In our study today, the Apostle Peter uses clear and powerful language to describe two very different roads a believer could choose to follow.

2 Peter 1:3-8 reveals that Jesus has granted us everything needed to become like Him in character, values, attitudes and actions.
But to what end? For what purpose? We have also discovered that becoming partakers of the divine nature; of possessing the character, values, attitudes and actions of Jesus Himself, requires effort on our part.

As followers of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to become like Christ in character, values, attitudes and actions. This transformation starts with a growing knowledge of Jesus and His promises. Then we are to make every effort to supplement, or add to, our faith with the qualities found in 2 Peter 1:5-7.

Self-control is the war between impulsivity and doing what's right or beneficial. It's the ability to control emotions, impulses or behaviors to achieve a greater goal.

Jesus has granted us everything needed to become like Him, but we must put effort into the process of transformation as well.
The very first principle we see in this passage is that: Becoming partakers of the divine nature; of possessing the character, values, attitudes and actions of Jesus Himself, requires serious effort on our part.

The goal of God’s salvation plan for you wasn’t completed the moment you trusted in Jesus as your Savior; that was just the beginning. God wants to reform you into the character, values, attitudes and actions of Jesus Himself. This is the message of 2 Peter.

Peter introduced himself, which was usual for a letter, but did so with an unusual juxtaposition. He identified himself with two nouns that could not be farther from each other. He began with the title of "servant / slave" in greek, doulos. This word was used to describe someone who was fully and completely under the authority of another.

As we embark on a study of 2 Peter, it is always so important for us to rightly understand the context. We practice the historical-grammatical approach to interpreting the scriptures, seeking to arrive at the author's original intent and then we can appropriately apply God’s Word to our lives.