Embracing the Precious Gift of Faith

 

Summary

In the first chapter of the Second Epistle of Peter, we are reminded of the profound concept of "precious faith." This letter, written by the Apostle Peter towards the end of his life, addresses the trials and tribulations faced by early Christians. They were not only persecuted but also plagued by doubts and misunderstandings. Peter's purpose in writing was to encourage them to remember the foundational truths of their faith, rather than seeking new revelations or messages. The gospel does not promise an easy life, but it assures us that we can rise above our challenges through the faith we already possess.

Peter emphasizes that the faith we hold is not a result of our own efforts but a gift from God, obtained through His righteousness and the work of Jesus Christ. This faith is described as "precious," a term Peter uses repeatedly to highlight its immense value. It is precious because of its rarity, the divine source from which it comes, and the company of believers with whom we share it. This faith connects us to the great cloud of witnesses, including apostles, prophets, and martyrs, who have gone before us.

Moreover, this faith is precious because of what it accomplishes in our lives. It justifies us, reconciles us to God, and makes us His children. It enables us to walk in this world with confidence, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Ultimately, this faith assures us of an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the preciousness of our faith, we are encouraged to hold fast to it, allowing it to guide us from glory to glory until we take our place in heaven.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gift of Faith: Our faith is a precious gift from God, not something we have earned or achieved. It is obtained through the righteousness of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. This gift is a testament to God's grace and His eternal purpose to save and redeem us. [16:43]

- The Rarity of Faith: Faith is rare and precious, much like a rare treasure. In a world where many do not believe, those who possess faith are part of a unique and privileged group. This rarity adds to the value of our faith, reminding us of the privilege we have in being called children of God. [26:20]

- The Company of Believers: Our faith connects us to a remarkable company of believers, including apostles, prophets, and martyrs. This shared faith unites us with those who have gone before us, providing us with a rich heritage and a sense of belonging to a community that transcends time and space. [31:04]

- The Power of Faith: Faith is powerful because it justifies us, reconciles us to God, and makes us His children. It enables us to live victoriously in this world, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love. This power of faith transforms our lives and gives us hope for the future. [37:22]

- The Assurance of Faith: Our faith assures us of an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord. It gives us confidence in the face of life's challenges and the certainty of eternal life with God. This assurance is a source of great comfort and motivation to live faithfully. [43:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Precious Faith
- [01:21] - Context of Peter's Letter
- [02:56] - Overcoming Trials Through Faith
- [04:28] - The Role of a Christian Minister
- [06:09] - Realizing Our Position in Christ
- [07:28] - What Makes Us Christians
- [09:32] - The Importance of Faith
- [11:22] - The Preciousness of Faith
- [13:23] - Faith as a Treasure
- [15:41] - How We Obtain Faith
- [17:47] - The Gift of Faith from God
- [20:11] - God's Righteous Purpose
- [23:10] - The Coming of Jesus Christ
- [25:14] - The Precious Blood of Christ
- [29:11] - The Privilege of Faith
- [32:48] - The Company of Believers
- [37:22] - The Power and Assurance of Faith
- [43:32] - An Abundant Entrance into Eternity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Peter 1:1-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Peter mean by "precious faith" in the context of his letter? How does he describe the source of this faith? [00:09]

2. According to the sermon, what were some of the challenges and doubts faced by the early Christians to whom Peter was writing? [01:53]

3. How does Peter suggest believers can overcome trials and tribulations according to the sermon? [03:09]

4. What is the significance of Peter reminding the believers of the truths they already know, rather than introducing new teachings? [03:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Peter emphasize that faith is a gift from God and not something we earn? How does this understanding affect a believer's relationship with God? [16:43]

2. In what ways does the rarity of faith add to its preciousness, as discussed in the sermon? How does this perspective influence a believer's view of their faith? [26:20]

3. How does the sermon describe the connection between believers and the "company of witnesses" such as apostles, prophets, and martyrs? What impact does this have on a believer's sense of identity and community? [31:04]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the power of faith in transforming a believer's life and providing assurance of eternal life? [37:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own faith journey. How do you perceive your faith as a gift from God, and how does this shape your daily walk with Him? [16:43]

2. Consider the rarity of faith in today's world. How can you cherish and nurture your faith amidst a culture that may not value it? [26:20]

3. How can you actively connect with the "company of believers" in your life, both past and present, to strengthen your faith and sense of community? [31:04]

4. In what ways can you allow the power of faith to transform your life, especially in areas where you face challenges or doubts? [37:22]

5. How can you remind yourself of the foundational truths of your faith during times of trial, rather than seeking new revelations or messages? [03:54]

6. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains precious and central in your life, guiding you from glory to glory? [43:32]

7. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith provide assurance and hope during that time, and how can you apply this experience to future challenges? [43:32]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Gift of Faith
Faith is not a product of human effort but a divine gift bestowed upon us through the righteousness of God and the work of Jesus Christ. This precious faith is a testament to God's grace and His eternal purpose to save and redeem us. It is a reminder that our relationship with God is not based on our achievements but on His generosity and love. As we embrace this gift, we are called to live in gratitude and humility, recognizing that our faith is a reflection of God's character and His desire for us to be reconciled to Him. [16:43]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's gift of faith. How can you shift your perspective to embrace faith as a divine gift today?


Day 2: The Rare Treasure of Faith
In a world where belief is often scarce, faith stands out as a rare and precious treasure. Those who possess it are part of a unique and privileged group, called to be children of God. This rarity adds immense value to our faith, reminding us of the privilege and responsibility we have in being part of God's family. As we cherish this treasure, we are encouraged to nurture and protect it, allowing it to shape our identity and guide our actions in a world that often challenges our beliefs. [26:20]

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:45-46, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a moment when your faith felt particularly precious or rare. How can you cultivate and protect this treasure in your daily life?


Day 3: The Fellowship of Believers
Our faith connects us to a remarkable company of believers, including apostles, prophets, and martyrs. This shared faith unites us with those who have gone before us, providing us with a rich heritage and a sense of belonging to a community that transcends time and space. As we journey together, we are encouraged to draw strength and inspiration from this fellowship, knowing that we are part of a larger story that God is writing throughout history. [31:04]

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a believer from the past or present who inspires you. How can their example encourage you to live out your faith more fully today?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Faith
Faith is powerful because it justifies us, reconciles us to God, and makes us His children. It enables us to live victoriously in this world, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love. This power of faith transforms our lives, giving us hope and confidence to face life's challenges. As we embrace this power, we are called to live boldly and courageously, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. [37:22]

"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1 John 5:4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need to experience the transformative power of faith. What steps can you take to invite God's power into this area today?


Day 5: The Assurance of Eternal Life
Our faith assures us of an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord. It gives us confidence in the face of life's challenges and the certainty of eternal life with God. This assurance is a source of great comfort and motivation to live faithfully, knowing that our ultimate destination is secure. As we hold fast to this assurance, we are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters in light of eternity. [43:32]

"And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life." (1 John 2:25, ESV)

Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life influence your priorities and decisions today? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with this eternal perspective?

Quotes


The gospel never promises us an easy time in this world it never tells us that we are not going to have trials and troubles and problems but what it does do is to tell us that we can rise above them all and Triumph over them all and go forward with our much in a triumphant manner. [00:03:09]

What the Apostle really tells them is this that all they've got to do is to realize what they already know he makes it quite plain and clear to them that he's got nothing new to tell them at all look at the way in which he puts it he says I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things though ye know them and be established in the present truth. [00:03:41]

The answer as the Apostle reminds these people is we are Christians because of everything that has happened in in and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ listen to him we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were I Witnesses of his majesty. [00:07:50]

The thing that separates us from everybody else and makes us unique and separate people is our faith but you know Peter doesn't put it like that does he he can't just say faith oh no he can't dismiss it like that as it where he calls it preure faith I'm writing to you he says and you're in trouble and is he at once he gives them the answer precious Faith. [00:09:59]

This precious faith that you and I have my friends is a gift it's a gift we've obtained it we haven't achieved it we haven't won it we haven't deserved it we haven't earned it you've obtained it again here is the universal the message of the New Testament by grace are he saved through faith that not of yourselves it is the gift of God. [00:16:40]

The greatest punishment that can ever be Meed out upon a people is that there shall be amongst them a famine of hearing the word of the Lord or do you remember our blessed Lord himself put it enter in he said at the Straight Gate for wide is the gate and Broad is the way that leadth to destruction and many there be that go in there at. [00:27:42]

You are Faith this morning my dear friend you may be a humble and unknown Christian the church doesn't know about you still less the world but you know it's a very wonderful thing this if you've got this precious gift you've got the same thing as was in the heart and the bosom of this Apostle Peter and the mighty Apostle Paul you're in a very select company. [00:32:23]

Faith is that which links us to God into Christ puts us in Christ and opens out before us the glor glorious Vista of this whole Christian Life I'm a Child of God adopted into the royal family of heaven and if children then HS hires of God and Joint HS with Christ Faith gives me all that precious faith is there anything like it anywhere in the whole Cosmos. [00:41:59]

It enables me to walk in this world while I'm left in it we walk by faith and not by sight and it enables us to walk in a triumphant manner this life in the spirit bound to Christ knowing therefore that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our lord. [00:42:26]

For so listen to this for so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly into the Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ realize the preciousness of your faith what it has done for you it is going to do for you and you'll only not only not fall while you're left in this world but an abundant entrance will be there awaiting you as you enter into the Eternal. [00:43:37]

An abundant entry and there the welcome will be great and glorious what makes all this certain oh it's just this precious Faith precious Faith beloved people consider your faith look at it examine it realize the truth concerning it and filled with this precious Faith go on from glory to glory till in heaven you take your place precious Faith. [00:44:41]

We do hope that you've been helped by the preaching of Dr Martin ly Jones all of the sermons contained within the mlj trust audio library are now available for free download you may share the sermons or broadcast them however because of international copyright please be advised that we are asking first that these sermons never be offered for sale by a third party. [00:45:25]

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Transcript
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