The Course that is set before us

Text: 2 Peter   1:1-11

I.  That which we should have.  1:1-4

  A.  This letter is written to Christians.  1:1

    1.  Is this letter for you?

    2.  Have you obtained this “like precious faith”?

    3.  There is only one way – turn to God through Jesus Christ today!

  B.  Peter spoke of the blessings that come through believing.

    1.  The blessings are from God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

    2.  The blessings are for our good.  1:2,3

      a.  The favour of God – His grace.

      b.  The power of God.

        1).  Peace of God.

        2).  Provisions of God – All things that have to do with belonging to Him.

        3).  Promises of God.  1:4  The knowledge of His working in our lives.

2 Corinthians 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

These are the things that we should have – the wonderful blessings of God!

II.  That which we could have.  2 Peter  1:5-10

  A.  Effort on our part must be applied.  (“All diligence…”  zeal and energy        involved!)

    1.  Salvation is the work of God.

    2.  Successful Christian living is the work of the believer. 

      a.  Not speaking of going to Heaven.  This is the work of God.                                                                 Ephesians   2:8,9

      b.  Speaking of living in such a way as to bring honour to God.

Ephesians 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Colossians 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1 Thessalonians 2:12  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

            We need to read Galations 5:22,23 and keep on reading through verse     25!!

  B.  Effort must be focused on the right things.  1:5b-7

    1.  Your zeal and energy can be wasted by running along the wrong path.

    2.  Your effort must be guided by the knowledge of Truth!  1:8

          “…in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    3.  Your course is clearly described.  1:5-7

      a.  Build on that which you already have – faith.

      b.  Virtue.

“True virtue is not a tame and passive thing. It requires great energy and boldness, for its very essence is firmness, manliness, and independence.”  Albert Barnes

      c.  Knowledge.  Practical knowledge of God’s Word and therefore His will.

      d.  Temperance.  Control.  It is more than self control, it must be God’s      control.

      e.  Patience.  Endurance – finish the race

      f.  Godliness.  Reflecting God in the world.  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy       God with…”

      g.  Brotherly kindness.  A true family relationship.

      h.  Charity.  The love that gives for the good of others.

  C.  Effort will be seen in your transformation.  1:8-10  Refer to                                                               Romans   12:1,2

    1.  You will manifest the nature of the Lord.  Galations  5:22,23;   Acts  4:13

    2.  You will be steadfast with your confidence in God.

      a.  You will know where you are going.

      b.  You will know what you are doing.

      c.  You will know you will finish the course.  You know that you will not          fall!

III.  That which we would have.  2 Peter   1:11

If we do what we should, and we do what we could, then let’s see that which will be ours.

  A.  You know your life is in the Lord and where He is you will be.

  B.  You know your finish of this course in life will honour Him.

        “…an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly…”

Has there been something that has made you stumble in your race? 

Did you get emotionally and physically drained? 

Did the hypocrisy around you discourage you and tempt you to quit? 

Don’t quit – keep running the race that is set before you.  Run lawfully, doing what God wants you to do and win – bringing the glory to God. 

Matthew 11:28-30

As we complete the race and have run according to the will of God, will will hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…”