In what ways can you prepare for the "eternal kingdom" mentioned in 2 Peter 1:11? Scripture Focus: The Promise of Entrance “Then you will be richly provided an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:11) Understand the Kingdom Being Prepared • Eternal—unending, incorruptible (1 Peter 1:4) • Christ’s personal realm—“the kingdom of God and of Christ” (Ephesians 5:5) • Already inaugurated in believers (Colossians 1:13) yet awaiting full revelation (2 Peter 3:13) Cultivating the Qualities That Secure an Entrance Peter ties verse 11 to verses 5–7; the Spirit uses these traits to ready you. Faith → believe God’s Word without reserve (Hebrews 11:6) Goodness → reflect God’s moral excellence in daily choices (Matthew 5:16) Knowledge → grow in sound doctrine and discernment (Colossians 1:10) Self-control → master desires with Spirit power (Galatians 5:23) Perseverance → remain steady under trials (James 1:12) Godliness → live reverently before God (1 Timothy 4:8) Brotherly Affection → practice family-like love inside the church (Romans 12:10) Love → self-sacrificial concern for all (1 Corinthians 13:13) “If you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive…” (2 Peter 1:8) Practices That Keep You Sure-Footed • Daily Scripture intake—Psalm 119:105 • Persistent prayer—1 Thessalonians 5:17 • Active fellowship—Hebrews 10:24-25 • Regular remembrance of Christ’s work—1 Corinthians 11:26 • Service with eternal motives—1 Corinthians 15:58 • Generous giving toward kingdom purposes—Matthew 6:20 Guard Against Obstacles • False teaching—2 Peter 2:1 • Worldly entanglements—2 Timothy 2:4 • Spiritual complacency—Revelation 3:15-16 • Unconfessed sin—Psalm 66:18 Live With Anticipation • Fix hope “fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13) • Eagerly await the Savior—Philippians 3:20 • Proclaim the gospel so others share the entrance—2 Corinthians 5:20 • Long for righteousness to fill creation—2 Peter 3:13 • Remain watchful—Luke 12:35-37 Takeaway Pursue Christlike character, keep spiritual disciplines, guard your walk, and live forward to the day when He welcomes you—richly—into His eternal kingdom. |
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