Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• Peter begins by reminding us that God's power gives us everything we need for life.  Our faith and knowledge of him is all we need. But we shouldn't stop at just knowing things; we are encouraged to go deeper. Peter lists seven qualities we should seek for our lives (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love) in order to live an effective and productive Christian life. 
• In the second section, Peter explains to the first century reader that Jesus is not a fable. He reminds them that they were eyewitnesses of Jesus. He references Jesus' public baptism mentioned in Mark 1:9-11 and a time he heard God's voice speak to Jesus on a mountain. (see Mark 9:2-13) 
• He also mentions the Old Testament prophets that had predicted for thousands of years about the coming Messiah. Peter explains that these "scriptures" are not just the writings of man, but God divinely inspired those men to write the words he wanted.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• Although faith in Jesus is "enough" to make it into heaven, we should desire to live active Christian lives that make a difference everyday. Otherwise, it's as if we forgot all Jesus has done for us. 
• God promises that being productive and seeking holiness will be rewarded with a rich welcome into and reward in heaven someday.
• The Bible is not a myth, and faith does not need to be blind. The stories in the Bible can be corroborated with evidence.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• If you are already a follower of Jesus, are you just skimming by? Do you think that just believing is enough? We know from today's reading that it isn't. Which of the seven qualities and virtues listed do you need to work on the most? With God's power, you can grow spiritually daily and continually add these values into your life.
• Volumes of evidence validate the Bible and support our beliefs. If you haven't, you should examine it so you can be more confident about your faith.