Chapter Summary

The great Christian virtues. God's Word exalted.

Discussion Questions for 2 Peter, Chapter 1

1. According to verse 3, Christians have everything they need in Christ. When you feel like something is missing in your life, how might this truth apply to you?
2. Verse 4 tells us that we have received God's promises "so that through them you may share in the divine nature" (CSB). What part of God's nature do you believe He shares with us? How does this impact your life?
3. In what ways does having the divine nature help us escape "the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire" (v. 4, CSB). What are some common ways that Christians' lives become corrupted?
4. In verses 5-7, Peter builds a list of qualities that should be found in a Christian's life, each one leading to the next. Which of the qualities listed do you need to experience most in your life today? Why?
5. What is the benefit to having these Christian qualtities according to verse 8? In what way do they build you up as a person?
6. According to verse 9, why might a Christian lack the qualities listed in verses 5-7? How do we keep the cleansing of our past sins on the forefront of our minds?
7. Peter tells us "to confirm your calling and election" (verse 10, CSB). How might a Christian do that? When a believer has a firm sense of his or her calling and election, how does that impact the way they live?
8. If confirming our calling and election means that "you will never stumble" (verse 10, CSB), then why do we still sin? What do you think it means to "stumble" in this context?
9. According to verse 16-19, although Peter was an eyewitness to the transfiguration of Jesus, he counts "the prophetic word" as being even more trustworthy than his experience. Why is it important to have a strong belief in the truthfulness of Scripture?
10. Peter writes, "Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (verse 21, CSB). If we believed the Bible was simply the work of men and not also of God, what authority would it carry in our lives? How would this affect us?

Key Words/Phrase

Fruitful life, v. 8.

Characters

God, Christ, Peter.

Strong Verse(s)

4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 19, 21.