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).
Gene Cunningham - April 8, 2000
Simplicity in Christ #2
2Co 11:3—The devil is "crafty"; he is working every angle. Adam and Eve had the ultimate in simplicity, but what we have today is much better. Simplicity means devotion, "if your eye is single." This leads to purity. Hapote in the Greek translated, "simplicity," means "purity, devotion, or single-mindedness." Col 3:22; Eph 6:5; Mat 6:22; 2Co 1:12-13; and Luk 11:34, all point to "godly sincerity" as our need for focus on Him. There's a freeness to give in simplicity. Grace is that way—open-handed, extravagant (Rom 12:8; Jam 1:5). Simplicity is a lifestyle (2Co 1:12-13). Life applies God's grace. There are no hidden motives with Paul. When truth is the guide and grace is the motivation, you have simplicity. Without that you are enslaved (Gal 5:1-9).
Scripture References: James 1:5, Romans 12:8, Luke 11:34, Matthew 6:22, Ephesians 6:5, Colossians 3:22, Galatians 5:1-9
From Series: "2018 AYC Ladies Classes"
Nan Cunningham spoke to the ladies at the 2018 AYC Camp.