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Like Precious Faith

2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ:

We want to deal with the word "faith" today, and its meaning as found in the text of 2Peter 1.

We are living in a world of many "faiths". We know ours to be the only true faith as spoken of by our Saviour Jesus Christ, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  There is no other name under heaven whereas a man can be saved, other than Jesus.

The last days are among us and we are bombarded with serious issues even within our own faith. eg...bible versions, music, church attire, denominational ties (ecumenical).

Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1Ti 6:20-21 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.

2Ti 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

The faith that we preach and live by has never been the most popular faith. Jesus warns us of the decline of faith in the last days. We are to be prepared.

We are justified by faith in Rom 3:28,

Saved by grace through faith Eph. 2:8,

Kept by the power of God through faith 1Pe 1:5

Ye should earnestly contend for the faith Jude 1:3..

In the end we should say like Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

The faith that Peter was speaking of and what we will deal with today is a

I. Life Changing Faith (v.1-4)

1.Not through our righteousness (v.1)  Only through the work of Jesus on the cross.

3.Gives a Divine Nature (v. 4) Holy Ghost dictates our actions.  My old nature, although still present, is now at conflict with this new nature.  The one that wins is the one I nurture and feed the most.

II. Growing Faith (v.5-7) ever maturing in the work of God.  We are to constantly grow and mature in the Lord.

Diligence- continual effort for the cause.

virtue - moral goodness

knowledge - A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact;

temperance - habitual moderation to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions;

patience - the suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; endurance without murmuring or fretfulness.

godliness - A religious life; a careful observance of the laws of God and performance of religious duties,

brotherly kindness - contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses;

charity - it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men. Inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men

III. Sharing Faith (v.8) Want to tell others.  When the new birth takes place, there is a want to tell others.  Remember the lyrics in the old song, "I said I wouldn't tell it to a single soul how He wrought salvation and made me whole,"  Well the writer goes on to say that they couldn't keep it quite.  The love that Jesus gives can not be contained.

   Peter and John were told not to preach Jesus in Acts 4:18  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  Their response, But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

IV. Establishing Faith (v.9 -15)

Settled and grounded. Not forgetting, being sure, remembering, shall be, showed me.

Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel,

V. Proven Faith (v.16-18) 

The faith that I have and that every born again believer should have is faith that rests on a personal experience with Christ.  First hand information. Not another's story.  What happened to me was personal.  I don't have to rely on another persons story, I can depend on my own experience.

VI. Available Faith (v.19 -21) (Take Heed)

God has made available His Word to a lost and dying world.

He has made available this faith to you.

Conclusion: Where are you lacking in this faith?

You must have the Life changing faith and the proven faith.

As Born again believers you want to have Growing Faith, Sharing Faith and Establishing Faith.

God is here today to make available what ever you need.