2nd Peter – Precious Promises, Perilous Times – 2009 – Northern Virginia
The theme of 2nd Peter is the great need for personal spiritual growth in a time when false teachers and teachings were infiltrating the early church (2Pe 1:5 with 2Pe 3:18). Key words/phrases relevant to spiritual growth are “grace and peace,” which can be “multiplied” as we grow in the “knowledge” of our Lord, and exercise due “diligence” in the practice of spiritual “love.” As a method of instruction, Peter emphasizes the necessity of reminder and repetition (2Pe 1:12-13, 2Pe 1:15, 2Pe 3:1-2).
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Rom 12:1-2 - Romans 12 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application. Aspects presented: provision; prospect - life can be acceptable to God; progression. 12 doctrines: redeeming time; standing (positional truth); self-presentation (availability); approval; service; provision; spiritual warfare; conformity; spiritual advance; renewal; divine guidance; abundant life. Illustration: Luk 8:5-15 the seed is dependent on the soil. "I urge you therefore" a commander encouraging a soldier to stand firm. "Therefore" is there for context -- the grief of God (Eph 4:30) in Rom 9:1-5 which explains analogous privilege of sons of God in Israel as a nation, and their tragic failure. We are a spiritual nation and have greater provision. Loss of reward is at stake (Mat 8:38, Mat 10:33, Luk 9:26, Heb 11:16). "by the mercies of God" -- provisions of God's Grace (Mat 9:36). "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" taking up the cross -- just as levitical sacrifice it must be living and holy (set apart) (1Co 15:31, Gal 2:20, Mat 8:34). "Acceptable" -- well pleasing in that it fits with God's character. A believer filled with the spirit is acceptable to God (compatible), but not to the world. A character "being conformed" is developed through the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.