Discussion Questions

Book of 2 Peter 1-3

2 Peter 1 – The Theme of Growing in Faith and Knowledge

Question: According to 2 Peter 1, how can believers engage in actively growing spiritually? How can they stay firm in their calling?

Answer: Peter explains the question by stating that spiritual growth starts with faith. It advances through virtues like knowledge, self-control, and love. Believers are encouraged to develop these virtues for learning who Jesus Christ really is. Christians keep themselves in the faith by remembering their being cleansed from sin and by asserting their calling. He focuses on the trustworthiness of Scripture and promises of God – these are what fortify a believer’s foundation.

2 Peter 2 – Theme: The Danger of False Teachers

Question: What unique threats are presented by fake teachers to the Body of Christ? How are believers to recognize them and then confront the situation?

Answer: Peter writes of those who spread damaging doctrines. They lead many into sin. This is out of the way with God’s truth, and [leads] to their own condemnation. Believers should be taught to judge by Scripture. They trust in the Holy Spirit as their protector from all that stands opposed to the Word of God. And Peter is the prophet saying God’s judgment is personal. It delivers the righteous, and it gives hope to all who wait for Him. Christians need to be on guard against deception.

Day of The Lord 2 Peter 3 – theme

Question: How then should Christians live considering the fact that the Lord will return? They should do so, especially in the face of scoffers who question the promises of God.

Answer: Peter exhorts church members to be steadfast and reminds them that God’s timing is not the same as theirs. He defers the judgment to exercise his mercy and waits for repentance. Some in his day question Christ’s coming. Still, Peter is certain it will happen, just as surely as the flood occurred. Christians are called to holy living, looking ahead to a new heaven and earth in which righteousness dwells. Peter wants his listeners to be growing and progressing in grace and knowledge of Jesus while standing firm.

Final Thoughts: In his 2nd letter, Chapter 1-3, Peter exhorts us to keep our focus. We should not let it slacken. He urges us to rest firmly on our belief. It also exhorts believers to be vigilant about false teachings. It also urges them to live in excited anticipation of Christ’s return. His teachings bring hope, determination and unshaken commitment to God.