Preparing for Christ's Return: A Virtue Journey
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Crossroads. Today, we embark on a new series titled "Survivor's Guide to the Second Coming," focusing on the book of 2 Peter. This series aims to prepare us for the future return of Christ by living out the gospel reality we already believe. The birth of my son, Stephen Gregory Kilgus, serves as a reminder that life is full of unexpected events, and we must be prepared for the unknown. Similarly, 2 Peter serves as a spiritual guide to help us prepare for Christ's return.
2 Peter emphasizes the importance of living a godly life in anticipation of Christ's return. The passage we explored today, 2 Peter 1:1-11, highlights three key aspects of a promise worth making every effort for: the character of the promise giver (God), the value of the promise given, and the response of the promise receiver (us). God's promises are rooted in His divine power, faithfulness, and goodness. These promises are incredibly valuable, offering us everything we need for life and godliness, and even allowing us to participate in the divine nature.
Our response to these promises should be to make every effort to grow in virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This "virtue chain" is interconnected, and growth in one area leads to growth in others. We are called to remember the God who saves us, trust the God who empowers us, grow our virtue chain, and be fruitful and productive in our spiritual lives.
Ultimately, making every effort in response to God's promises not only prepares us for Christ's return but also confirms our calling and election, giving us confidence in our eternal relationship with God. As we live out these virtues, we become witnesses of God's faithfulness and are moved to worship Him with our entire lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Character of the Promise Giver: God's promises are rooted in His divine power, faithfulness, and goodness. Recognizing God's character helps us trust and receive His promises willingly. This understanding is foundational to our faith and motivates us to live in alignment with His will. [44:16]
2. The Value of the Promise Given: God's promises offer us everything we need for life and godliness, allowing us to participate in the divine nature. These promises are more valuable than any earthly treasure, providing eternal and practical benefits that far surpass material wealth. [45:53]
3. The Response of the Promise Receiver: Our response to God's promises should be to make every effort to grow in virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This "virtue chain" is interconnected, and growth in one area leads to growth in others. [47:59]
4. Being Fruitful and Productive: Making every effort in response to God's promises means working for God's promises in other people's lives. This involves sharing the gospel, raising disciples, and encouraging others to grow in their faith and virtues. Our spiritual growth is not just for ourselves but for the benefit of others. [01:01:55]
5. Confidence in a Rich Welcome: By making every effort to grow in these virtues, we confirm our calling and election, giving us confidence in our eternal relationship with God. Our efforts do not make God's promises real but confirm to us that His promises are real and have always been real. [01:05:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:15] - Introduction and Personal Story
[33:31] - The Need for a Spiritual Guide
[34:11] - Context of 2 Peter
[35:37] - Preparing for Christ's Return
[36:08] - Opening Prayer
[37:08] - Reading 2 Peter 1:1-11
[38:32] - The Story of Forrest Fenn's Treasure
[41:14] - Responding to God's Promises
[42:15] - Three Aspects of a Promise
[47:17] - The Virtue Chain
[50:38] - Remembering the God Who Saves You
[53:30] - Trusting the God Who Empowers You
[54:33] - Growing the Virtue Chain
[01:01:15] - Being Fruitful and Productive
[01:05:04] - Confidence in a Rich Welcome
[01:08:30] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 1:1-11
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key aspects of a promise worth making every effort for, as highlighted in 2 Peter 1:1-11? [42:15]
2. According to 2 Peter 1:3, what has God's divine power given us? [37:08]
3. What virtues are listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7, and how are they interconnected? [47:59]
4. What does 2 Peter 1:10-11 say about the outcome of making every effort to grow in these virtues? [37:53]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing the character of God as the promise giver influence our trust in His promises? [44:16]
2. In what ways are God's promises described as valuable and practical in 2 Peter 1:3-4? [45:53]
3. How does the "virtue chain" in 2 Peter 1:5-7 illustrate the interconnectedness of spiritual growth? [54:33]
4. What does it mean to be fruitful and productive in the context of 2 Peter 1:8, and how does this relate to our spiritual lives? [01:01:55]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the character of God as described in the sermon. How does understanding God's divine power, faithfulness, and goodness impact your daily trust in His promises? [44:16]
2. The sermon mentioned that God's promises offer everything we need for life and godliness. Are there areas in your life where you feel discontent? How can you better accept what God is already offering you? [46:40]
3. The "virtue chain" includes faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Which of these virtues do you struggle with the most, and what steps can you take to grow in that area? [57:05]
4. How can you be more fruitful and productive in your spiritual life by working for God's promises in other people's lives? Identify one person you can encourage in their faith this week. [01:01:55]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of making every effort to confirm our calling and election. How can you practically make every effort in your daily life to grow in these virtues and confirm your relationship with God? [01:05:04]
6. Think about a time when you felt unprepared for an unexpected event, like the birth of Pastor Adam's son. How can you apply the lessons from 2 Peter to be better prepared for Christ's return? [32:15]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of remembering the God who saves you and trusting the God who empowers you. How can you incorporate these reminders into your daily routine to strengthen your faith? [50:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting the Divine Character of God
God's promises are rooted in His divine power, faithfulness, and goodness. Recognizing God's character helps us trust and receive His promises willingly. This understanding is foundational to our faith and motivates us to live in alignment with His will. When we understand that God is all-powerful, faithful, and good, we can rest assured that His promises are reliable and true. This trust in God's character is not just a mental acknowledgment but a deep-seated belief that influences our actions and decisions.
As we navigate life's uncertainties, remembering the character of the promise giver can provide us with peace and confidence. God's faithfulness means He will never abandon us, His goodness ensures that His plans for us are for our ultimate benefit, and His divine power means He is capable of fulfilling every promise He makes. By focusing on these attributes, we can strengthen our faith and live in a way that reflects our trust in Him. [44:16]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you doubted God's promises. How can you remind yourself of God's character to strengthen your trust in Him today?
Day 2: Valuing God's Promises Above All
God's promises offer us everything we need for life and godliness, allowing us to participate in the divine nature. These promises are more valuable than any earthly treasure, providing eternal and practical benefits that far surpass material wealth. When we truly grasp the value of God's promises, we begin to see them as our most precious possession, worth more than any worldly gain.
This perspective shift helps us prioritize our lives differently. Instead of chasing after temporary pleasures or material success, we focus on cultivating a relationship with God and living according to His will. The promises of God provide us with the resources we need to live a godly life, and they assure us of our participation in His divine nature. This means that we are not only recipients of His promises but also active participants in His divine plan. [45:53]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: What is one earthly treasure or pursuit that you need to re-evaluate in light of the value of God's promises? How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's promises today?
Day 3: Growing in Virtue
Our response to God's promises should be to make every effort to grow in virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. This "virtue chain" is interconnected, and growth in one area leads to growth in others. As we develop these virtues, we become more like Christ and better equipped to live out our faith in practical ways.
The process of growing in virtue requires intentional effort and reliance on God's power. It is not something that happens overnight but through consistent practice and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Each virtue builds upon the other, creating a strong foundation for a godly life. By focusing on this growth, we not only prepare ourselves for Christ's return but also become effective witnesses of His love and grace to those around us. [47:59]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Which virtue in the "virtue chain" do you find most challenging to grow in? What practical steps can you take today to develop this virtue?
Day 4: Being Fruitful and Productive
Making every effort in response to God's promises means working for God's promises in other people's lives. This involves sharing the gospel, raising disciples, and encouraging others to grow in their faith and virtues. Our spiritual growth is not just for ourselves but for the benefit of others. As we grow in our relationship with God, we are called to help others do the same, creating a ripple effect of spiritual growth and transformation.
Being fruitful and productive in our spiritual lives means actively seeking opportunities to serve and bless others. It means using our gifts and talents to advance God's kingdom and make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. By doing so, we fulfill our calling and contribute to the growth of the body of Christ. This outward focus helps us stay grounded in our faith and reminds us that we are part of a larger mission. [01:01:55]
John 15:8 (ESV): "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could benefit from your spiritual support. How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual growth this week?
Day 5: Confidence in a Rich Welcome
By making every effort to grow in these virtues, we confirm our calling and election, giving us confidence in our eternal relationship with God. Our efforts do not make God's promises real but confirm to us that His promises are real and have always been real. This assurance provides us with a sense of security and peace, knowing that our relationship with God is secure and that we have a rich welcome awaiting us in His eternal kingdom.
This confidence is not based on our own merit but on the faithfulness of God and the evidence of His work in our lives. As we see the fruit of our efforts and the growth in our virtues, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His commitment to us. This assurance motivates us to continue striving for godliness and to live in a way that honors Him. [01:05:04]
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual journey and the growth you have experienced. How does this give you confidence in your relationship with God and His promises for your future?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We know Jesus is coming back. And if we're going to be ready for his return, we need to respond to God's promises. Peter says, He's telling us that our response to God's promises is making every effort. But why should we make every effort? Here, Peter's going to show us the three aspects of a promise worth making every effort for." [41:48] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Making every effort to God's promises in your life means working for God's promises in other people's lives. Let me repeat that. Making every effort in response to God's promises in your life means you are working for God's promises in other people's lives. God is inviting us to be fruitful and productive, to convert new believers, to share the gospel, to teach others about him, to raise up disciples." [01:01:55] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Will you receive God's immense promises? Receive his offered forgiveness? Receive everything you need for life and godliness now? And will you receive the promise that Jesus will return, ushering in a eternal reality that is much greater than this current life we now live? Will you be moved by your response to these promises to make every effort, working out your faith in love to produce these fruits in others' lives around you?" [01:07:57] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our response to God's promises is making every effort. So here's my prayer for us as we head into our time of worship. That you will be a witness of God's promises. That you will be a witness of his faithfulness. God's faithful promises move us to make every effort to pour out our praises again and again in our entire life. To worship our God that is worthy. He is worthy of all of it." [01:08:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What do treasure hunters and Christians have in common? It's that both are characterized by their response to a promise. Both are characterized by their response to a promise. Don't you see that's what drives treasure hunters? That they believe a promise, that they live out their lives in drastic, effort-filled ways because of that promise. Because Forrest Fenn promised a treasure, Jack Stoof made every effort dedicating his life to it. This is the reality for Christians as well. We are responders to promises that God has given us." [41:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're struggling with discontentment in your life, the problem might not be that you're missing something, but the problem might be that you're not accepting what God is already offering to you, what God is already giving you. So, as we've seen the first two aspects of a promise worth making every effort for is the character of the promise giver. And we see God is good and he is worthy. And the value of the promise given that his gifts are good and worthy, his promises are good and worthy." [46:40] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's actions and our actions are not opposed. Instead, they're both to be working together to grow our faith and love and our relationship with him. So would you receive God's promises with faith that works out into love by remembering the God who saves you, by trusting the God who empowers you, by growing your virtue chain and the answer to that is the fourth way to make every effort to be ready for Jesus' return is to be fruitful and productive." [01:00:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you don't have an eagerness to be growing these virtues, if this virtue chain is not increasing in your life, it means you might need a question if you have a genuine faith in the first place. As we've already covered, a genuine faith is always connected with the rest of these virtues. As faith increases, so does our knowledge and so does our love. If you're struggling with these virtues being absent in your life and you recognize you need to take a serious look at your faith, we would love to talk as pastors." [01:06:48] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Making every effort starts with remembering God is the one who saves you. But it doesn't end there. The second way that we are to go about making every effort to be ready for Jesus' return is to trust the God who empowers you. To trust the God who empowers you. Jesus is the one who gives you everything you need for life and godliness, as the pastor says. He is the one that empowers and makes effective your every good work." [53:30] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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