2 Peter 1:1-11 OLD

Here you will find a series of sermons discussing our growth in Christ — building from our faith — adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly love, and love.

01 What About Faith | 02 – Grace and Peace | 03 – But Also For This Very Reason | 04 – Add Virtue | 05 – Add Knowledge | 06 – Add Self-Control | 07 – Controlling Ourselves | 08 – Add Perseverance

01 – What About Faith

This study, titled “What About Faith?“, introduces a series based on 2 Peter 1:1–11, with a focused exploration of verses 5–7. Our evangelist, David Peake, leads us in examining how faith is meant to grow through deliberate effort, as Peter outlines a progression of spiritual virtues — beginning with faith and building through virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Drawing from foundational scriptures such as Hebrews 11 and Romans 10, David challenges us to reflect honestly on our spiritual development: Are we just beginning, stuck somewhere in the middle, or steadily growing? At the heart of this message is the desire that Jesus becomes unmistakably present in our lives — not for our glory, but so others may see Him through us. Through this study, we are invited to clear space in our hearts and lives for Christ to live more fully through us, ultimately growing nearer to our Lord and to one another.

02 – Grace and Peace

“Grace and Peace“ is part of our continuing series through 2 Peter 1:1–11, with this study focusing specifically on verses 2–3. Our evangelist invites us to reflect on Peter’s prayerful wish: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” David emphasizes that this is more than a greeting — it’s a deep spiritual aspiration, rooted in the believer’s growing relationship with God. Drawing on various scriptures, he explores how God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, and how we come to experience that power through knowing Christ. This knowledge isn’t merely academic — it’s transformative, reshaping our hearts and filling us with abiding faith and love. As the series progresses, we are encouraged to draw nearer to God, allowing His grace and peace to multiply within us as we grow in faith and maturity.

03 – But Also For This Very Reason

“But Also For This Very Reason,” continues our series with particular attention to the pivotal transition in verse 5. David asks us to reflect on how this phrase — “but also for this very reason” — serves as a bridge between the divine blessings already granted to us and the responsibilities we are called to embrace. Building on the previous study of verses 2–4, the message emphasizes that God, through His divine power, has given us everything we need for life and godliness, including “exceedingly great and precious promises.” Because of this, we are to respond diligently by adding to our faith the qualities listed in verses 5–7. We are encouraged not to study these verses in isolation but to remain deeply curious and rooted in the full context of Scripture. As we prepare to explore the Christian virtues outlined in the coming studies, we are reminded that our transformation is grounded in the grace of salvation and the call to become partakers of the divine nature.

04 – Add Virtue

This sermon, “Add Virtue,” focuses attention on verse 5: “add to your faith virtue.” The passage serves as the beginning of a progression of Christian qualities intended not for those just coming to faith, but for believers who are striving to grow in maturity and walk more closely with their Lord. Faith is the essential foundation, but the first building block added to it must be virtue — defined as moral excellence or goodness. This study emphasizes that Christian growth is not instantaneous; rather, it is a diligent, lifelong pursuit that begins with renewing the mind and intentionally shaping one’s conduct. Drawing on numerous scriptures, the study underscores that virtue must be cultivated through both personal effort and the encouragement of fellow believers. The message encourages each Christian to reflect honestly on their growth and not to remain stagnant, reminding us that faith without action is incomplete. As the series continues, future lessons will explore how to build upon virtue by adding knowledge and other Christlike attributes.