WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.820 We're going to read the Bible together now from 2 Peter chapter 1. 00:00:25.300 --> 00:00:25.780 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:45.219 2 Peter chapter 1 and we'll be reading from verse 1 through to verse 15. 00:00:45.219 --> 00:00:56.939 Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. 00:00:56.939 --> 00:01:04.480 To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of 00:01:04.480 --> 00:01:06.500 our God and Saviour Jesus Christ. 00:01:07.259 --> 00:01:12.719 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 00:01:12.719 --> 00:01:22.120 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through 00:01:22.120 --> 00:01:27.280 the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. 00:01:28.099 --> 00:01:34.659 By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises so that through them 00:01:34.659 --> 00:01:40.340 you may become partakers of the divine nature having escaped from the corruption that is 00:01:40.340 --> 00:01:42.200 in the world because of sinful desire. 00:01:43.880 --> 00:01:52.380 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue and virtue with knowledge 00:01:52.380 --> 00:01:59.719 and knowledge with self-control and self-control with steadfastness and steadfastness with godliness 00:01:59.719 --> 00:02:05.659 and godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly affection with love. 00:02:06.980 --> 00:02:14.780 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful 00:02:14.780 --> 00:02:16.740 in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:02:16.740 --> 00:02:24.700 For whoever lacks these qualities is so near-sighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed 00:02:24.700 --> 00:02:25.800 from his former sins. 00:02:27.340 --> 00:02:33.400 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election. 00:02:34.320 --> 00:02:37.939 For if you practice these qualities, you will never fall. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:47.859 For in this way, there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 00:02:50.039 --> 00:02:54.280 Therefore, I intend always to remind you of these qualities. 00:02:55.620 --> 00:02:58.699 Though you know them and are established in the truth that you have, 00:02:58.699 --> 00:03:04.619 I think it right as long as I am in this body to stir you up by way of reminder, 00:03:05.539 --> 00:03:09.979 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, 00:03:10.439 --> 00:03:12.679 as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 00:03:13.579 --> 00:03:17.159 And I will make every effort so that after my departure, 00:03:17.639 --> 00:03:21.019 you may be able at any time to recall these things. 00:03:28.699 --> 00:03:35.139 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:03:39.419 --> 00:03:45.780 Well, this Sunday is Chelsea Bernard's last Sunday with us before she moves to Brisbane. 00:03:45.879 --> 00:03:46.319 Where are you? 00:03:46.359 --> 00:03:46.879 There you are. 00:03:46.959 --> 00:03:48.479 Yeah, all the family pointing at her. 00:03:48.699 --> 00:03:50.459 You're loving this attention, aren't you? 00:03:50.959 --> 00:03:52.439 We'll miss you dearly, Chelsea. 00:03:54.199 --> 00:03:56.939 I'm going to pray and we'll get into God's Word. 00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:06.799 Yeah, Heavenly Father, we ask that you would establish Chelsea in a new church family 00:04:06.799 --> 00:04:12.139 that will care for her and grow her in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus. 00:04:13.780 --> 00:04:16.939 Lord, I pray the same for us right now as we come to your Word, 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:21.339 that you would grow us in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:04:21.339 --> 00:04:25.199 make him real to our minds and hearts as you are real. 00:04:25.879 --> 00:04:27.399 In Jesus' name, Amen. 00:04:28.699 --> 00:04:34.319 We have 2 Peter 1 open. 00:04:36.800 --> 00:04:44.319 Well, if someone heard you talking about being saved by Jesus and they asked you, 00:04:44.420 --> 00:04:46.419 saved, what do you mean by that? 00:04:46.500 --> 00:04:46.980 From what? 00:04:48.019 --> 00:04:52.439 What pictures, what biblical images would you draw on? 00:04:52.439 --> 00:04:56.939 One person might respond from a relational angle. 00:04:57.579 --> 00:05:00.360 So, I was once cut off from God. 00:05:00.480 --> 00:05:02.899 I had rejected God. 00:05:03.839 --> 00:05:09.939 I was hostile towards God and I was an enemy from his point of view. 00:05:10.600 --> 00:05:13.420 But now, because of Jesus, I'm saved. 00:05:13.420 --> 00:05:14.840 I'm reconciled. 00:05:15.620 --> 00:05:16.879 I'm at peace. 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:20.540 So, you can use that relational picture. 00:05:21.240 --> 00:05:24.080 Someone else might use a legal picture. 00:05:24.420 --> 00:05:27.080 I was guilty before God. 00:05:29.240 --> 00:05:31.860 Jesus took the penalty, the punishment. 00:05:32.040 --> 00:05:33.319 I'm forgiven. 00:05:33.319 --> 00:05:36.139 Now, I'm justified. 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:39.099 I'm innocent in his eyes. 00:05:39.240 --> 00:05:41.060 Declared innocent by the judge. 00:05:41.500 --> 00:05:43.139 You can use that legal picture. 00:05:44.819 --> 00:05:46.920 Someone else might talk about freedom. 00:05:47.659 --> 00:05:51.159 I was enslaved to sin. 00:05:51.659 --> 00:05:55.019 Sin overpowered and destroyed my life. 00:05:55.019 --> 00:05:58.019 And Jesus set me free. 00:05:58.120 --> 00:06:02.719 He is setting me free to live for God. 00:06:03.019 --> 00:06:05.219 You can use that freedom language. 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:10.139 Salvation is a big overarching term. 00:06:10.680 --> 00:06:13.759 And you need all these beautiful pictures. 00:06:14.180 --> 00:06:16.180 And there's more that scripture has for us. 00:06:16.699 --> 00:06:19.259 To understand what Jesus has achieved. 00:06:21.419 --> 00:06:23.240 By dying for us on the cross. 00:06:23.240 --> 00:06:33.660 Now, dare you use, does anyone in this room, are you game to use verses 3 to 4 of what salvation means? 00:06:36.120 --> 00:06:44.220 That you may become partakers of the divine nature. 00:06:47.720 --> 00:06:53.199 Having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 00:06:53.240 --> 00:06:59.240 Now, I hope there's a part of you that's almost recoiling. 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:04.879 You don't want to blaspheme by using that language. 00:07:05.220 --> 00:07:08.379 Unless Christ's apostle used it. 00:07:09.220 --> 00:07:12.220 There is one God in three persons. 00:07:12.360 --> 00:07:13.920 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:18.019 He doesn't say we have a divine nature. 00:07:18.120 --> 00:07:19.519 That we become gods. 00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:22.740 In every single way that God is God. 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:25.759 No one is omniscient. 00:07:26.159 --> 00:07:28.579 As much as some people act like they are. 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:31.639 But no one is, has that. 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:33.859 Can't share that with God. 00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:37.039 He says we participate. 00:07:37.259 --> 00:07:39.219 We share in the divine nature. 00:07:39.220 --> 00:07:46.220 Now, to my shame, I can hear us in this church talk about becoming like Jesus. 00:07:46.220 --> 00:07:48.100 And it's a bit ho-hum. 00:07:49.320 --> 00:07:51.880 We use that language so much. 00:07:52.100 --> 00:07:53.460 And this is to my shame. 00:07:53.900 --> 00:08:00.680 I can doubt, is all the suffering and trials worth it to become like Jesus? 00:08:00.680 --> 00:08:00.800 Jesus. 00:08:05.280 --> 00:08:07.360 This phrase gets under my skin. 00:08:09.100 --> 00:08:12.379 And I think Peter is intentionally provoking us. 00:08:12.759 --> 00:08:13.680 It's lofty. 00:08:15.040 --> 00:08:20.079 That we get to share in his divine nature. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:29.379 His meaning is brought out by the contrast of what we are saved from. 00:08:29.500 --> 00:08:34.799 The corrupted nature of the human race because of sinful desire. 00:08:35.059 --> 00:08:37.199 Into eternity, we will be creatures. 00:08:38.259 --> 00:08:40.620 We'll be dependent creatures. 00:08:41.240 --> 00:08:44.939 We'll be worshipping the one true God. 00:08:44.940 --> 00:08:58.060 But being remade in his image, we are not some black market dodgy knockoff of a Nike brand or something. 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:08.000 When we use the language of being made in the image of Christ, we are sharing in his very nature. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:14.779 God the Father's goal in sending his son. 00:09:16.580 --> 00:09:19.059 Why Jesus chose to die in our place. 00:09:20.460 --> 00:09:28.700 The goal that the Holy Spirit powerfully enacts God's call on you to become a believer. 00:09:29.320 --> 00:09:37.480 That call spoken of here is not a text message where you can opt out, yes, or I'm opting out. 00:09:37.480 --> 00:09:39.440 It is not a call like that. 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:41.940 It is a sovereign summons. 00:09:42.460 --> 00:09:44.840 Come, like Lazarus out of the tomb. 00:09:45.399 --> 00:09:47.039 Lazarus, come out and you come. 00:09:49.560 --> 00:09:53.360 To come to his own glory and excellence. 00:09:56.600 --> 00:09:57.920 That was his purpose. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:10:02.220 That's what the triune God is saving us for. 00:10:02.220 --> 00:10:16.540 When Isaiah the prophet saw his glory and excellence in a vision, he said, woe is me. 00:10:17.200 --> 00:10:19.460 He was coming apart at the seams. 00:10:21.320 --> 00:10:26.660 The sight of his holiness made him just quake and feel like he's dying. 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:28.080 That was just seeing. 00:10:28.080 --> 00:10:30.560 We get to partake. 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:39.740 This is the same Peter who was on the mountain, the holy mountain, when Jesus was transfixed before him. 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:47.900 He got eyewitness seeing the majesty that Jesus faced was brighter than the sun. 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:56.720 And that same Peter is saying to you, that glory, you're going to share in it. 00:10:56.819 --> 00:10:57.659 You are sharing. 00:10:57.759 --> 00:10:59.539 You're growing and sharing in it, believer. 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:03.919 It's almost blasphemous. 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:07.039 Isn't it awesome? 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:10.939 I'm struggling for language to capture it. 00:11:11.459 --> 00:11:12.299 What a privilege. 00:11:12.299 --> 00:11:15.659 None of us deserved it. 00:11:15.740 --> 00:11:18.439 None of us stood out as more worthy of God's call. 00:11:18.579 --> 00:11:20.539 It's sheer grace. 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:22.120 Sheer his choice. 00:11:25.459 --> 00:11:29.339 Now, this core truth of salvation, we need that image. 00:11:29.459 --> 00:11:30.759 We need the relational picture. 00:11:31.019 --> 00:11:33.139 We need the legal picture. 00:11:33.500 --> 00:11:34.719 We need the freedom picture. 00:11:34.719 --> 00:11:40.879 We need this picture, that transformation of our nature. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:50.059 I think Peter is laying this picture, he's pressing this picture to the church he's writing to, 00:11:50.439 --> 00:11:58.879 because it exposes how twisted and ugly the false teachers that were around in his day. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:00.220 We're going to look at it more next week. 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:01.580 We won't go too much into it. 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:08.159 But they were even boldly teaching from the front, indulge in the sinful nature. 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:11.139 It doesn't matter what you do with the body. 00:12:11.779 --> 00:12:13.120 It's just your spirit that counts. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:16.179 Or even indulge, because you're forgiven. 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:18.759 It's an expression of your freedom. 00:12:19.659 --> 00:12:21.000 Who knows what they're saying. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:29.539 But when you realise what Jesus saved us for, it exposes no way. 00:12:30.219 --> 00:12:32.519 No way would you fall for that. 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:37.439 Now, we may not go so far astray. 00:12:37.559 --> 00:12:42.659 Like, if we heard someone saying that, I'm guessing most of us will go, no, that's not right. 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:53.399 I think it can be more common to find Christians and churches who just have a, we just fall into a cheap grace. 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:57.059 It's like a child with their parents or teachers. 00:12:57.379 --> 00:13:01.379 They learn that you can just ask for forgiveness later. 00:13:01.559 --> 00:13:02.840 You don't need to ask for permission. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:09.100 It's that kind of presumptive attitude of grace. 00:13:11.439 --> 00:13:13.059 It's God's job to forgive. 00:13:13.059 --> 00:13:20.739 There can even be a rigid doctrine of Calvinism. 00:13:22.419 --> 00:13:29.479 Some people who love to label themselves of Calvinists, that it's just your doctrine that matters. 00:13:29.859 --> 00:13:33.899 It's like their behaviour and their words. 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:38.579 And the way they speak their words, they don't see it. 00:13:38.580 --> 00:13:49.300 Now, I'm guessing most of us probably do feel how far we are from this call. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:53.420 To share in his excellence. 00:13:54.340 --> 00:13:59.300 You don't feel strong enough to let go of something you know is sinful. 00:14:00.560 --> 00:14:01.520 Not good. 00:14:01.520 --> 00:14:07.879 And some situations drain you so much, to respond in a godly manner feels impossible. 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:14.660 But look at verse 3, the powerful promise here. 00:14:14.720 --> 00:14:22.860 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. 00:14:24.560 --> 00:14:27.900 He calls us and then he provides. 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:31.960 Now, how do we get this power? 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:36.160 Through the knowledge of him. 00:14:38.340 --> 00:14:39.540 Through the knowledge of him. 00:14:39.540 --> 00:14:40.940 We're going to come back to that at the end. 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:48.100 Peter knows he's about to die. 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:50.680 Verse 13. 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:51.660 He knows. 00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:53.320 13 and 14. 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:54.600 He knows he's about to die. 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:58.740 When you're about to die, you do not mince your words. 00:14:59.019 --> 00:15:00.060 Every word counts. 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:05.899 What does he choose to focus on in this maybe the last chance he gets with this church? 00:15:09.259 --> 00:15:09.820 Grow. 00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:13.600 Keep growing. 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:17.080 These are mature Christians. 00:15:17.320 --> 00:15:18.200 They know the truth. 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:20.139 They've been established in the truth. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.480 Keep growing. 00:15:21.480 --> 00:15:27.420 Spiritual growth, he uses his dying breath to talk about. 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:30.600 So we're going to look at in this passage what true growth is. 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:33.639 The motivations to pursue growth. 00:15:34.460 --> 00:15:38.159 And then the key that creates growth. 00:15:38.379 --> 00:15:41.220 The environment that creates growth. 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:42.420 So what is true growth? 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:43.639 The motivations to grow. 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:45.860 And what's the key to it? 00:15:45.920 --> 00:15:49.200 How do you create the environment to grow? 00:15:49.200 --> 00:15:51.960 So have a look at verse 5. 00:15:52.500 --> 00:15:57.879 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith. 00:15:58.860 --> 00:16:02.640 This is where he begins the letter and he ends the letter with chapter 3, verse 18. 00:16:02.820 --> 00:16:06.320 Grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:10.960 There's no standing still in the Christian life. 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:15.840 You're either progressing or sliding back. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:19.100 You can't stay still. 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:23.480 He's not writing to immature Christians. 00:16:23.580 --> 00:16:28.720 Like I've said, this isn't about do you have these qualities listed here or not. 00:16:29.379 --> 00:16:33.780 The point is, are you growing in these things? 00:16:33.960 --> 00:16:34.620 Verse 8. 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:36.580 Notice the word increasing. 00:16:37.580 --> 00:16:38.660 Are you increasing? 00:16:38.659 --> 00:16:45.719 I think we should see here that growth is essential. 00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:46.919 It's not optional. 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:54.059 If you're called by God and you have his power, the Holy Spirit in you, you will be growing. 00:16:54.659 --> 00:16:56.439 It's essential, but it's gradual. 00:16:57.959 --> 00:16:59.019 Are you increasing? 00:17:01.059 --> 00:17:02.699 We see here it's personal. 00:17:02.700 --> 00:17:06.960 I'm going to go through these in case you're like, hold on, slow down. 00:17:07.080 --> 00:17:08.559 I'm not catching this, Dave. 00:17:08.900 --> 00:17:09.799 It's essential. 00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:10.519 It's gradual. 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:11.259 It's personal. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:13.140 And we need all of them. 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:13.940 They grow together. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:28.120 If you picture God at creation, the Holy Spirit hovering and by his word, what happens? 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:32.440 Well, growth. 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:34.900 He changes everything. 00:17:35.660 --> 00:17:36.980 I believe that we have everything. 00:17:37.120 --> 00:17:38.620 We have his word and his spirit. 00:17:39.700 --> 00:17:42.519 If you're called by God, there will be growth. 00:17:43.820 --> 00:17:44.480 There will. 00:17:46.880 --> 00:17:47.980 But it's gradual. 00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:50.519 Bit by bit by bit. 00:17:50.580 --> 00:17:53.039 We say to a child, I think you've grown. 00:17:53.820 --> 00:17:54.960 Why do we say that? 00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:57.100 Why don't we just say, you've grown? 00:17:57.099 --> 00:18:00.439 We say it because organic growth. 00:18:00.859 --> 00:18:05.059 You can't just watch a child and see the growth. 00:18:06.059 --> 00:18:07.719 But you can measure it. 00:18:08.179 --> 00:18:11.939 Over time, you can measure it like the markings on the door frame. 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:20.019 If I asked, are you growing in the knowledge of what pleases the Lord? 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:23.860 You might go, I don't know. 00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:26.000 Or you might say, no. 00:18:26.639 --> 00:18:28.199 I don't feel it. 00:18:30.199 --> 00:18:34.000 But then you, in small group, you share this insight. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:39.500 Or a friend comes to you for counsel and your response even surprises you. 00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:40.759 Like, where did that come from? 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:45.700 Now, I know the Holy Spirit can give you words in the moment. 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:46.420 Of course he can. 00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:50.740 But usually, it's just bit by bit by bit. 00:18:51.080 --> 00:18:53.200 You're not even noticing you're becoming wiser. 00:18:55.580 --> 00:18:56.700 It's gradual. 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:58.340 Organic growth is gradual. 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:08.220 There are people who used to just rub you the wrong way and you just couldn't be around them. 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:15.500 But now, you have genuine affection for whatever it is about them. 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:19.859 You move towards them and you think, years ago, I could never have done that. 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:22.519 What's happened? 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:26.160 Did you just wake up on the right side of the bed? 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:26.440 No. 00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:31.839 You've bit by bit by bit, you're growing in brotherly affection. 00:19:35.220 --> 00:19:37.500 If you planted a... 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:39.180 Okay, I'm really worried. 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:43.039 All the gardeners and stuff in the room are going to say, Dave, you don't know what you're talking about. 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:47.039 But if you planted a gum tree seed... 00:19:47.899 --> 00:19:50.000 Can you even do that? 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.339 People are laughing already. 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:51.759 All right. 00:19:51.859 --> 00:19:52.899 Just stick with me, all right? 00:19:53.200 --> 00:19:57.259 Just swap the tree image if you need to. 00:19:57.359 --> 00:20:05.039 But if you plant it next to a concrete slab, if you had a competition between this seed and a concrete slab, 00:20:05.039 --> 00:20:06.680 slab, who's going to win? 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:09.619 Every time the seed. 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:11.500 Every time. 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:21.079 You plant it there next to a concrete path or driveway and 10, 15, 20 years later, 00:20:21.399 --> 00:20:25.099 that concrete is uprooted and cracked. 00:20:25.099 --> 00:20:36.759 That kind of organic, bit by bit growth, it uproots and cracks our sinful nature. 00:20:39.959 --> 00:20:43.219 That's the kind of growth God wants. 00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:48.319 It's gradual. 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:49.600 Notice it's personal. 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:52.559 It's not personality or skills. 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:58.640 We can easily confuse the effects we have on others as evidence of our spiritual growth. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.700 I'm instructing others in the Bible. 00:21:01.160 --> 00:21:06.519 I've got these impressive gifts that people applaud me for or thank me for. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:10.700 But that's evidence of the spirit working in them. 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:17.039 It doesn't necessarily mean you're growing. 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:21.299 You've got to be really careful with that one. 00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:27.400 God's divine power will grow you as a person. 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:28.879 It's inner. 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:30.240 It's your character. 00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:31.440 It's your way of thinking. 00:21:31.819 --> 00:21:33.599 What you love is changing. 00:21:33.759 --> 00:21:35.460 What you reject is changing. 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:43.200 Virtue in verse 5 is the same word for his excellence in verse 3. 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.099 His goodness. 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:46.599 What's good about God? 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:49.259 You're loving good. 00:21:51.879 --> 00:21:54.200 Your person is growing in knowledge. 00:21:54.319 --> 00:21:58.740 The ability to discern God's will in this complex world. 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:01.079 You're becoming more discerning. 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:03.960 You're increasing in self-control. 00:22:04.180 --> 00:22:06.480 Think of what James says about your words. 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:09.960 If you can control the tongue, you can control your whole body. 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:16.759 You're growing in your thinking and the words you choose. 00:22:17.200 --> 00:22:22.460 You're becoming more steadfast, which is you're bearing up under pressure. 00:22:22.680 --> 00:22:23.579 You're bearing up. 00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:26.500 You're becoming more godly. 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:31.500 Yes, it's moral, but you're more God-orientated. 00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:36.619 You're mindful more of God in the day in, day out, wanting to please him. 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:43.439 And brotherly affection and love fills all these things and completes all these things. 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:46.019 It's personal change. 00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:46.039 It's personal change. 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:56.559 The true mark of spiritual growth is not your impact on others necessarily, but your very person is changing. 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:57.600 Gradual. 00:22:57.599 --> 00:23:05.000 Bit by bit, cracking and uprooting and splitting that concrete. 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:11.480 Now, finally and very quickly, these personal qualities go together. 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:14.819 Peter carefully links all these terms. 00:23:14.940 --> 00:23:18.940 He doesn't just create a shopping list where you can go down the aisle, pick which ones you want. 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:21.359 He repeats them carefully. 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:24.500 Now, some people wonder, is there an order to these? 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.759 Does this follow this? 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:26.759 I don't know. 00:23:26.859 --> 00:23:27.119 Maybe. 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:27.920 Have a think about it. 00:23:27.920 --> 00:23:33.920 I think what we can be more sure of is he's purposefully connecting them. 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:37.759 I think that points to these go together. 00:23:41.300 --> 00:23:51.320 That's how you can know that it's spiritual growth because it's not just your ISFJ-ness. 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:53.980 It's not your ENTS. 00:23:55.100 --> 00:23:55.980 I don't know if people know. 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:57.779 You're Myers-Briggs-ness. 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:07.960 You're that agreeable, tender-hearted softie who would be a softie even if they weren't a Christian. 00:24:09.339 --> 00:24:12.339 They learn to display moral resolve. 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:18.400 And they bear up under the heavy weight of social pressure. 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:20.059 And they don't cave. 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:23.140 That's when you can know it's spiritual. 00:24:23.140 --> 00:24:26.380 Because it's all these things. 00:24:27.360 --> 00:24:29.860 Not just your personal temperament. 00:24:32.120 --> 00:24:38.300 It's the extrovert who, I can pick on extroverts because I'm not one, who knows. 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:43.120 You know how to fit in with a crowd on Sunday and then a different crowd on Monday. 00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:46.539 And you used to be a chameleon. 00:24:47.879 --> 00:24:50.679 But now you've learned integrity. 00:24:51.179 --> 00:24:56.839 There's a godliness now that you're the same person on Sunday as you are on Monday. 00:24:58.199 --> 00:24:59.479 You're still extroverted. 00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:00.839 I love you extroverts. 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:04.519 But there's a sameness now. 00:25:04.519 --> 00:25:11.379 I'm just trying to, it's personal and it's all-round change. 00:25:12.099 --> 00:25:14.059 It's not just, don't just take your pick. 00:25:14.559 --> 00:25:16.220 Because you'll probably just pick your personality. 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:22.480 So that's what growth, I think, looks like that Peter is saying. 00:25:22.940 --> 00:25:25.379 Peter ends this section with motivations. 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:30.740 He's a preacher giving motivations to pursue growth. 00:25:33.520 --> 00:25:38.460 So verse 10, he says something that seems to make no sense. 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:44.740 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election. 00:25:44.880 --> 00:25:49.420 It's like saying, make secure your security. 00:25:51.560 --> 00:25:53.120 It kind of doesn't make sense. 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:57.279 In the Old Testament, it's very clear. 00:25:57.579 --> 00:25:58.839 God chose Israel. 00:25:58.959 --> 00:26:04.099 Not because they stood out as better in any way compared to the other nations. 00:26:04.239 --> 00:26:04.779 God chose. 00:26:05.119 --> 00:26:07.000 God called Abraham out. 00:26:07.939 --> 00:26:08.959 He initiated it. 00:26:09.679 --> 00:26:11.000 Abraham didn't choose God. 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:13.839 He chose Jacob, not Esau. 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:17.439 In the New Testament, like Romans 8.30, 00:26:17.440 --> 00:26:24.019 the believer is chosen in eternity past and then called, summoned. 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:30.799 And that is the rock-solid basis that it's in God that you will definitely reach glory. 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:33.120 It wasn't about you. 00:26:34.120 --> 00:26:38.420 He knew our failures when he chose us. 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:45.980 Unlike a professional soccer player who's not playing well and is transferred out of the team, 00:26:46.640 --> 00:26:50.660 if Satan came up to God and said, gee, you made a bad choice with her, 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:54.140 look at all their failures recently, 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:57.880 he will never transfer you out. 00:26:57.880 --> 00:26:58.880 Never. 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:08.540 Because he chose you, knowing your failures and knowing you will share in his divine nature at the end. 00:27:09.580 --> 00:27:11.220 It's beautiful security. 00:27:12.340 --> 00:27:13.380 It's wonderful. 00:27:14.560 --> 00:27:17.120 We should respond in thankfulness and relax. 00:27:17.620 --> 00:27:20.800 No one can snatch us out of the Father's hand. 00:27:20.900 --> 00:27:21.300 No one. 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:51.279 No one can't. 00:27:51.299 --> 00:28:03.599 There's an active wanting to know Jesus and grow in the grace of Jesus more and struggling against sin. 00:28:04.919 --> 00:28:06.220 That's all we can see. 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:14.500 Now, there's mysteries around God's sovereignty and how our human responsibility works. 00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:17.299 No theologian has ever resolved that. 00:28:17.399 --> 00:28:18.799 So you're in great company. 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:28.519 But the scriptures always use the certainty of God's call and election to motivate our choosing to pursue growth. 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.859 You'll find it. 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:33.899 I believe every time. 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:35.819 Someone can try and prove me wrong. 00:28:36.079 --> 00:28:42.359 But what we see is growth. 00:28:42.359 --> 00:28:48.039 And of course we will if we have God's spirit residing in us. 00:28:52.619 --> 00:28:54.259 Keep in mind the gradualness. 00:28:54.659 --> 00:28:57.259 I know there's probably some fear hearing that. 00:28:58.039 --> 00:29:02.139 You've got to remember the gradualness and that God's the one who provides us all we need. 00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:09.940 So Peter gives us four images to motivate us to pursue growth. 00:29:10.060 --> 00:29:11.020 Three of them are negative. 00:29:11.820 --> 00:29:13.500 A lot of 2 Peter is a warning. 00:29:13.640 --> 00:29:15.560 Next week is going to be a lot heavier. 00:29:16.360 --> 00:29:17.600 It's a strong warning. 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:21.420 Three are negative and then he finishes with a positive motivation. 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:23.680 Verse 8. 00:29:25.900 --> 00:29:26.759 Verse 8 there. 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:34.300 We don't want to be ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:29:34.300 --> 00:29:38.940 The word knowledge there is full knowledge. 00:29:39.080 --> 00:29:41.420 It's not just the ordinary Greek word for knowledge. 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.539 It's full knowledge. 00:29:42.539 --> 00:29:48.960 When you've come out of your unbelief, you've been brought into a full knowledge. 00:29:49.379 --> 00:29:50.559 You know God as Father. 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:52.940 You know Jesus as Lord. 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:54.279 There's a fullness about it. 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:55.539 Yes, we grow in knowledge. 00:29:55.960 --> 00:30:02.480 But we've been brought into a state of God is our Father. 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:08.519 Now in the riches of that knowledge, all you need to believe is the gospel. 00:30:09.819 --> 00:30:10.619 And you have that. 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:20.199 In the riches of that, the picture here is someone choosing not to use that. 00:30:21.459 --> 00:30:23.819 It's choosing to be unemployed. 00:30:25.459 --> 00:30:31.079 It's choosing not to use all those resources I've been given to do anything. 00:30:31.479 --> 00:30:36.219 I'm just going to come before God on the last day, being a Christian for years and years, 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:40.100 and I've sat on this wonderful knowledge I have. 00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:44.600 I've done nothing for his kingdom. 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:53.960 Now, if the spirit is in you, as I believe he is in many of us, you don't want that. 00:30:53.960 --> 00:30:58.140 I want to be an instrument in God's hand. 00:30:58.480 --> 00:31:04.420 I want to have a spiritual impact on my children and my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren. 00:31:04.420 --> 00:31:07.980 I want to be an active member in this church body. 00:31:08.060 --> 00:31:10.759 I want to be an eye or a foot or the back of the elbow. 00:31:10.900 --> 00:31:11.660 I want to be something. 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:16.779 I want to alleviate the suffering that I come in contact with. 00:31:16.840 --> 00:31:18.200 I want to be a light in my workplace. 00:31:18.400 --> 00:31:25.400 I don't want to get there on the last day, having done nothing with this wonderful, full knowledge I've been given. 00:31:25.400 --> 00:31:29.640 Now, it's a negative picture, but Peter's assuming the positive. 00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:31.220 I don't want to be ineffective. 00:31:34.820 --> 00:31:41.960 Now, the second picture, verse 9, is being nearsighted that he is blind. 00:31:44.100 --> 00:31:46.800 Now, I think this person, they probably do know the Lord. 00:31:46.900 --> 00:31:52.240 They're going to be saved on the last day, but they've forgotten the joy of their salvation. 00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:56.779 The call heavenward has worn off. 00:31:57.099 --> 00:32:01.700 Maybe they were super active in their university days, on fire. 00:32:03.680 --> 00:32:09.440 But then just the grind of work or their mind is just all in their family. 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:12.319 It's just their family they're thinking about. 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:14.819 It's like they're just turned in. 00:32:14.900 --> 00:32:17.779 They've just forgotten about spiritual realities. 00:32:17.920 --> 00:32:19.900 You have to put it right under their nose. 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:29.759 Don't you realize that the spiritual things going on all around you, your workmates are on their way to hell, 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:32.240 and it's like they're oblivious. 00:32:37.680 --> 00:32:40.680 No spiritual, I don't want to be that. 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:42.140 You don't want to be that. 00:32:42.140 --> 00:32:48.980 I want to grow. 00:32:49.259 --> 00:32:52.320 I want to be effective. 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:56.620 I want to be able to see what's actually real and going on. 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:59.820 The third picture, verse 10, 00:32:59.819 --> 00:33:06.179 if you don't pursue growth, a believer can be so malnourished, they fall. 00:33:06.379 --> 00:33:07.439 They come to grief. 00:33:09.740 --> 00:33:15.700 Now, maybe some fall in a way that you question whether there was even a call. 00:33:17.119 --> 00:33:20.639 But there's many, many other believers who will be in heaven. 00:33:21.419 --> 00:33:22.279 They'll be in heaven. 00:33:22.399 --> 00:33:22.879 They're forgiven. 00:33:22.880 --> 00:33:26.100 They've come to serious grief. 00:33:28.660 --> 00:33:33.440 It's really sad to hear of another great Christian teacher fall into sexual immorality. 00:33:35.040 --> 00:33:42.640 You've probably heard about Philip Yancey, 76, having run so much of the race, 00:33:43.640 --> 00:33:46.900 but he's confessed to an affair of eight years. 00:33:46.900 --> 00:33:51.600 I have failed morally and spiritually. 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:58.160 I've realised that my actions will disillusion readers who have previously trusted in my writing. 00:33:59.700 --> 00:34:02.320 Worse of all, my sin has brought dishonour to God. 00:34:06.180 --> 00:34:11.700 He can't ever be fully trusted and useful again. 00:34:12.139 --> 00:34:13.920 He's come to serious grief. 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:18.159 If you practise these things, you will never fall. 00:34:21.240 --> 00:34:24.960 Spiritual growth, you take seriously our sinful natures. 00:34:25.220 --> 00:34:29.380 If you're not growing, you can backslide to the point of falling. 00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:30.940 I don't want to fall. 00:34:31.980 --> 00:34:32.880 Do you want to fall? 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:35.720 I don't want to fall. 00:34:38.619 --> 00:34:40.340 So there's three negative images. 00:34:40.519 --> 00:34:41.900 I don't want to be ineffective. 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:42.900 Unproductive. 00:34:44.220 --> 00:34:49.980 I don't want to be so nearsighted that I don't even realise the spiritual reality. 00:34:50.099 --> 00:34:52.000 I can't see what's actually going on. 00:34:52.340 --> 00:34:53.760 And I don't want to fall. 00:34:54.180 --> 00:34:55.900 And he finishes with a positive picture. 00:35:00.280 --> 00:35:01.079 Verse 11. 00:35:01.079 --> 00:35:15.239 In this way, there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 00:35:15.239 --> 00:35:21.719 The image that came to my mind is Pilgrim's Progress. 00:35:21.719 --> 00:35:31.359 After Christian's arduous journey, he enters the celestial city to the sound of victory. 00:35:31.559 --> 00:35:32.319 Trumpets. 00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:36.859 Angels saying, well done. 00:35:37.599 --> 00:35:39.500 Enter into the joy of your master. 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:52.460 I don't want to be like the 1 Corinthians 3 person who everything they've done has been burned away in the judgment and they just scrape through the flames. 00:35:52.800 --> 00:35:53.780 Yes, they're saved. 00:35:54.360 --> 00:35:57.820 This person, this picture, there's going to be trumpets. 00:35:58.820 --> 00:36:00.420 It's a rich welcome. 00:36:00.420 --> 00:36:05.639 Well done, good and faithful servant. 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:12.800 You don't need to have written books or planted 20 churches to receive that rich welcome. 00:36:13.460 --> 00:36:16.900 You simply need to pursue personal growth. 00:36:19.079 --> 00:36:22.900 And there's going to be this fanfare when you walk in. 00:36:30.420 --> 00:36:35.820 So they're the motivations to pursue growth. 00:36:37.920 --> 00:36:40.820 How do we create the conditions for growth? 00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:42.260 How do we... 00:36:42.260 --> 00:36:43.420 What's the key to growth? 00:36:46.099 --> 00:36:50.860 Like gardening, organic growth, you can't produce it yourself. 00:36:51.059 --> 00:36:54.960 You can create the conditions, but God gives the increase. 00:36:56.039 --> 00:36:58.599 All we can do is create the conditions. 00:37:00.420 --> 00:37:04.820 Verse 9, it's not forgetting. 00:37:07.519 --> 00:37:12.460 But then verse 12 to 14 put positively, and this is Peter's whole point of writing. 00:37:14.800 --> 00:37:22.420 Therefore, I intend always to remind you of these qualities, to stir you up by way of reminder. 00:37:22.420 --> 00:37:30.840 I will make every effort so that after my death, you may be able at any time to recall these things. 00:37:31.680 --> 00:37:34.900 The key to growth is not forgetting, but remembering. 00:37:38.440 --> 00:37:41.119 Forgetting is not a long-term memory problem. 00:37:41.119 --> 00:37:48.960 One of the most memorable days of my life was M and I's wedding day. 00:37:49.159 --> 00:37:52.159 It's such a significant day. 00:37:53.539 --> 00:37:56.359 Intellectually, well, there probably are some things I forget. 00:37:56.819 --> 00:37:59.759 I don't forget a lot of things about that day. 00:38:00.179 --> 00:38:01.619 It was so momentous. 00:38:01.619 --> 00:38:09.739 But then, sometimes on our anniversary, we watch the video montage Pete put together for us, 00:38:09.940 --> 00:38:12.440 and it stirs the mind. 00:38:13.019 --> 00:38:14.859 It renews the affection. 00:38:15.179 --> 00:38:17.119 It strengthens the bond. 00:38:17.619 --> 00:38:23.799 The reality, the significance of that day, it renews. 00:38:23.800 --> 00:38:28.120 It's as if that day, we're in it again. 00:38:29.340 --> 00:38:33.980 It's so fresh, and the affections are stirred, the resolve is stirred. 00:38:34.320 --> 00:38:35.120 Now, what's going on? 00:38:36.140 --> 00:38:36.920 I've recalled. 00:38:39.360 --> 00:38:42.420 It's not just intellectually recalling, but it's fresh. 00:38:42.580 --> 00:38:45.580 It's pressed in on your mind and affections. 00:38:46.300 --> 00:38:48.620 I think that's the picture here. 00:38:48.860 --> 00:38:49.860 That's the key to growth. 00:38:49.860 --> 00:38:54.500 Growth, grow in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:38:55.380 --> 00:38:56.400 Press him in. 00:38:56.900 --> 00:38:58.880 Use every means available to us. 00:38:58.980 --> 00:39:01.920 We're doing it right now by gathering together, singing together. 00:39:02.240 --> 00:39:03.240 Use the means. 00:39:04.059 --> 00:39:09.300 Use every means of grace to make him real to your heart and mind. 00:39:11.220 --> 00:39:13.320 Feeling guilty? 00:39:13.880 --> 00:39:15.140 Remember that cleansing. 00:39:17.140 --> 00:39:18.740 Thinking you'll never grow. 00:39:19.860 --> 00:39:21.200 Remember his call. 00:39:21.440 --> 00:39:21.640 Remember. 00:39:22.900 --> 00:39:25.720 You have all things for life and godliness. 00:39:28.559 --> 00:39:32.599 Press in the privilege of sharing in the divine nature. 00:39:34.300 --> 00:39:35.960 Think on his excellence. 00:39:38.039 --> 00:39:38.960 Eagerly await. 00:39:39.160 --> 00:39:41.039 He's going to come in power and glory. 00:39:42.000 --> 00:39:43.860 Life is so hard, but he's going to come. 00:39:43.860 --> 00:39:48.460 Fill your mind. 00:39:49.559 --> 00:39:52.019 The new earth where righteousness dwells. 00:39:52.079 --> 00:39:52.880 I'm going to be there. 00:39:59.500 --> 00:40:01.260 Philip Yancey's wife. 00:40:03.180 --> 00:40:05.340 Hear what she says. 00:40:05.340 --> 00:40:23.420 God grant me the grace to forgive also, despite my unfathomable trauma. 00:40:26.039 --> 00:40:27.680 She's recalling. 00:40:27.679 --> 00:40:31.779 God's forgiveness. 00:40:31.779 --> 00:40:34.500 She's making that real to her mind. 00:40:35.500 --> 00:40:41.079 And that's helping her be steadfast under enormous pressure. 00:40:41.219 --> 00:40:43.980 She's growing in steadfastness by recalling. 00:40:43.980 --> 00:40:53.219 We will only love other people when we recall and sense the reality. 00:40:53.480 --> 00:40:56.380 Jesus laid down his life for me. 00:40:56.519 --> 00:40:57.659 Not because I'm lovable. 00:40:58.719 --> 00:40:59.480 Far from it. 00:40:59.820 --> 00:41:01.179 Simply because he loved me. 00:41:01.179 --> 00:41:07.719 How will we grow in brotherly affection? 00:41:09.339 --> 00:41:22.139 When we remember the ascended Lord in his majestic glory, he is not ashamed to call you brother, sister. 00:41:22.139 --> 00:41:35.859 How will we get self-control until we see that we've already got him who is going to ravish my heart already? 00:41:37.960 --> 00:41:39.879 He's going to ravish my heart the most. 00:41:43.279 --> 00:41:44.799 I don't need this other thing. 00:41:52.139 --> 00:42:07.679 May we help each other to be caught up in the wonder that this glorious and excellent one, out of his sheer sovereign grace, he came down and suffered, cleansed us, and then summoned us. 00:42:09.480 --> 00:42:13.159 Come, partake in my divine nature. 00:42:13.900 --> 00:42:16.719 Yes, in the future, but now through my promises. 00:42:16.719 --> 00:42:25.699 All our worry, all our bitterness, all our immorality comes from forgetting him. 00:42:27.539 --> 00:42:30.199 Recall at any time, make him real. 00:42:31.359 --> 00:42:33.339 Help each other, make him real. 00:42:34.379 --> 00:42:42.099 And let's just wait for that concrete slab of our sinful nature to be cracked and uprooted. 00:42:42.099 --> 00:42:47.000 As we grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord. 00:42:48.139 --> 00:42:49.139 Will you pray with me? 00:42:49.400 --> 00:42:49.739 Let's pray. 00:43:01.219 --> 00:43:07.759 Lord, why you would share your divine nature with us, I don't have an answer for that. 00:43:07.760 --> 00:43:11.720 Accept that that's the kind of God you are. 00:43:14.800 --> 00:43:22.020 Lord, I pray that you would fill us with the wonder of that. 00:43:24.020 --> 00:43:30.280 Fill each of us with the assurance that you will provide all that we need. 00:43:30.280 --> 00:43:35.740 And I pray that you would motivate us to pursue growth. 00:43:38.120 --> 00:43:40.680 Yeah, I pray that you would help us do that as a church family. 00:43:41.120 --> 00:43:42.500 In Jesus' name, amen.