Developing Our Knowledge Of and Character Like Jesus

In this study topic, we aim to explain what Peter had in mind with his final charge and to encourage growth and progress in the knowledge of Jesus. Central to Peter's message, as outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-9, is the call to develop Christ-like qualities. He urges believers to make every effort to add to their faith a sequence of virtues: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These virtues are not merely isolated traits but are interdependent and cumulative, each building upon the other to produce a mature and effective Christian character. Peter promises that possessing these qualities in increasing measure will keep believers from being ineffective and unproductive in their knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:8). Conversely, lacking these virtues results in spiritual nearsightedness and blindness, signifying a forgetfulness of one's cleansing from past sins (2 Peter 1:9).

This study includes 25 topical individual studies along with study guides. Each topic study can either be worked through as an individual study or can be worked through consecutively. There will be some overlaps in the studies, but this was done so each study can stand alone and as well as serve as a time of review. The studies are also designed to be used either by an individual in their personal study or to be used in a small group setting.