Week 31 What Fruit Does Your Word Bring
“A human being is what he is doing every day.”
Aristotle
Passage
2Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;
3seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
4For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,
7and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2–8 (NASB95)
"Melody holding an apple" by nightthree is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Background
Quote-First Aristotle (/ˈærɪstɒtəl/; Greek: Ἀριστοτέλης Aristotélēs, pronounced [aristotélɛːs]; 384–322 BC) was a Greek philosopher and polymath during the Classical period in Ancient Greece. Taught by Plato, he was the founder of the Peripatetic school of philosophy within the Lyceum and the wider Aristotelian tradition. His writings cover many subjects including physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theatre, music, rhetoric, psychology, linguistics, economics, politics, meteorology, geology, and government. Aristotle provided a complex synthesis of the various philosophies existing prior to him. It was above all from his teachings that the West inherited its intellectual lexicon, as well as problems and methods of inquiry. As a result, his philosophy has exerted a unique influence on almost every form of knowledge in the West and it continues to be a subject of contemporary philosophical discussion.
Passage-FirstThe book of 2 Peter is anApostolic Letter. The author is Peter who wrote it about 63-64 A.D. Its purpose was to warn against the increasing number of false teachers attacking the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I. He claimed, “We were eyewitnesses of His Majesty” (1:16), and that men who were, “Moved by the Holy Spirit” wrote all of the teachings of Scripture (1:21). They were dealing with the beginning of what we now know as “Gnosticism” a philosophical principal that was hurting the churches.
Opening Statement
The Gnostics believed they had some kind of secret access to the wisdom of the universe. They didn’t. No one does. It is there for all to see, read, hear, and understand. The passage from 2nd Peter has a list of things with one leading to the other. Let’s break them down so we can understand the logical progression. He who has ears, let him hear.
Ask: What is the definition of Diligence?
Point: See the Definitions page.
First Reading 2 Peter 1:10–11 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Faith?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Second Reading 1 John 5:3–5 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Moral Excellence?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Third Reading Ephesians 4:17–20 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Knoweldge?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Fourth Reading Philippians 3:7–8 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Self-Control?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Fifth Reading 2 Timothy 1:6–8 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Perseverance?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Sixth Reading Ephesians 6:18 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Godliness?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Seventh Reading Psalm 4:3–4 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Brotherly Kindness?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Eight Reading Romans 12:9–10 (NASB95)
Ask: What is the definition of Love?
Point: See the Definitions page.
Ninth Reding Revelation 3:19–20 (NASB95)
Closing Statement
8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
10Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
11for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
2 Peter 1:8–11 (NASB95)
Questions for the Week
Question 1 Read all of 2 Peter 1.
Question 2 Write as much or as little as you are led to write in your journal about where you are in your walk with Christ as pertains to the things Peter outlines in chapter 1.
Question 3 List one or more things you intend to do relating to what Peter says in Chapter 1.
Scripture
First Reading
10Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
11for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
2 Peter 1:10–11 (NASB95)
Second Reading
3For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.
4For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
5Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:3–5 (NASB95)
Third Reading
17So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
18being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;
19and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
20But you did not learn Christ in this way,
Ephesians 4:17–20 (NASB95)
Fourth Reading
7But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
Philippians 3:7–8 (NASB95)
Fifth Reading
6For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
2 Timothy 1:6–8 (NASB95)
Sixth Reading
18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Ephesians 6:18 (NASB95)
Seventh Reading
3But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.
4Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Psalm 4:3–4 (NASB95)
Eight Reading
9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Romans 12:9–10 (NASB95)
Ninth Reading
19‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
20‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:19–20 (NASB95)
Definitions
Gnostic
nos-tik
adjective
pertaining to knowledge.
possessing knowledge, especially esoteric knowledge of spiritual matters.
(initial capital letter) pertaining to or characteristic of the Gnostics.
noun
(initial capital letter) a member of any of certain sects among the early Christians who claimed to have superior knowledge of spiritual matters, and explained the world as created by powers or agencies arising as emanations from the Godhead.
Gnosticism
nos-tuh-siz-uhm
noun
A group of ancient heresies, stressing escape from this world through the acquisition of esoteric knowledge.
Diligence
dil-i-juhns
noun
Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
Law. the degree of care and caution required by the circumstances of a person.
Obsolete. care; caution.
Faith
feyth
noun
Confidence or trust in a person or thing:faith in another's ability.
Belief that is not based on proof:He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion:the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
Belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.:to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
A system of religious belief:the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
The obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.:Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
The observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.:He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
Christian Theology
The trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
moral
mawr-uhl, mor-
adjective
Of, relating to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical:moral attitudes.
Expressing or conveying truths or counsel as to right conduct, as a speaker or a literary work.
Founded on the fundamental principles of right conduct rather than on legalities, enactment, or custom:moral obligations.
Capable of conforming to the rules of right conduct:a moral being.
Conforming to the rules of right conduct (opposed to immoral):a moral man.
Virtuous in sexual matters; chaste.
Of, relating to, or acting on the mind, feelings, will, or character: moral support.
resting upon convincing grounds of probability; virtual: a moral certainty.
noun
The moral teaching or practical lesson contained in a fable, tale, experience, etc.
The embodiment or type of something.
morals, principles or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct.
Excellence
ek-suh-luhns
noun
The fact or state of excelling; superiority; eminence:his excellence in mathematics.
An excellent quality or feature: Use of herbs is one of the excellences of French cuisine.
knowledge
nol-ij
noun
Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.
Familiarity or conversance, as with a particular subject or branch of learning: A knowledge of accounting was necessary for the job.
Acquaintance or familiarity gained by sight, experience, or report: a knowledge of human nature.
The fact or state of knowing; the perception of fact or truth; clear and certain mental apprehension.
Awareness, as of a fact or circumstance: He had knowledge of her good fortune.
Something that is or may be known; information: He sought knowledge of her activities.
The body of truths or facts accumulated in the course of time.
The sum of what is known: Knowledge of the true situation is limited.
Archaic. sexual intercourse. Compare carnal knowledge.
adjective
Creating, involving, using, or disseminating special knowledge or information: A computer expert can always find a good job in the knowledge industry.
self-control
self-kuhn-trohl
noun
Control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.
perseverance
pur-suh-veer-uhns
noun
Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Theology. Continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
godliness
god-lee-nuhs
noun
The quality or practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devoutness and moral uprightness: To be wise is to live in godliness, reflecting the nature of the kingdom of God in the course of everyday life.
Brotherly
bruhth-er-lee
adjective
Of, like, or befitting a brother; affectionate and loyal; fraternal: brotherly love.
adverb
as a brother; fraternally.
Kindness
kahynd-nis
The state or quality of being kind: kindness to animals.
a kind act; favor:his many kindnesses to me.
kind behavior:I will never forget your kindness.
friendly feeling; liking.
love
luhv
noun
A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
Sexual passion or desire.
A person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.
(used as a term of endearment, affection, or the like):Would you like to see a movie, love?
A love affair; an intensely amorous incident; amour.
sexual intercourse; copulation.
Love, a personification of sexual affection, as Eros or Cupid.
affectionate concern for the well-being of others:the love of one's neighbor.
Strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking for anything: her love of books.
The object or thing so liked: The theater was her great love.
The benevolent affection of God for His creatures, or the reverent affection due from them to God.
Chiefly Tennis. a score of zero; nothing.
A word formerly used in communications to represent the letter L.
verb
To have love or affection for:All her students love her.
To have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for (another person).
To have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in:to love music.
To need or require; benefit greatly from:Plants love sunlight.
To embrace and kiss (someone), as a lover.
To have sexual intercourse with.
To have love or affection for another person; be in love.