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 - December 21, 1998
Upper Room Discourse #1
John chapters 13 - 17 is among the most critical portion of scripture because it outlines fellowship like epistle of 1st John (1Jo 1:1-3). Inclusio Book ends: a) Joh 13:1 "He loved them to the uttermost (end)" (Heb 17:25); b) Joh 17:25-26 "...that the love with which you loved me will be in them". Signs are spiritual lessons; John writes of eight signs -- the last and most important being the resurrection.
Scripture References: Hebrews 17:25, John 13:1, John 1:1-3, John 17:25-26
From Series: "The Upper Room"
Originally given in Tucson AZ in August 2007 this series amplifies the crux of Christian doctrine as delivered by Jesus to His disciples in John chapters 13 through 17 - the Upper Room.