TUESDAY 9/22/20 2 Peter 3:10-18
What does the word “diligent” mean?
Why is it vital believers are “diligent” in all aspects of their faith?
Read 2 Peter 3:10 and Matthew 24:42-44.
What is the meaning of “the day of the Lord”?
How does the scripture describe Christ’s return?
Describe a believer who is alert, awake, and preparing for the return of Christ.
Describe a believer who is complacent and not alert nor anticipating the return of Christ.
Spend time today praying for a sense of “urgency” in your life and the Church in being prepared for “the Day of the Lord”.
WEDNESDAY 9/23/20 2 Peter 3:10-18
Peter writes in this passage about Three Reasons to Be Diligent!
- Be diligent to godly living! verses 11-14
What are most people (even believers) pursuing in their lives? Their priorities?
List the pursuits that the world treasures!
Question: Do you spend more time piling up possessions or striving to develop Christ-like behavior?
What keeps you personally from pursuing to develop and grow spiritually? Identify any distractions.
What is the motivation for us to look forward to the return of Christ? (2 Peter 3:13)
Peter writes in verse 14 to “…be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.”
Describe the meaning of this verse and what “without spot or blemish, and at peace” looks like in your life.
How does an expectant attitude make a difference when we meet Jesus Christ?
Spend time today praying for an attitude of diligence – pursuing a life without spot or blemish and at peace.
Pray through 1 Peter 1:5-7 and Galatians 5:22-23.
THURSDAY 9/24/20 “Be Diligent” 2 Peter 3:10-18
2. “Be Diligent” to win the lost! (verses 15-16)
Is there someone in your life who is lost? (Identify them)
What is the meaning of 2 Peter 3:9,15?
What does this show us about the patience and love the Lord has for us?
Peter’s letters encourages and challenges Christians to grow spiritually and to persevere.
Paul’s letters emphasizes salvation and grace. (Romans and Ephesians)
Read Romans 8:1-5 – The law prepared the way for GRACE!
False teachers often twist, distort, and take out of context the writings of Paul – given to him by the Lord. Peter in verse 15 and 16 confirms Paul’s writings as the inspired Word of God.
Ephesians 2:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
We become Christians through God’s unmerited favor, not as a result of any effort, ability, or act of service on our part.
The by-product of our salvation is to grow spiritually – serving the Lord and reaching the lost!
Spend time praying for the salvation of the lost who are in your life. (Pray by name.)
FRIDAY 9/25/20 “Be Diligent” 2 Peter 3:10-18
3. Be diligent to grow spiritually! verses 17-18
1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Not losing your salvation, but stumbling – being distracted and misled.
How important is “stability” in your spiritual journey – your spiritual growth?
What is the danger of evangelism without discipleship?
We must continuously grow spiritually! Adding supplements daily – 2 Peter 1:5-7 – pursuing Christ-like character. Galatians 5:22-23
- We were saved by Grace! (Ephesians 2:8-10)
- We are strengthened by Grace! (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
- Grace enables us to endure suffering! (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
- Grace helps us give when giving is difficult! (2 Corinthians 8:1)
Grace helps us worship when worship is difficult! (Colossians 3:16-17)
Growing in GRACE means experiencing trials and even suffering – we don’t experience the Grace of God until we are at the end of our own resources! (John 1:16)
We must also grow in knowledge of the scripture – there must be a balance of knowledge and grace!
Knowledge without grace is a terrible weapon!
Grace without knowledge can be very shallow!
But when we combine Knowledge and Grace, we have a powerful tool for building our lives and for the Church!
It is one thing to know the Bible and another to know the Son of God!
Growing spiritually requires “Diligence’!
Grow in Knowledge and Grace! A balance producing stability in your spiritual journey!
Pray for the desire to grow in Grace and Knowledge – to have stability – not tempted to stumble and drift.
SATURDAY 9/26/20 “Be Diligent” 2 Peter 3:10-18
The result of spiritual growth is – Glory to God! 2 Peter 3:18
WE ARE TO BE DILIGENT!
- Living godly lives
- Winning/reaching the lost
- Growing spiritually
Make the most of every opportunity!
Pray for:
- The worship service tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.
- Back to Church Sunday, October 4th, “Stronger Together”!
- Pray for spiritual awakening as an individual, as a church, and as a nation!