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Go for Christ daily

Pay Close Attention
(2 Peter 1:12-21)
Yearly Theme: “Faithfulness Is…”
Series Title: ““Respectable” Sins”
July 13th, 2025

Something to think about:
Famed British evangelist of the 20th century, Gypsy Smith, once told of a man who said he had received no inspiration from the Bible although he had “gone through it several times.” “Let it go through you once,” replied Smith, “then you will tell a different story!”

As we continue our series today, we come to the continuation of the passage from 2 Peter chapter one. Last week, we read Peter’s exhortation to live out our faith through action. We learned that holy living strengthens our faith and gives evidence of our belief in Christ. Today, we look at the second part of that exhortation as Peter instructs his readers/hearers to pay close attention to what they have learned not only through him, but through the teachings of Christ, and the Word of God. Let’s pick up where we left off last week:

Key Point: “Staying vigilant in our faith requires a firm foundation in the truth of GOD’s Word.”

In this section of Scripture, Peter wants his readers/hearers to remember several important things that will keep them on the “straight and narrow.” He desires to keep their memories refreshed on his life, the life of Christ, and the Word of GOD. Let’s take a closer look:

· Remembering Peter’s ______________ and ______________.

2 Peter 2:12-15 (NLT), 12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.

· Remembering the living Word: ______________.

2 Peter 2:16-18 (NLT), 16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

· Remembering the written ______________ of ______________.

2 Peter 2:19-21 (NLT), 19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

Something to take home:
If we neglect to pay attention to the things that we are taught in GOD’s Word, and if we disregard putting into practice those things that we have learned, then we are destined to repeat actions that lead to frustration and failure.

Again, we hear echoes of James here:

James 1:21-25 (NLT) 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Key Point: “Staying vigilant in our faith requires a firm foundation in the truth of GOD’s Word.”

Read 2 Peter 1:12-21.

The key point for this week’s message is:“Staying vigilant in our faith requires a firm foundation in the truth of GOD’s Word.”Do you agree with this statement?Why, or why not?

In verses 16-18, Peter recalls the experience of witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus upon the mountain with James and John as a reason for his firm foundation of faith in Christ as the living Word.Read Matthew 17:1-8.Try to imagine what you would have done in that same situation.How would that experience affect your faith in Christ Jesus?

The only written Scripture that the disciples had at that time was the Old Testament.Peter proclaims that because of that experience, they, in turn, had greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets (verses 19-21).Does your faith in the living Christ give you greater confidence in the truth GOD’s Word? Explain...

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