LIVING A CHRISTIAN LIFE (PART 3)

AVOID TEACHING AND PRACTICES OF FALSE TEACHERS – 2 PETER 2:1-22

INTRODUCTION

One of the strategies employed by Satan to lead believers astray is deception. He will secretly infiltrate the church and quietly introduce wrong teachings, to mislead God’s people.

Having emphasized the need for believers to grow in their faith, Apostle Peter shifted his attention to the false teachers, describing them and warning believers to be wary of them.

FALSE TEACHERS: WHO ARE THEY?

The word “false” is “pseudo” which means pretender, spurious, erroneous, and impostor, it is that which is not valid.

▪︎False teachers are propagators of erroneous Christian teachings.

▪︎They were bought by and followed Jesus Christ at one time but have now wondered from the truth (2Peter 2:1). Look up 1Cor. 6:20; Rev 5:9.

▪︎They now opposed the truth that once set them free and denied Jesus Christ, Who is the truth. Compare John 14:6.

▪︎Their teaching is described as “destructive heresies” (2Peter 2:2). A doctrine which tends to polarize the body of Christ and thus produce a  sect that differs from the body of Christ.

▪︎When Christians fail to grow in their faith, they can easily stray away from the pathway of life. Check 2Timothy 4:3-4.

ATTRIBUTES OF FALSE TEACHERS

1.         They are depraved (having or showing an evil and immoral character).

▪︎They cannot differentiate what is right from what it wrong. Check Romans 1:28.

2.         They are fabricators of false stories. Check 2Timothy 3:13; Matthew 23:27-28; 24:24; Jeremiah 23:16;

3.         They are greedy, with high lust for money (2Peter 2:3).

4.         They are exploiters. (Acts 20:28-30; Matthew 7:15). Believers must not fall into their schemes.

5.         They are destined for condemnation and destruction. They must not be followed. (2Peter 2:2).

Reflection:

(a)       How do false teachers manage to gain access to the church, operate freely within the church and exercise so much influence.

(b)       Discuss how we can guard the church against being carried away by the pretence of false teachers. Read  1John 4:1,5,6.

CONSEQUENCES OF FALSE TEACHING (2 Peter 2:4-9)

For every act, there is a corresponding reward or consequence.

Peter gives three historical examples to justify his position that there is a reward for every work, whether good or bad.

1.         God did not spare the angels when they sinned (2Peter 2:4). Check Jude 6; Revelation 12:7-9.

▪︎If God judged the angels who rebelled against Him, He would not fail to judge false teachers who not only revealed against God but deceive and stirred up others to disobey God.

2.         God did not spare the ancient world (2Peter 2:5).

▪︎God punished the wickedness and corruption of Noah’s day. Look up Genesis 6:5-8. Everyone was destroyed except Noah and members of his family.

▪︎The life of Noah presents a proof that Christians can live a righteous life in an ungodly society (Genesis 6:9), even in the face of ungodly practices in their offices and neighborhoods. We are to hold on without compromising our faith.

Reflection: Describe the implication of the grace Noah found in the eyes of the Lord as stated in Genesis 6:8.

3.         God did not spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (2Peter 2:6)

God’s punishment came upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sinful activities. Look up Genesis 18:20; 19:12-13.

▪︎These cities were known for the most terrible sins on earth, including all kinds of sexual perversion. They even attempted to have a sexual relationship with angels (Gen. 19:1-5).

▪︎The cities were burnt to ashes.

▪︎Since God judged the ungodly Sodom and Gomorrah, all ungodliness that follows the pattern of Sodom and Gomorrah in our days will not escape God’s judgment. Sexual sins like homosexuality, bestiality, pornography, sex for money or marks, and the use of sex toys should be repented of to avoid God’s judgment.

▪︎ Note that God rescued Lot because he was a righteous man who was distressed by the depraved conduct of people around him (2Peter 2:8).

▪︎Christians must not be comfortable with the ongoing wickedness in the land but rise against it (2Peter 2:9).

LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (PART 2) – 2PETER 1:5-9

INTRODUCTION

In our previous lesson, we outlined the summary of God’s investments in believers by virtue of their salvation according to Apostle Peter (2Peter 1:1-4).

However, believers must make intentional efforts to grow in their salvation (2Peter 1:5a), to avoid becoming liabilities to the kingdom of God.

▪︎ Salvation is a gift (John 4:10; Romans 3:24; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8), but it is also a blessing with privileges and responsibilities.

Reflection: How can a believer become a liability to the kingdom of God?

SEVEN CHRISTIAN VIRTUES FOR A FUNCTIONAL AND PRODUCTIVE FAITH (2PETER 1:5-6)

1.         Virtue (Goodness)

Goodness is the quality of being morally good.

▪︎ It is the quality that makes a person friendly and skilful in the act of living.

▪︎ Good people are blessings to their world and God blesses them. Check Luke 6:35; Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 6:7.

2.         Knowledge

Knowledge refers to the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject through facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education.

▪︎ We cannot prove the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, till we know it (Romans 12:2b).

▪︎ It is not head knowledge but Holy Spirit inspired (Ephesians 1:18).

▪︎ Knowledge saves from error and misbehavior, and helps believers to focus on Christ.

3.         Self-Control

The ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires, especially in difficult situations.

▪︎ Christian self-control is more than the ability to put emotions under control. It depicts the life that has come under the control of the Holy Spirit and is entirely submissive to Him, and ever willing to follow His instructions. Check Galatians 5:16; 2Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:8; 2:12.

▪︎ Self-controlled people separate personality from issues. They do not react to personality but respond to issues.

4.         Perseverance

Perseverance is patience coupled with courage and hope.

▪︎ It is the ability to hold on without giving up under severe pressure, looking forward to a better future (Hebrews 12:2).

▪︎ Perseverance energizes faith. Look up Job 13:15.

5.         Godliness

The quality or practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God and moral uprightness.

▪︎ It signifies a life devoted to God, characterized by reverence, piety and a commitment to living in accordance with His will and character (Titus 2:11-12).

▪︎ It means to live right before God and show practical love for fellow human beings, particularly the less privileged (James 1:27).

▪︎ This character will strengthen Christians’ testimonies in the marketplace.

Reflection: Discuss the thin line between righteousness and godliness?

6.         Brotherly Kindness

Love of the brethren.

▪︎ It is the kind of love expected to flow within Christian communities. Where love is shown, others are taken care of, and there is concern and support for one another. Look up Acts 2:44-46.

▪︎ True brotherly kindness is a catalyst for Church growth. Check Acts 2:47; Psalms 133:1-3.

Reflection: Discuss how brotherly kindness can be improved in our church.

7.         Love

This is God’s unconditional (agape) love for all.

▪︎ It is the nature of God which we inherited when we received Jesus into our lives (1John 4:7-8).

▪︎ This love is not self-centered but desires the highest good of the one that is loved, and it results in sacrificial action for the good of that person. Look up Romans 5:8; 1John 3:16; 4:9-11.

These virtues/characters are cultivated through our union with Jesus Christ as we grow in the Holy Sprit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The implication of adding these virtues to our faith is that, it results in increase in knowledge of Christ and translates into an effective and productive Christian life (2Peter 1:8).

DANGER OF NOT GROWING IN FAITH

Carelessness and failure to grow in faith may result in spiritual short-sightedness or total blindness, with the end product of spiritual bareness and unfruitfulness (2Peter.1:9).

Reflection: Briefly explain what you understand by being spiritually blind and being spiritually short-sighted? Read 2Corinthians 4:3-4; Mark 8:33.

CONCLUSION

God gives everything believers need to live a productive Christian life, but we must receive it and grow in it. God calls us, but we must live a life worthy of His calling (Ephesians 4:1). Read 2Corinthians 4:3-4; Mark 8:33.

GRACE FOR DAILY LIVING

(AN INTRODUCTION TO 2025 ANNUAL BIBLE STUDY)

TEXT: 2PETER 1:1-4.

INTRODUCTION

God has not left us to struggle through life alone. He has made provision through grace to live victoriously and consistently in Him every single day.

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Second Peter is a short but significant book of the New Testament, written to warn believers against the activities of false teachers and combat their heresis.

The first verse opens with the IDENTITY OF THE AUTHOR (2Peter 1:1a).

The author identifies himself in two ways- by “name” and by “title.” Both are very significant.

(i) By Name- Simon Peter

▪︎ Simon is a Greek name given to him at birth, meaning to “hear or obey”.

▪︎ Peter is a Hebrew name given to him by Jesus, meaning “Rock or stone”. Look up Matthew16:16-19.

He needed to add this name for proper identification, to differentiate him from other Simons in the New Testament.

Exercise: Read the following scriptures and identify the Simons mentioned there: Matthew 10:4; 26:6; 27:32; John 6:71; Acts 10:6.

(ii) By Title – Servant And Apostle of Jesus Christ.

Servant:

▪︎ A place of submission to a higher authority.

▪︎ A place of service and obedience, bound by duty to do whatever the Master tells him.

▪︎ A servant has no right of his own (Possessed by the master as he possesses his property).

By implication, all Christians are servants of Jesus Christ, belong to Jesus Christ, and must always be at the Master’s service.

Apostle:

▪︎ An Apostle means “the sent out” (like an Ambassador).

▪︎ He has authority behind his mission.

▪︎ Though he is a servant, he carries spiritual authority.

Spiritual leadership should be a combination of submission, the sacrificial obedience of a servant, and the strength, boldness and courage of an apostle, with no pride or arrogance.

Reflection: (a) Mention some of the characteristics of an ambassador.

(b) Compare and contrast Peter’s identity with that of the contemporary “servants of God.”

THE OPERATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF GRACE IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER

1. Grace is God’s Gift in Salvation

“… them that have obtained like precious faith with us…” 2Peter 1:1b.

▪︎ The faith received by the recipients of this letter is the same in value with that of the apostles.

By implication, all believers in Christ have received the same precious faith.

▪︎ No first-class nor second-class Christians.

▪︎ No basis for pride or feeling of inferiority.

This faith is based on the righteousness of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

▪︎ No man is truly good. Look up Isaiah 64:6.

▪︎ We are saved because God imputed the righteousness of His Son Jesus into our lives.

▪︎ Nobody is more worthy than another person. Check Ephesians 2:8-9.

▪︎ We are all saved by grace through this same faith. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men”- Titus 2:11.

2. Grace is Not Static- 2Peter 1:2

▪︎It is fuelled and increased through insatiable thirst and  diligent seeking to know more of God and of Jesus everyday. Look up Philippians 3:10.

Reflection: How can we acquire the knowledge of God that brings about multiplication of grace?Read Acts 20:32.

3. Grace Empowers For Daily Living- 2Peter 1:3.

▪︎ Grace is not just for salvatian. It’s what carries us on in our daily chistian living. Salvation is the entry point, not the endpoint. See Romans 5:1-2.

▪︎ Grace is not just power but divine enablement. See 2Corinthians 12:9.

“…his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness….”- 2Peter 1:3

▪︎ God has already given us everything we need to live a a life that pleases Him. Check Philippians 2:13.

▪︎ This is possible through our knowledge of Him (Relationship and intimacy is the key). See Galatians 2:20.

▪︎ Knowledge of God and faith in Him are the channel whereby all spiritual supports and comforts are conveyed to us.

4. Grace Conveys Unto Us The Promises That Sustain Us- 2Peter 1:4a.

▪︎ God’s Word is filled with promises to guide, empower, and sustain us.

▪︎ These promises are our spiritual resources that sustain us through life. We must believe, claim and live by them.

5. Grace Leads Us To a Transformed Life- 2Peter 1:4b.

▪︎ Grace doesn’t leave us the same. It transforms us. See 2Corinthians 5:17.

▪︎ We are called to participate in the divine nature- to reflect the character of Christ. Check Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 5:16, 22-25.

Grace enables us to escape the corruption that is in the world.

▪︎ The dominion that sin has over us is according to the desire (lust) and the delight (pleaure) we have in it. But our renewed mind is free from all sinful thoughts and desires.

CONCLUSION

The Christian life is a grace-filled life, from start to finish. Grace saves, empowers, transforms, and sustains us. Let us therefore draw closer to Christ daily, living not in our strength, but in the sufficiency of His grace.

May the Lord help us so to do in Jesus’ name.

THE GRACE FOR MIGHT AND POWER – JOHN 1:16 & ZECHARIAH 4:6

OPENING

Grace is the power line that connects the believer to the resources of God. Without it, we run on empty. The Christian life is not powered by human effort but by divine enablement.

John 1:16“And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”
Zechariah 4:6“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”

Discussion:

  • Ask: What does “grace for grace” mean to you in your walk with God?
  • Ask: In what areas of life do you feel you need God’s might and power the most right now?

Prayer Uproar 1:

  • Lord, open my eyes to see grace as my true source of help. (Psalm 121:1-2)
  • Father, I reject every dependence on human strength; I lean on You alone. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

DIGGING DEEPER INTO GRACE FOR MIGHT AND POWER

a) Grace as Divine Empowerment

  • Grace is God’s supply of strength for every aspect of life.
  • Without grace, our might will collapse, and our power will fade.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9“My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
  • Can you share a time when God’s grace empowered you beyond your natural ability?

Prayer Uproar 2:

  • Lord, let Your grace be my unshakable strength in every battle.
  • By Your grace, I receive might to overcome my weaknesses.

b) Grace as the Oil in Our Spiritual Machinery- (Hebrews 12:28; Psalm 92:10)

  • Grace makes our service to God smooth and effective.
  • Without it, the wheels of our spiritual life strain, threaten, break and eventually stop.
  • Grace makes our service to God effective and joyful. Without it, our efforts become burdensome and dry.  Hebrews 12:28“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably…”

Prayer Uproar 3:

  • Lord, anoint my walk with fresh grace—let my service be joyful, not burdensome.
  • Lord, anoint my walk with fresh grace—let my service be fruitful. (Colossians 1:29)
  • Keep my heart burning with joy and passion as I serve. (Romans 12:11)

LIFE APPLICATION: BIBLICAL PORTRAITS OF GRACE

Zechariah (Luke 1:5-20, 57-64) – Old priest, silenced for unbelief, yet restored to see God’s promise fulfilled.
Prayer: Lord, even if I’ve failed before, restore me to fruitfulness by Your grace. (Joel 2:25)

Peter (Luke 22:54-62; John 21:15-19) – Denied Jesus, yet grace restored him and made him a leader.
Prayer: Father, rewrite my story from shame to leadership by Your grace. (Micah 7:8)

Paul (Acts 9:1-22; 1 Timothy 1:12-16) – From persecutor to apostle, a “pattern” of grace.
Prayer: Lord, make my life a testimony of Your transforming grace. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Timothy (2 Timothy 2:1) – Timid and young yet made strong by grace.
Prayer: Father, by Your grace, remove timidity from me and make me bold. (Joshua 1:9)

Lois, Lydia, Dorcas (Acts 16:14-15; 9:36-41) – Ordinary women, extraordinary impact by grace.
Prayer: Lord, use me to fulfill divine purpose in my generation through grace. (Esther 4:14)


CLOSING EXHORTATION: LIVING FROM GRACE TO GRACE (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Grace is not to be admired from afar—it is to be lived in daily. We are called to:

  • Live from grace, not performance. (Galatians 2:21)
  • Operate by grace, not struggle. (Psalm 44:3)
  • Serve through grace, not flesh. (Romans 11:6)

Reflection: What one step will you take this week to depend more on God’s grace?

Prayer:

  • Lord, keep me rooted in grace every day of my life. (Colossians 2:6-7)
  • Let my life overflow with testimonies of grace and power. (Ephesians 3:20)