03:23

Even if one doesn't hold that eschatology, we know from Scripture that our labor in the Lord is not in vain 1 Corinthians 15.58. Every act of obedience and love is a seed that God can use to bear fruit in his timing. So do not lose heart. Examine which of these seven qualities you most lack and seek God's help this week to grow in it. Discuss with fellow believers how you can encourage one another in these areas, perhaps find an accountability partner for self-control, or study scripture together to grow in knowledge. Above all, keep the gospel central. Remember that you've been cleansed from sin, given a new nature. You are not striving to gain God's acceptance. You already have it in Christ. Rather, you are cooperating with the Holy Spirit to reflect your Father's nature more and more. In doing so, you can prove to be Christ's disciple and provide a compelling witness to the truth.

Speaker 1: 1:04:21

How many Christians do damage to the faith and to other people's walk by saying they're Christian and not acting like Christians and provide a compelling witness to the truth? This is how we make our calling and election sure, not in God's mind he already knows his own but in our own conscience and before the world. Assured of God's grace, you can be confident Christian, unafraid to engage the world when you know you belong to him. You need not fear what men do, as the reformer John Knox found courage in his election and calling, stating a man with God is always in the majority. And I sought neither preeminence, glory nor riches. My honor was that Jesus Christ should reign. With such confidence, we too can labor to see Christ reign in hearts and cultures, as we ourselves bow to his reign in our conduct.

Speaker 1: 1:05:16

Beloved Peter has effectively shown us the spiritual growth chart. Let us commit to climbing it step by step, day by day, knowing that each step is taken in the strength of God and the strength of God provides. As we do, we will find our worldview not only professed with our lips but practiced with our lives. The world may debate our beliefs, but it cannot deny the power of transformational life. So give diligence, gobble on all the fruitfulness and rich reward. All right, we've run long.

Speaker 1: 1:05:52

Today we're not going to do the Lord's Supper, so I'll go ahead and bust you out of here. Go ahead and rise. Go ahead and rise. Brothers and sisters, now go forth from this place as soldiers of Christ, armored with faith, wrapped in hope, blazing with love. May the Lord of hosts go before you and lead you, beside you to guard you, beneath you to sustain you and with you to strengthen you. May your shield of faith never falter, may your sword of the spirit never grow dull, may your feet never stray from the path of righteousness, and may the roar of the lion of Judah echo behind you as you advance his kingdom. Wherever your feet tread, stand firm warriors, lock shields, fight the good fight, finish the race. Keep the faith until we stand before the king himself, crowned by his grace, and hear those blessed words. Well done and good and faithful servants in the mighty name of jesus christ, amen. God bless you.