Notes + Questions: Life Begins with Faith

2 Peter 1:1-4
"Life Begins with Faith"

Faith: Combination of knowledge, belief, and trust.
• Understanding who God is and what Jesus has done on our behalf
• Belief that God is who he says he is and that the Gospel is true
• Trust is demonstrated by actions

v. 1.1
• Peter described himself as a servant and an apostle. Slave was lowest of the low. Apostle was highest title in the early church.
• All are equal at the foot of the cross.
• Our faith in not obtained by our own merit, but rather is a gift to us.

v. 1.2
• Grace and peace were common greetings. Peace is “shalom”, divinely inspired rest
• Multiplied to you: knowledge of God is linked to increased faith
• Everyone has a personal theology. Does yours line up with the Bible? Why or why not?

v. 1.3
• Greek word for power is “dunamis” - carries the weight of overwhelming power exerted on inanimate object. God’s power works on our dead hearts to give us faith.
• There is no boasting in our faith because it is a gift from God, not our own power.

v. 1.4
• Trusting in God’s promises are precious because they give us peace not matter our circumstances.
• Partaking in the divine nature does not make us divine, but rather allows us to experience right (reconciled) relationship with God.

Application:
Test to discern where your faith is placed: what causes you stress or anxiety? If these things cause your faith in God to waver, you are likely misplacing your faith.
• Government or politics?
• Spouse or family?
• Financial security?
• Social status?
• Your own abilities?
• Conditional view of God’s love?

How to grow in your faith:
• Study God through Scripture
• Pray and listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance
• Talk steps of faith where only God can see you through.