WEBVTT 00:00:00.180 --> 00:00:05.639 Amen. Well, folks do have that Bible passage open in front of you as we study it this evening 00:00:05.639 --> 00:00:10.200 and as we dive into this wonderful book of 2 Peter. 00:00:10.880 --> 00:00:17.000 Now, we live in a world with an ever-increasing desire for authenticity. 00:00:18.059 --> 00:00:24.980 People are fed up of the fakeness that's become part of life in the rise of social media platforms. 00:00:25.300 --> 00:00:28.820 So Twitter has become the place for people to argue. 00:00:29.820 --> 00:00:36.899 Instagram has become a platform of edited photos and filters that make you look as if you're living your best life. 00:00:37.659 --> 00:00:43.880 Facebook is full of everyone pretending they're happy until they come across a post that they don't like 00:00:43.880 --> 00:00:46.400 and everyone joins in in the angry comments. 00:00:47.560 --> 00:00:56.140 In a world that previously looked for perfection, Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, 00:00:56.140 --> 00:00:58.700 are on the hunt for authenticity. 00:00:59.780 --> 00:01:03.140 So here's what one article said that I read this week. 00:01:03.140 --> 00:01:09.079 At its most basic level, authenticity means being true to yourself. 00:01:09.920 --> 00:01:14.340 And perhaps no generation has got a knack for this as much as Gen Zs. 00:01:14.819 --> 00:01:18.340 From their social media to the values that shape their actions, 00:01:18.579 --> 00:01:22.260 Gen Zs are not ones to be caught pretending. 00:01:22.260 --> 00:01:31.140 And so in the last few years, there's been a rise of models and fitness personalities showing what they really look like 00:01:31.140 --> 00:01:36.240 without all the lighting and the studio, without the filters and without Photoshop. 00:01:36.239 --> 00:01:43.959 People are opening up about their pain and about their struggles because we want more authenticity. 00:01:45.239 --> 00:01:48.979 Now, as it comes to the Christian faith, I found myself asking, 00:01:49.239 --> 00:01:54.299 the question I found myself asking in light of our passage for this evening is, 00:01:54.739 --> 00:01:58.239 what does an authentic Christian look like? 00:01:58.239 --> 00:02:07.619 Well, the main message of our sermon tonight as we dive into our new series in 2 Peter is this. 00:02:08.699 --> 00:02:13.079 Because God has given us everything we need for a godly life, 00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:22.180 we must make every effort to live a godly life in order to confirm our calling and election. 00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:24.460 So that is the sentence. 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:28.439 If you're taking notes, that's the one you need to keep in your mind this evening. 00:02:29.360 --> 00:02:35.540 But before we dive into the first 11 verses, let's have a brief look at the whole of 2 Peter. 00:02:36.280 --> 00:02:41.620 So when it comes to looking at any book of the Bible, we need to ask ourselves three questions. 00:02:42.580 --> 00:02:43.319 Who wrote it? 00:02:43.980 --> 00:02:45.420 Who was it written to? 00:02:45.560 --> 00:02:47.080 And why was it written? 00:02:47.080 --> 00:02:53.980 Answering these questions helps us know how to read and apply the Bible properly. 00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:57.680 Because every passage was written with a purpose in mind. 00:02:57.760 --> 00:03:01.540 So to read the Bible well, we need to discern what that is. 00:03:02.600 --> 00:03:05.960 And so read 2 Peter 1, verse 1 with me. 00:03:06.460 --> 00:03:10.160 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, 00:03:10.740 --> 00:03:15.000 to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:18.599 have received a faith as precious as ours. 00:03:19.219 --> 00:03:25.400 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 00:03:26.379 --> 00:03:27.639 So who wrote this? 00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:29.300 Well, the author is Peter. 00:03:29.539 --> 00:03:33.920 The same Peter who lived and traveled with Jesus through his public ministry. 00:03:34.599 --> 00:03:40.879 The same Peter who denied Jesus, denied knowing Jesus three times in Luke chapter 22. 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:46.659 And the same Peter who gave the first sermon in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost. 00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:52.039 In verse 1, he calls himself a servant and an apostle of Jesus. 00:03:52.740 --> 00:03:57.840 He's a servant because he is under the authority of and submitted to Jesus. 00:03:58.680 --> 00:04:05.699 And he's an apostle, meaning that Peter is one of Jesus' authoritative leaders of the early church. 00:04:05.699 --> 00:04:13.259 And he's writing his letter as someone who has authority and who is under authority. 00:04:14.579 --> 00:04:18.599 And we don't really know the answer to our second question, who was it written to? 00:04:18.899 --> 00:04:23.259 But we do get a hint in chapter 3, verse 1, if you flick over the page. 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:24.399 It says, 00:04:24.399 --> 00:04:40.439 So whilst we can't be absolutely sure who the audience are, 00:04:40.659 --> 00:04:45.879 it is likely that this letter was written to the same people as 1 Peter, 00:04:46.459 --> 00:04:51.959 which was written to Christians who were scattered across what is modern day Turkey. 00:04:51.959 --> 00:05:00.279 So maybe 2 Peter had a bigger audience as more people had come to know Jesus and more churches were formed. 00:05:01.279 --> 00:05:05.120 So the final question to help us grasp the context of this book, 00:05:05.620 --> 00:05:07.399 why was 2 Peter written? 00:05:08.899 --> 00:05:14.819 Well, the main idea of this entire book is that Peter has written to remind these Christians 00:05:14.819 --> 00:05:18.000 to know and live out the truth. 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:24.579 Because there were false teachers all around, spreading lies, deceiving people left, right and centre, 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:27.560 into thinking that there was no such thing as judgment. 00:05:28.420 --> 00:05:30.500 That Jesus wasn't going to be coming back. 00:05:30.600 --> 00:05:35.180 And so you didn't really need to take the whole Christianity thing too seriously. 00:05:37.139 --> 00:05:39.139 And so Peter knows what's going on. 00:05:39.199 --> 00:05:43.060 And just before he is about to be executed for his faith in Jesus, 00:05:43.060 --> 00:05:46.759 he picks up his pen and pens this letter saying, 00:05:46.860 --> 00:05:50.259 Christians, you need to remember the truth of the gospel. 00:05:51.240 --> 00:05:55.579 And it must be lived out in your lives day to day. 00:05:57.220 --> 00:06:02.699 Now over the last couple of years, as we've, some of us for a while, have watched church from home, 00:06:03.639 --> 00:06:08.180 false teaching has become even more accessible than it was before, hasn't it? 00:06:08.180 --> 00:06:15.199 YouTube, Facebook, Instagram are full of false teachers who want to push their own message, 00:06:15.720 --> 00:06:17.720 not what the Bible actually says. 00:06:19.800 --> 00:06:23.000 But it's also very easy for us to have all the right head knowledge, 00:06:23.319 --> 00:06:26.720 to have our nice, neat understanding of doctrine, 00:06:26.980 --> 00:06:30.300 but for us to continue to sit on the couch and do nothing with it. 00:06:30.300 --> 00:06:33.939 This letter is a wake-up call saying, 00:06:34.060 --> 00:06:38.340 Christian, you must know the truth of the gospel, of what the Bible teaches, 00:06:38.720 --> 00:06:41.620 but you also need to put it into practice. 00:06:42.699 --> 00:06:46.960 Your understanding of God should push you into action for the kingdom of God. 00:06:47.660 --> 00:06:50.300 You must know and live out the truth. 00:06:52.040 --> 00:06:55.800 And so tonight, as we turn to the first 11 verses of 2 Peter, 00:06:56.580 --> 00:06:58.920 we basically get a summary of this whole book. 00:06:58.920 --> 00:07:01.939 Peter says, as it says on the screen, 00:07:02.680 --> 00:07:06.759 because God has given us everything we need for a godly life, 00:07:06.860 --> 00:07:14.560 we must make every effort to live a godly life in order to confirm our calling and election. 00:07:15.500 --> 00:07:17.420 Now that's going to be our outline for tonight. 00:07:17.520 --> 00:07:20.480 We'll break that sentence up into three parts. 00:07:21.460 --> 00:07:24.580 And so the first part of our sentence that I want us to look at this evening 00:07:24.579 --> 00:07:31.659 is because God has given us everything we need for a godly life in verses 3 to 4. 00:07:32.959 --> 00:07:36.399 So the call in this passage is to live a godly life. 00:07:37.399 --> 00:07:39.680 But if we try to do that on our own, 00:07:40.399 --> 00:07:45.079 it can very quickly and very easily become a whip that we beat ourselves with. 00:07:45.079 --> 00:07:49.120 This passage isn't calling us to moralism, 00:07:49.240 --> 00:07:51.079 to just do more or to be better. 00:07:51.339 --> 00:07:54.680 If we come away with that message, then we've completely missed the point. 00:07:55.879 --> 00:07:59.240 Because religious moralism says that you do things 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:04.539 so that you will be found favorable in God's sight. 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:09.980 But Christianity says you do things out of thankfulness and obedience 00:08:09.980 --> 00:08:13.120 because of what God has already done. 00:08:14.540 --> 00:08:18.180 Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, 00:08:18.340 --> 00:08:23.040 Christians are forgiven of their sins, as verse 9 reminds us. 00:08:24.220 --> 00:08:30.180 Jesus needed to be the sacrifice who would take the sins of the world upon himself. 00:08:30.180 --> 00:08:36.940 Because a holy and perfect God cannot dwell with an unholy, sinful people. 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:40.639 That's one of the key themes that runs through the entire Bible. 00:08:41.399 --> 00:08:45.419 That the whole of creation is broken and needs to be restored, 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:47.139 to be made right with God again. 00:08:48.680 --> 00:08:53.019 That's the precious promises that Peter is speaking about in verse 4. 00:08:53.539 --> 00:08:59.320 The whole Old Testament has been pointing to humanity's need to be made right with God 00:08:59.320 --> 00:09:03.820 that is personified in Jesus Christ as he makes it possible. 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:09.420 The death and resurrection of Jesus isn't just a get-out-of-free hell cart. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:13.540 It is a completely new life. 00:09:13.920 --> 00:09:15.500 A completely new identity. 00:09:16.520 --> 00:09:20.740 We are called to be holy because God, the one who calls us, is holy. 00:09:20.740 --> 00:09:25.879 And so we live in this now and not yet. 00:09:26.940 --> 00:09:32.180 Now we have the status of being holy before God as we journey through this life. 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:37.620 As we mature in the faith, as we grow in our understanding and knowledge of God, 00:09:37.700 --> 00:09:41.180 we are being made more into the likeness of Jesus. 00:09:42.039 --> 00:09:46.560 We are participating in our divine nature, as verse 4 says. 00:09:47.200 --> 00:09:49.639 We're living the life we were created to live. 00:09:49.639 --> 00:09:53.620 But there's also the not yet element. 00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:56.860 Because we aren't completely there yet, are we? 00:09:57.399 --> 00:10:00.179 We're still in this imperfect state. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:05.759 And until that final day comes when Jesus returns or we go to be in his presence, 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:08.600 we are called to live a godly life. 00:10:09.220 --> 00:10:10.139 But how? 00:10:10.139 --> 00:10:14.200 How can we live a godly life? 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:19.140 Well, the answer, the glorious answer is there in verse 3. 00:10:20.280 --> 00:10:26.580 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him, 00:10:26.800 --> 00:10:30.020 who called us by his own glory and goodness. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:35.980 So through God's glory and goodness, he has made himself known to us. 00:10:37.240 --> 00:10:41.399 And from that knowledge, and because of what God has revealed in the Bible, 00:10:41.699 --> 00:10:46.579 we know that he has called us to true life, to godly living. 00:10:46.659 --> 00:10:47.840 But we are not alone. 00:10:47.840 --> 00:10:52.340 Because we do this through his divine power. 00:10:52.820 --> 00:10:53.360 Verse 3. 00:10:54.980 --> 00:11:00.080 See, as Christians, we have been freed from the chains of sin that previously bound us tightly. 00:11:01.120 --> 00:11:06.879 We are no longer slaves to sin, but we are able to live the life that we were created to live. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:14.820 God has given us power through his spirit for us to live out that new identity. 00:11:16.439 --> 00:11:23.179 And Christians shouldn't get caught up with the evil desires of this world or the corruption going on around us 00:11:23.179 --> 00:11:25.220 because we are different. 00:11:26.320 --> 00:11:30.679 We are living for something else, for someone else. 00:11:32.539 --> 00:11:34.179 But that's still hard, isn't it? 00:11:34.179 --> 00:11:40.879 It's difficult to live that life because this process isn't yet complete. 00:11:42.099 --> 00:11:44.899 Yes, we have absolutely been made new in Christ. 00:11:45.459 --> 00:11:47.599 We have a new life, a new identity. 00:11:47.819 --> 00:11:50.599 Our priorities are different from what they were before. 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:53.599 But we still live in sinful bodies. 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:58.199 We still live in a sinful world surrounded by sinful people, 00:11:58.199 --> 00:12:01.819 and our hearts are constantly drawn back to sin. 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:08.639 And the call to live a godly life is to rest in the knowledge of God, 00:12:09.219 --> 00:12:14.819 to remember his great promises of old that he has given us through Jesus, 00:12:14.919 --> 00:12:17.500 and to live them out by his power. 00:12:18.699 --> 00:12:22.639 That same power that spoke this very world into being, 00:12:23.099 --> 00:12:26.120 that same power that rose Jesus from the dead, 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:30.419 that same power that has worked miracles throughout human history, 00:12:30.419 --> 00:12:33.639 is the very same power that is at work in your life. 00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:38.779 As through the Holy Spirit, you live a godly life as you've been called to by Jesus. 00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:45.419 And so, because God has given us everything we need for a godly life. 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:49.599 In the second part of our summary sentence, 00:12:49.599 --> 00:12:52.819 we get a little bit more of an idea of what that looks like. 00:12:54.159 --> 00:13:00.699 We must make every effort to live a godly life in verses 5 to 9. 00:13:01.459 --> 00:13:05.559 So because of God's provision of everything we need in Jesus, 00:13:06.579 --> 00:13:10.639 Peter now encourages us to build on that foundation of faith, 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:12.399 and to grow in maturity. 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:15.419 Think of it a little bit like a tree. 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:20.240 See, the gospel, the promises of God, the death and resurrection of Jesus 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:22.840 are the foundation of the Christian life. 00:13:23.559 --> 00:13:24.319 They are the roots. 00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:27.240 Without them, there is no life. 00:13:27.379 --> 00:13:28.720 Without them, there is nothing. 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:34.259 But once you are rooted in Jesus, once you have faith in him, 00:13:35.179 --> 00:13:39.399 you desire to live for him, and like a good plant, you will grow. 00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:43.259 That's why Peter says in verse 5, 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:47.379 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:51.519 and to goodness knowledge, and to knowledge self-control, 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:53.559 and to self-control perseverance, 00:13:54.259 --> 00:13:58.120 and to perseverance godliness, and to godliness mutual affection, 00:13:58.679 --> 00:14:01.159 and to mutual affection love. 00:14:01.159 --> 00:14:07.819 What does it look like to make every effort? 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:11.899 For a student, preparing for exams, 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:17.019 it probably means hauling yourself up in the library for hours on end. 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:21.600 Getting your head into the books, revising, not going out socializing. 00:14:21.699 --> 00:14:25.980 You're roping in friends and family members to help you prepare for that exam. 00:14:25.980 --> 00:14:30.639 You have a goal in mind, and so you go to quiet places to study. 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:37.539 Your desire to succeed in the exam shapes your day. 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:40.480 That student is making every effort. 00:14:41.899 --> 00:14:44.899 Or if you want to get fit, you change your lifestyle, don't you? 00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:46.279 You eat differently. 00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:47.480 You prep your meals. 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:49.740 You maybe even start a gym membership, 00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:52.100 or speak to a fitness instructor. 00:14:52.100 --> 00:14:58.560 You invest time, money, on research to get to know the things that your body needs 00:14:58.560 --> 00:15:00.960 to achieve the goal of fitness you want. 00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:04.300 You make every effort. 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:10.620 Now, if that's what it means to make every effort in the everyday things of life, 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:14.159 and how dedicated we are to those, 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:20.519 think honestly about how often we really make every effort to live a godly life. 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:26.379 Because spiritual growth doesn't just happen to us. 00:15:27.300 --> 00:15:29.800 We need to actively be trying to grow. 00:15:29.940 --> 00:15:33.180 We need to be pursuing holiness and godliness, 00:15:34.040 --> 00:15:39.820 investing our time, resources, and energy to live the life that we've been called to live. 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:46.740 And so Peter outlines the attributes of an authentic godly life. 00:15:46.740 --> 00:15:50.180 We need to remember that word, authentic. 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:55.320 Because Peter doesn't say all of this just so that we can put on a mask 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:57.560 as we walk through the doors on a Sunday and fake it. 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:04.320 He is saying these things that we should be making every effort to grow in 00:16:04.320 --> 00:16:08.740 through the power of God as we are living out our identity in Christ. 00:16:09.139 --> 00:16:13.039 Because that is the call to godliness that is on the life of every Christian. 00:16:13.039 --> 00:16:19.799 Now when we see a list, we're tempted to think that these things are independent from each other. 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:25.419 That you can kind of pick and choose which attribute you want to work on and which one you don't. 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:28.919 But the repetition of each word, 00:16:29.159 --> 00:16:30.839 and the way that it's structured, 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:35.480 Peter wants us to see that these are kind of like building blocks. 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:40.340 Each attribute or characteristic is linked to the previous one. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:43.500 And those are the things we should be striving for. 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:46.639 Making every effort to work out in our lives. 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:49.600 It's a bit like a cake recipe. 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:53.659 You wouldn't dream of baking a cake without putting flour in it. 00:16:54.620 --> 00:16:58.399 The recipe would be incomplete and the cake wouldn't taste very nice. 00:16:58.720 --> 00:16:59.779 Trust me, I've done it before. 00:17:01.139 --> 00:17:04.519 Every year I've been married to Sabina, I make her a birthday cake. 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:10.079 It's the same, it's a very specific birthday cake that she's had since growing up as a child. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:13.099 But for the first few years I needed help. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:16.759 Because, if you don't know this already, I'm terrible in the kitchen. 00:17:17.819 --> 00:17:21.839 But now, after sitting under her guidance for a few years, 00:17:22.579 --> 00:17:26.240 I understand the importance of each ingredient. 00:17:27.079 --> 00:17:29.619 And the order that they go in to make a nice cake. 00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:33.819 And so the attributes of verses 5 to 7, 00:17:34.439 --> 00:17:41.619 they're the ingredients of the Christian life that will produce a believer who is faithful and fruitful for the glory of God. 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:47.379 The list begins with faith and it ends with love. 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:48.959 And that's important. 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:52.039 Because if you do not have faith in Christ, 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:57.100 these attributes are meaningless for you in regards to your spiritual well-being. 00:17:58.460 --> 00:18:01.519 And if they are not put into practice out of love, 00:18:01.840 --> 00:18:03.200 then they're worthless. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:08.420 These fruits of faith reflect the character of God. 00:18:08.900 --> 00:18:13.240 And these are the key applications of what it means to live a godly life. 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:15.799 So follow along with me in verse 5. 00:18:16.599 --> 00:18:19.940 We should add goodness or virtue to our faith. 00:18:21.140 --> 00:18:23.819 That means to live a life worthy of praise. 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:27.559 To be brave, generous, to treat others well, 00:18:27.660 --> 00:18:33.039 and to be a person known for acting appropriately at all times. 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:37.859 Do the people in your life know, 00:18:38.400 --> 00:18:40.579 based on how you live day to day, 00:18:40.579 --> 00:18:42.359 how you interact with others, 00:18:42.919 --> 00:18:43.819 that you're a Christian. 00:18:44.720 --> 00:18:48.259 And that your faith is the reason that you're a good person. 00:18:50.480 --> 00:18:51.839 The next thing is knowledge. 00:18:52.039 --> 00:18:54.699 And that's not merely intellectual ability, 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:59.059 but it includes discerning the false teaching, 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:02.079 false gospel that was being spread by the false teachers. 00:19:03.159 --> 00:19:05.599 It means knowing Jesus. 00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:09.939 And having that knowledge played out in your life, 00:19:09.939 --> 00:19:12.519 as you want to live the life he called you to. 00:19:13.699 --> 00:19:14.399 See friends, 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:19.000 there is a massive difference between knowing God and knowing about God. 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:25.359 Knowing about God means that we can have some kind of vague understanding of who he is, 00:19:25.779 --> 00:19:27.319 but very little more. 00:19:29.019 --> 00:19:30.019 Knowing God. 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:33.460 That means that we are in a relationship with him, 00:19:33.539 --> 00:19:35.119 to see him for who he is, 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:37.879 and to live our lives in light of that. 00:19:40.119 --> 00:19:43.819 The next attribute in verse 6 is self-control. 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:49.299 And that means that a Christian is to restrain their emotions, 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.900 their impulses, 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:51.940 and their desires. 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:58.620 This is so difficult to do in a world that tells you to live as you see fit. 00:19:59.100 --> 00:20:00.299 To do whatever you want, 00:20:00.380 --> 00:20:01.820 as long as it's not hurting anyone. 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:05.940 The Bible tells us a different story. 00:20:07.080 --> 00:20:09.779 It says that you were created to live a certain way, 00:20:09.880 --> 00:20:13.539 but because that has been broken by sin, 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:18.559 we are to live under the authority of God, 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:20.920 not under the authority of our sinful desires. 00:20:21.940 --> 00:20:25.820 The world says freedom is found in letting yourself go, 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:28.740 in succumbing to whatever you desire, 00:20:28.820 --> 00:20:30.600 but the Bible says true freedom, 00:20:31.320 --> 00:20:32.620 lasting freedom, 00:20:32.620 --> 00:20:35.059 is living the life you were created to live. 00:20:35.740 --> 00:20:36.920 That is self-control. 00:20:39.100 --> 00:20:40.500 Next is perseverance. 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:44.539 Or a better translation of that word is steadfastness. 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:47.380 Meaning that in the face of difficulties, 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:51.039 you are able to stand your ground for Jesus. 00:20:51.940 --> 00:20:54.820 This steadfastness produces endurance. 00:20:55.660 --> 00:21:00.360 Now the Christian life is not a hundred meter sprint that can be over quickly, 00:21:00.600 --> 00:21:02.039 depending on how fast you run. 00:21:02.559 --> 00:21:03.940 It is a marathon. 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:09.259 That is full of obstacles and things that would try to distract you from Jesus. 00:21:09.660 --> 00:21:11.799 But do not divert your path. 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:20.539 Remain steadfast in the Lord and continue to show that consistent strength as you live out your faith in him. 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:23.879 Then in verse 6, 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:24.420 Godliness, 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:29.980 which is that God-orientated life shaped by him. 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:32.119 It means that our thoughts, 00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:32.879 our feelings, 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.599 our attitudes, 00:21:33.899 --> 00:21:34.579 our words, 00:21:34.639 --> 00:21:38.799 and the way we act every single day should be shaped by him, 00:21:39.399 --> 00:21:40.159 our creator, 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:43.039 and our desire to honor him. 00:21:43.039 --> 00:21:44.440 Not just on Sundays. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:47.279 Not just in small groups. 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:49.319 Not just in the public eye. 00:21:50.680 --> 00:21:51.779 But everywhere we go. 00:21:52.579 --> 00:21:57.019 Should be shaped by our desire to live a godly life for God. 00:21:57.019 --> 00:22:06.119 And the next attribute that we should make every effort to add to our faith in verse 7 is mutual affection. 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:10.359 Now this is affection amongst fellow Christians. 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:16.119 Peter knows this brotherly love better than most people. 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:22.279 Because what was it that Jesus did after Peter denied him three times? 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:25.960 He had breakfast with him. 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:30.000 And he called him to be part of the church and to feed them. 00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:32.860 That is true love. 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:36.700 This means that as a church family, 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:38.759 we should be looking out for one another. 00:22:38.920 --> 00:22:40.620 Living life together. 00:22:41.299 --> 00:22:42.579 Not just on Sundays, 00:22:42.759 --> 00:22:48.079 but actually properly investing in relationships with one another every single day. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:52.779 Building deep friendships that are built on the gospel of Jesus Christ 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:55.460 that lead us to being a church family 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:57.160 that is welcoming, 00:22:57.160 --> 00:22:58.900 that is forgiving, 00:22:58.900 --> 00:23:04.600 that is a place where people can feel open and able to share their struggles. 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:09.539 And it should be a joy to be in for all people. 00:23:12.179 --> 00:23:14.939 And then the final attribute is love in verse 7. 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:22.099 But this isn't about a feeling that is brought on by the beauty of a person or an object. 00:23:22.099 --> 00:23:28.319 Biblical love is the consistent commitment of your heart, 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:32.659 mind and soul to pursue what is best for the one you love. 00:23:35.059 --> 00:23:40.339 Ultimately it means loving others with the same love that God has for them. 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:46.679 Now maybe you look at that list as I did and you want to gulp. 00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:48.899 And you want to run away. 00:23:49.959 --> 00:23:52.480 Because you know that you don't measure up to it. 00:23:54.419 --> 00:23:56.319 But remember verses 3 and 4. 00:23:57.459 --> 00:24:02.539 God has given you everything you need by his divine power. 00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:07.819 See the promise to live this life is not that it will be easy. 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:12.220 Or that you'll measure up to this all the time. 00:24:12.359 --> 00:24:14.039 Realistically I don't think we can. 00:24:14.539 --> 00:24:16.339 Because we're fallen broken people. 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:18.759 But the promise is that God is with us. 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:20.500 And that by his power, 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:22.659 through the Holy Spirit, 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:26.079 he is helping us work out these things in our lives. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:29.599 And so treat this list like the goal. 00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:31.299 We will not be able to reach it. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:35.319 We will never be able to be all of these things perfectly. 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:38.579 But that's what we should be striving to reach. 00:24:40.500 --> 00:24:41.019 Why? 00:24:42.179 --> 00:24:45.439 Why should we invest our time and effort into living this way 00:24:45.439 --> 00:24:47.379 if we're never really going to achieve it properly? 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:49.859 Verse 8. 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:54.659 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, 00:24:54.660 --> 00:24:58.320 they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive 00:24:58.320 --> 00:25:00.860 in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:06.380 Living this kind of whole life discipleship from verses 5 to 7 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:09.279 and continuing to grow in these attributes 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:12.920 will prevent us from being ineffective or idle, 00:25:13.640 --> 00:25:16.000 lazy and unproductive. 00:25:16.820 --> 00:25:20.980 It will help us be disciple-making disciples 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:23.980 who constantly point people to Jesus. 00:25:24.660 --> 00:25:26.759 That is the life we are called to. 00:25:28.860 --> 00:25:31.480 There's also a warning to those who aren't striving 00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:33.820 to live this verse 5 to 7 life. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.259 Look at verse 9 with me. 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:38.240 But whoever does not have them, 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:39.400 that's those attributes, 00:25:40.180 --> 00:25:42.019 is near-sighted and blind, 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:45.160 forgetting that they have been cleansed 00:25:45.160 --> 00:25:46.940 from their past sins. 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:51.380 So those who do not strive to live this kind of life 00:25:51.380 --> 00:25:53.299 are spiritually blind 00:25:53.299 --> 00:25:56.600 and have forgotten who God is 00:25:56.600 --> 00:25:59.900 and how great the forgiveness that He offers is. 00:26:01.759 --> 00:26:03.539 Not living a life of godliness 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:06.880 makes you forget all that Jesus has done for you. 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:10.059 It makes you forget the new creation 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:11.279 that He has made you into. 00:26:13.879 --> 00:26:16.079 To think that we can be in Christ 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:19.200 and not strive for and continue to grow 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:21.179 in the attributes of verses 5 to 7 00:26:21.179 --> 00:26:22.220 is foolish. 00:26:23.319 --> 00:26:24.720 It is unwise 00:26:24.720 --> 00:26:26.819 and it is blind 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:28.579 towards the work of God 00:26:28.579 --> 00:26:30.180 in the life of His people. 00:26:30.180 --> 00:26:34.200 Are you making 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:37.240 every effort to live a godly life? 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:41.160 Are you seeking accountability? 00:26:42.160 --> 00:26:43.120 Are you being honest 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:45.000 with trusted Christians around you, 00:26:45.060 --> 00:26:46.440 bringing Christian friends in 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:48.240 to help you live a godly life? 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:51.279 Are you thinking about 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:52.620 what your biggest temptations 00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:53.660 and struggles are 00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:55.660 so that you can be killing sin 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:57.200 before it kills you? 00:26:57.200 --> 00:27:00.140 Friends, we need to make 00:27:00.140 --> 00:27:01.480 every effort to live 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:03.180 a godly life. 00:27:04.620 --> 00:27:06.180 And we see why 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:07.400 in our final part 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:08.539 of the summary sentence 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:09.559 for tonight. 00:27:10.840 --> 00:27:12.220 We should be striving 00:27:12.220 --> 00:27:13.480 to live a godly life 00:27:13.480 --> 00:27:15.140 in order to confirm 00:27:15.140 --> 00:27:17.400 our calling and election 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:19.940 in verses 10 to 11. 00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:23.080 Read those verses with me. 00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:25.680 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, 00:27:25.819 --> 00:27:26.620 make every effort 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:28.079 to confirm your calling 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:28.759 and election. 00:27:28.939 --> 00:27:30.419 For if you do these things, 00:27:30.559 --> 00:27:32.000 you will never stumble 00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:34.019 and you will receive 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:35.039 a rich welcome 00:27:35.039 --> 00:27:36.539 into the eternal kingdom 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:37.319 of our Lord 00:27:37.319 --> 00:27:39.279 and Savior Jesus Christ. 00:27:40.399 --> 00:27:41.659 So Peter says 00:27:41.659 --> 00:27:42.259 that Christians 00:27:42.259 --> 00:27:43.839 should make every effort 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:44.819 to confirm 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.899 their calling 00:27:45.899 --> 00:27:46.719 and election. 00:27:47.859 --> 00:27:49.139 He's basically saying 00:27:49.139 --> 00:27:50.459 that the Christian life 00:27:50.459 --> 00:27:52.319 should be a living example 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:53.939 of the calling 00:27:53.939 --> 00:27:55.079 that they have received, 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:56.539 which the calling 00:27:56.539 --> 00:27:59.079 is to live godly lives 00:27:59.079 --> 00:28:00.500 and the election 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:02.059 means those 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.039 who have been chosen 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:03.899 to salvation. 00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.960 But notice that he says 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:07.879 brothers and sisters. 00:28:08.879 --> 00:28:09.720 He is showing 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:10.980 that shared identity 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:12.559 that all Christians have 00:28:12.559 --> 00:28:14.359 and that common calling 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.980 for all to live 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:16.659 a godly life 00:28:16.659 --> 00:28:18.059 through the power of God 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:18.659 as we saw 00:28:18.659 --> 00:28:19.819 in verses 3 to 9. 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:23.759 Living this godly life 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:25.139 not only makes you fruitful 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:26.339 as verse 8 says, 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:27.799 but it will also mean 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:29.579 that you never stumble. 00:28:30.919 --> 00:28:32.079 Now that doesn't mean 00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:32.879 that you won't fall 00:28:32.879 --> 00:28:33.539 into sin. 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:34.960 Now on this side 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:35.599 of eternity, 00:28:35.599 --> 00:28:38.319 we will always struggle 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:39.399 with temptation 00:28:39.399 --> 00:28:40.399 and sin. 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.939 We will fail 00:28:42.939 --> 00:28:43.939 time and time again, 00:28:44.059 --> 00:28:44.879 but God's grace 00:28:44.879 --> 00:28:45.419 is deeper 00:28:45.419 --> 00:28:46.379 than our failings 00:28:46.380 --> 00:28:47.860 and his forgiveness 00:28:47.860 --> 00:28:48.740 is greater. 00:28:50.120 --> 00:28:51.000 But Peter is saying 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:52.320 living the Christian life 00:28:52.320 --> 00:28:53.600 of verses 5 to 9 00:28:53.600 --> 00:28:54.720 will mean 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.500 that you're growing 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:56.340 in your faith 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:57.440 and it will stop you 00:28:57.440 --> 00:28:58.240 from embracing 00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:59.740 false doctrine 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:01.380 that is being taught 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:02.600 that leads 00:29:02.600 --> 00:29:04.240 to eternal destruction. 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:06.380 So, 00:29:06.840 --> 00:29:08.040 live out your faith 00:29:08.040 --> 00:29:09.120 until the day 00:29:09.120 --> 00:29:10.200 that Jesus returns 00:29:10.200 --> 00:29:11.180 or you are called 00:29:11.180 --> 00:29:12.560 into his presence. 00:29:12.559 --> 00:29:14.639 that is what it means 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.899 to confirm 00:29:15.899 --> 00:29:16.599 your calling 00:29:16.599 --> 00:29:17.179 and election 00:29:17.179 --> 00:29:18.139 in this life 00:29:18.139 --> 00:29:18.839 as we wait 00:29:18.839 --> 00:29:19.700 for the perfect 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:20.940 new creation. 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:24.519 And so as we look 00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:25.220 at a world 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:25.980 that wants 00:29:25.980 --> 00:29:27.019 authenticity, 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:29.440 wouldn't it be 00:29:29.440 --> 00:29:30.159 wonderful? 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:31.539 Wouldn't it be 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.539 a wonderful witness 00:29:32.539 --> 00:29:34.179 if every single Christian 00:29:34.179 --> 00:29:35.579 took our identity 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:37.119 in Jesus 00:29:37.119 --> 00:29:38.079 as new creation 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:38.740 seriously? 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:41.299 If every single Christian 00:29:41.299 --> 00:29:42.619 took the time 00:29:42.619 --> 00:29:43.399 to think about 00:29:43.399 --> 00:29:44.440 what it would mean 00:29:44.440 --> 00:29:45.220 and what it would look 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:45.960 for us to make 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:46.899 every effort 00:29:46.899 --> 00:29:48.480 to live a godly life 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:49.879 through the immense 00:29:49.879 --> 00:29:51.139 power of the Holy Spirit, 00:29:53.079 --> 00:29:54.279 an authentic Christian 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:55.440 is a godly Christian 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:56.839 who is living out 00:29:56.839 --> 00:29:57.819 there a new identity 00:29:57.819 --> 00:29:58.359 in Jesus 00:29:58.359 --> 00:29:59.399 for the glory 00:29:59.399 --> 00:30:00.339 of God. 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.079 And so, 00:30:02.940 --> 00:30:04.019 because God 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:04.519 has given us 00:30:04.519 --> 00:30:05.779 everything we need 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:07.259 for a godly life, 00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:08.700 we must make 00:30:08.700 --> 00:30:09.480 every effort 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:11.039 to live a godly life 00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:12.940 in order to confirm 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:13.779 our calling 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.839 and election. 00:30:16.559 --> 00:30:17.539 Let's pray together. 00:30:19.980 --> 00:30:20.759 Heavenly Father, 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.819 as we look at passages 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:22.420 like this, 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.299 it sometimes 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:24.559 can be so daunting. 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:27.099 We feel 00:30:27.099 --> 00:30:29.119 out of our depth. 00:30:30.899 --> 00:30:32.720 We feel like failures 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:34.460 because we know 00:30:34.460 --> 00:30:35.339 that we don't live up 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:35.980 to the standards 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:37.000 you call us to. 00:30:38.920 --> 00:30:39.500 And yet, Father, 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:40.039 we thank you 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.539 that you have 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.559 given us this calling 00:30:41.559 --> 00:30:42.319 and that it was 00:30:42.319 --> 00:30:43.160 penned by Peter, 00:30:43.319 --> 00:30:44.180 someone who denied 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:45.480 you three times 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:47.279 and yet who you 00:30:47.279 --> 00:30:48.160 used mightily 00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:48.859 for your kingdom. 00:30:51.299 --> 00:30:51.720 Father, 00:30:51.819 --> 00:30:52.539 we ask that by 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:53.299 your power 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:54.779 you would help us 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:56.119 live the godly life 00:30:56.119 --> 00:30:56.500 that you have 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:57.099 called us to. 00:30:58.299 --> 00:30:59.420 Help us be witnesses 00:30:59.420 --> 00:31:00.720 to those around us 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:01.880 as we confirm 00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:02.599 our calling 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:03.160 and election 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:04.180 to live for you. 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:05.900 Help us 00:31:05.900 --> 00:31:06.680 persevere 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:08.560 until that glorious 00:31:08.560 --> 00:31:09.840 day when you return 00:31:09.840 --> 00:31:11.100 or you call us 00:31:11.100 --> 00:31:12.000 into your presence. 00:31:12.960 --> 00:31:13.720 In Jesus' name 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:14.160 we pray. 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.400 Amen. 00:31:15.400 --> 00:31:18.860 let's try it around