2 Peter 1:5-8
Introduction
Each April, the NFL draft occurs. Draft day is full of hype as former college football players are selected by professional NFL teams. The players get a new uniform, tons of photos and attention and a large check. But after draft day comes game day where everyone will see if these players can live up to the expectations and the hype by executing on the field. Similarly, when we are saved, we graduate to a new league to play for a whole new team. Sadly, some Christians do not execute when game day rolls around.
At the point of salvation, we are given everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). We are then guided by the Holy Spirit within us, who illuminates God’s Word for us. We are also granted the magnificent promises of God. All of this is embedded within our spiritual draft day: we get to partake in what belongs only to Jesus Christ because we have been selected by God.
After draft day, it is time to apply what we’ve been given and play the game. God is looking for a complete player who has the seven attributes that Peter lists: moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (2 Pet 1:5-7). These attributes are connected and build upon one another, with the foundation being love. Without these qualities, we cannot be fruitful and useful to the kingdom of God. This passage shows how God is calling us to live. As those in the “hall of faith” would tell us, this calling is worth it!
Getting Started
- What other athletes or celebrities have a lot of hype surrounding their jobs? How do you think the hype affects them?
- What might prevent someone from being able to execute on game day?
Let’s Get Personal
- Think about your own life. Has there been a season when you were more caught up in the hype of simply being saved rather than playing the game of living according to God’s calling?
- How does daily life change when you know you have everything you need to live a godly life and partake in all the magnificent promises of God?
- Are you living like God’s calling is worth it? What would others say about your spiritual life?
Take the Next Step
- Which one of the seven attributes do you need to focus on first? How can you begin growing in that area?
- Whom do you know that you would consider to be a hero of the faith? Find a way to communicate your gratitude to that person for the impact he or she has had on your life.
- Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Proverbs 25:28; Hosea 4:6; John 16:13; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:12; 2 Peter 1:1-4, 11.
Renew Your Mind
“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:8
