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 - February 20, 2003
The Word Working In You #3
Well-rounded Christian life Faith, Love, Hope. The work of Faith is transformation. It takes a family (Spirit, Father, Son) to illustrate love - "Mother" (1TH 2:7), "Father" (1TH 2:11), and "Child" (1TH 2:17- see JOH 14:18). See also EPH 3:15. Note the book of Ruth ends with a mother, father and child! Five crowns: (1) Incorruptible crown (1Co 9:25-27); (2) Crown of Life -- for faithful endurance (Jam 1:12, Rev 2:10) ; (3) Crown of Joy -- faithful witness (Phi , 1Th 2:19); (4) Crown of Righteousness - love His appearing -- to live in the light of eternity (2Ti 4:8); (5) Crown of Glory -- for faithful ministry (1Pe 5:4). Chapter 3 (1Th 3:1-13) concerns the steadfastness of Biblical hope; illustrated Ruth chapter 2:17-20. Ruth is a picture of thoughtfulness -- from her service she begins to have hope - confidence in the future. "Stand fast" (1Th 3:8)
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Revelation 2:10, James 1:12, Ephesians 3:15, John 14:18
From Series: "1st Thessalonians - The Word Working in You - Uniontown PA 2007"
The Word Working in You' is a study in 1st Thessalonians recorded at Uniontown PA on 19-20 October 2007. The primary focus of the Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians written A.D. 50-51 is Christian living in light of eternity which results in balance. The 'bookends' of 1Th 1:3 and 1Th 5:8 reveal the book's theme: the well-balanced Christian life. The book also teaches that God's Word works through faith. Interestingly this epistle is closely related in content to the Old Testament book of Ruth which provides a perfect biblical illustration of the practical truths of this book.