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 - May 23, 2003
Profiles in Providence #8
Philippians are Paul's "joy and crown" (Phi 4:1). Five crowns possible as part of our rewards: (1) Imperishable crown (1Co 9:25); (2) Crown of life - abundant life in eternity (Jam 1:12, Rev 2:10); (3) Crown of Joy - witnessing crown (1Th 2:19, 1Pe 3:15); (4) Crown of Righteousness (2Ti 4:8) - finishing the race by what He does in us ; Crown of Glory (1Pe 5:4) - ministry crown. "Content" means sufficiency borrowed from Greek stoics (Phi 4:11-13). 3 steps to contentment: (1) "I have learned" - discipleship (Phi 4:11); (2) "I know how" (Phi 4:12) - skill of wisdom - living life God's way; (3) "I can do all things" (Phi 4:13) - "can do" (the power of God) "strengthening" our lives (giving us ability). (Ecc 10:10). A sharp axe is wisdom.
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: James 1:12, Ecclesiastes 10:10, Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:12, Philippians 4:11, Philippians 4:11-13, Revelation 2:10
From Series: "Philippians - Profiles in Providence - Florida 2008"
Philippians 1:12 starts out "Now I want you to know brethren that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel". It's a key verse in the letter Paul wrote to those faithful believers while he was in chains.