Sunday, January 3, 2021

Like his first letter, Peter’s second letter was written to believers in the early church who had experienced persecution and suffering. At this time, Peter was in a Roman prison. He was aware that his death was imminent. (See 2 Pet. 1:13-15.) Besides the outside threats to their faith, these believers were also confronted with false teachers within the church who tried to lead them away from the true gospel. 


Paul warned against false teachers. In the opening chapter of his letter, Paul’s exhortation to live like Jesus gives believers a measure for making sure they are following the truth. The best defense against false teachers is a dedication to a knowledge of the truth. As you prepare to teach from 2 Peter 1, consider these two questions: How do we live like Jesus? Why do we live like Jesus?


First, God’s people live like Jesus through the power of Jesus (2 Pet. 1:3-4) and through personal application (2 Pet. 1:5-7). Not only is the Christian life marked by faith in Christ, it is characterized by goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These come from knowing Jesus, who calls us to Himself.


Second, God’s people live like Jesus to confirm their calling. (2 Pet. 1:8-11) If we claim to have faith but do not live like Jesus, we have forgotten what Jesus has done for us. Because God has credited to us Jesus’ righteousness, we strive to live in loving obedience to Him to show those around us that Jesus has truly changed our lives.


Soon after writing this letter, Peter was killed in Rome as Jesus had predicted. (John 21:18-19) Help your kids grasp that Jesus lived a perfect life and died the death we deserve for our sin. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sins and changes our hearts. Jesus calls and empowers His followers to live like Him.


Check this session’s Activity Page for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.


FAMILY STARTING POINTS 
● Babies and Toddlers
○ Peter wrote a letter to people who loved Jesus.
○ Peter told believers to remember what Jesus did for them.
○ Jesus helps His followers live like Him.
○ We live like Jesus because He died for us.
○ The Holy Spirit helps us.
● Preschool
○ Peter encouraged believers to live like Jesus. 
○ WHow does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.
● Kids
○ Peter instructed believers to live like Jesus. 
○ How does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.


UNIT KEY PASSAGE
● 2 Peter 1:3


NEXT WEEK 
● “Ananias and Sapphira” (Acts 4–5)