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 2, 2006
Colossians Lesson 1
The first two verses of the Book of Colossians (Col 1:1-2) outline the doctrine of the Grace of God. Col 1:3-8 reveals seven things about God's character revealed in His Grace (Col 1:4; 1Co 12:4-7; 1Pe 1:4-5)
Scripture References: Colossians 1:4, Colossians 1:3-8, Colossians 1:1-2, 1 Peter 1:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
From Series: "Colossians - 2006"
Paul never met the Colossians but wrote to them from a Roman prison around 62 AD to counter misconceptions of his day. It magnifies the character of Jesus Christ more than any other book in the New Testament, and counters misconceptions of our day as well. The key verse may well be Col 1:18 "...that in all things, He might have preeminence."