Title: Living a Godly Life
(2 Peter 1:1-2) (NLT) This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
(2 Peter 1:3) (NIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
(2 Peter 1:4) (NIV) Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
8 Qualities of a Godly Life
1. Faith
(Hebrews 11:1) (NLT) Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
2. Virtue
(2 Peter 1:5) (NKJV) But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue,
(John 5:39-40)(MSG) “You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
(2 Peter 1:5) (NKJV) …to virtue knowledge,
3. Knowledge
(Psalm 119:66)(NLT) I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
(Proverbs 1:22) (NLT) “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?
(2 Peter 1:6) (NKJV) to knowledge self-control,
4. Self-Control
Self-Control: Increasing your ability to tell your sinful nature no.
(Proverbs 25:28) (MSG) A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.
(2 Peter 1:6) (NKJV) …to self-control perseverance,
5. Perseverance
Perseverance: Steady persistence in your faith in spite of difficulties.
The highway to a godly life is called perseverance.
(1 Timothy 6:11) (NLT) But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
6. Godliness
(2 Peter 1:6) (NKJV) …to perseverance godliness,
(Proverbs 13:6) (MSG) A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch.
7. Brotherly Kindness
(2 Peter 1:7) (NKJV) …to godliness brotherly kindness
(Hebrews 10:24-25) (NCV) Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other.
(2 Peter 1:8) (NKJV) …and to brotherly kindness love.
8. Love
(2 Peter 1:8) (NIV) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Peter 1:9) (NIV) But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
(2 Peter 1:10) (NIV) Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
