EQUIPPED WITH HOPE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLORE biblical ways to lead a more fruitful life; FEEL empowered to live effective and fruitful lives; and DEVELOP a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

FOCAL VERSES: 2 Peter 1:4-14

KEEP IN MIND: 

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3).

AT - A - GLANCE

1. Promise to Empower (2 Peter 1:4)

2. Spiritual Growth (vv. 5-9)

3. Confidence in Our Calling (vv. 10-11)

4. Remember (vv. 12-14)

IN FOCUS: 

"I just don't understand you," Isaac complained to his wife. "I told you I would take care of the utility bill later this week!" 

They were arguing, something that seemed to occur more and more frequently these days. It seemed to Isaac that Audrey nitpicked about everything. Some of the bills were behind, but he had assured her that he would make sure they got paid. Why couldn't she just leave it alone? The bills had been delinquent before, but hadn't he always paid them?

Audrey constantly nagged him about their poor credit rating. Although she hadn't come right out and said it, Isaac felt certain that Audrey blamed him for their inability to buy a new car or move out of the apartment and into a house after eight years. Why didn't she understand that he hadn't had the time to sit down and make a plan to achieve this? Her constant reminders that a bill collector had called or another late notice had come in the mail only seemed to make things worse. 

In today's lesson, we will see that faith is not equivalent to blind optimism. To live godly lives, we must not succumb to laziness; instead, we must take full advantage of the godly resources available to each of us as saints. 

BACKGROUND:

Apostle Peter wrote 2 Peter with a two-fold purpose: not only to warn Christians about the many false teachers who were vying to take them off the foundational truths of the faith but also to exhort them to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus Christ -- to grow in their faith. At this time, Peter knew he did not have long to live and therefore, shared his heart with the saints. He wanted them to be warned about what would happen when he was no longer with them and also to remind them that the truth of God's Word is unchanging. As an overseer of the church, called by God, the Apostle Peter took his responsibilities very seriously. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES:

1. "According as his _____  ______ hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3)

2. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and _______ ______: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (v.4)

DISCUSS THE MEANING:

1. Discuss some of the promises God has made to us that can help us win the spiritual battle against the corruption of the world.  

2. Discuss the evidence that points to Christian ineffectiveness and fruitlessness. What are some of the causes? Which of these do you see in Isaac (In Focus)? What solutions can you suggest to Isaac? To others?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY:

Our spiritual growth in the Lord is a constant work in progess. While God perfect us, it is His desire that we work with Him in developing spiritually. God has provided us with everything we need, and we should use what He has given us to bring glory to Him as well as to help one another. We can only escape the corruption of this world and resist yielding to the flesh and falling back into our old sinful patterns by applying our spiritual power daily. As we go about our routines-conducting business, carrying out parental obligations, enjoying free time, even just running errands - remembrance is critical. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN:

Reread 2 Peter 1:1-7. Identify which of these godly characteristics are active in your life and which traits you need "to make every effort to add to your faith" (v. 5, NIV).

(EXCEPT THE APOSTOLIC WAY)

 

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IN MY HEART:

"Where are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:4, KJV)

REALITY CHECK:

PROMOTED TO LEAD: 

Christiana was extremely nervous. She was so nervous her hands were noticeably trembling as she talked to Minister Jeff on the phone. 

"I'm not feeling well. Christiana, I need you to take the lead today. I believe you are capable," Minister Jeff said in a low voice. "I am fighting the flu an don't want to leave the house."

The church youth group's mentoring department was schedule to visit the local preschool. With Minister Jeff out, Christiana would have to lead. "Can you do it?" he asked. 

A few months ago, Minister Jeff had suggested that the youth group mentor preschoolers at a local day care center. The group would read stories to children and assit the teacher in whatever she needed. The group had been brainstorming about what to do with the children. One mentor, Carl, thought of a puppet show that would teach children manners. Gail was going to bring her talking parrot, and Christiana wrote a song about kindness. Everyone was excited. 

"Yes," she responded to Minister Jeff after a long pause. "Thank you. Don't worry, though. Deacon Lazenby will drive you there and will stay in case you need anything."

Once Christiana got off the phone, she went over her notes. It was a lot, but her confidence was beginning to peek through the doubt. She told her mother what Minister Jeff had asked her to do. 

"This is going to be great opportunity for you to exercise your leadership skills. You can do this. Let's pray that God leads you and strengthens you," her mother said, while taking her hands to pray. 

In the end, the day went great. Christiana called Minister Jeff to give him the good news. He said he knew she would be effective and make the right choices while leading the group. "The director wants us to come back as often as we like," Christiana said. That night, she thanked God for a great day. 

SIDEBAR:

EQUIPPED WITH HOPE

The Bible is the believer's weapon, loaded with promises, benefits, and strategies to help in everyday life. Knowing that the Bible is filled with all these precious promises, you are prepared with hope. What is a promise? A promise is a pledge, vow, or commitment someone makes to do something. It's a assurance and guarantee that particular thing will happen. A promise is also when someone says, "I give you my word." Now imagine the almighty God giving you His word. Imagine the almighty God making you a promise. You can really have hope with great expectation because the almighty God made you a promise. It's guaranteed if God said it. 

Peter said God's promise could help us escape the corruption of lust and enter into the divine nature. He knew God called us by God's own glory and goodness, and not by our own efforts. We are to respond to God's adoption of them as God's own people. 

HOW TO LEAD A FRUITFUL LIFE

Follow the example of Jesus Christ by studying His life

Reach for more knowledge of God's promises. 

Understand that God wants you to have extraordinary life. 

Inner strength is always there; find it. 

Train others in the things you have learned about Jesus Christ. 

JAM SESSION

LIFE WORTH LIVING

Many people feel they are ineffective, unproductive, and unable to make the right choices in life. Where can we find the strength to surmount this sense of despair? Peter says the inner-strength needed to face life with new assurance and hope comes from our knowledge of a faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ. In a similar way, Christiana trusted the inner-strength that comes from Christ to meet the challenge before her. Her youth director was ill and needed her to take the lead on an important project. She was nervous and felt she couldn't be effective or productive, but Minister Jeff and her mother assured Christiana she was able to fulfill the task successfully. Have you ever been in a situation like Christiana's?

JAM ON IT

DEEPER KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge is power! Brainstorm and list practical ways that goodness, knowledge, self control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love are present in your life. Compare your findings with those of your classmates next week. 

LAST JAM

I AM EQUIPPED TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES!

(EXCEPT THE APOSTOLIC WAY)