Our sermon series, The Letters of Peter, continues. Some of the themes and titles for this sermon series are based on the book Everyday Church: Gospel Communities on Mission by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 2 Pet 1:3-15, John 15:5-8.

The Christian life is not meant to be a guessing game. We should be able to assess whether we are on the right path, living a life that is pleasing to God. Peter offers a list of moral qualities or virtues. If these are present in our lives and increasing then we can have confidence that God's power is at work in us and that our calling and election are confirmed. The Christian life does involve serious effort – but this is not opposed to grace. God's grace and power begins, sustains, and concludes the life of discipleship. But we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to cultivate virtue in our lives.

The virtues are moral excellence, knowledge of God, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.

Peter's words, though challenging, are a gift of grace. They offer us a better vision of the good life, a way to feel encouraged that we are on the right path, and a gut check if we are not.

Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ([email protected]).