• II Peter 1:1-7

• II Peter 1:4

  • “partakers of the divine nature”
    • See Galatians 4:19
  • “escape”
    • God provides a means of escape for us.
  • “corruption”
    • See Romans 8:21

• II Peter 1:5

  • “diligence”
    • Work to grow towards God like a tree growing roots toward water. Jeremiah 12:5
  • “virtue”
    • Compare II Peter 2:9; Philippians 4:8. Virtue is also translated “moral excellence.”
  • “knowledge”
    • See II Peter 1:3; Romans 1:28; 11:33; I Corinthians 8:1; II Corinthians 10:4

• Sources of boldness, continued:

Philippians 1:12-21

See II Corinthians 11:23. Inspiration to boldly speak the gospel can be drawn from the examples of others. From the confident expectation (hope) that Christ will be exalted, further promoted, further spread, in whatever circumstances I face.

I Thessalonians 2:3-13

Being focused on pleasing God rather than men. Loving other people

Romans 1:11-17

See Romans 3:24. Realizing the gospel is important. Acts 18:24-28 – Apollos was fervent in his teaching.

• Boldness and accuracy

  • Boldness alone results in false teaching.

  • Accuracy alone is not fully effective. It is unconvincing because it shows lack of faith.

  • Both boldness and accuracy are needed for effective teaching.

• Ephesians 6:13-20

• Ephesians 6:20 – “ought” – Something that is necessary.

  • Romans 10:13-15

  • Necessity brought on by circumstances or by the conduct of others toward us.

  • What is necessary to attain some end.

    • John 14:6; Acts 4:11-12

  • Made necessary by law and command, duty, equity.

    • Matthew 10:32-33

    • Matthew 28:18-20

    • Matthew 5:14-16

• How to develop boldness

  • Acts 4:13-22 – Peter and John threatened and released.

  • Acts 4:23-31 – They recognized God’s power and prayed that they might speak with boldness and confidence.

  • Boldness

    • Freedom in speaking, unreserved in speech.

      • Openly, frankly, i.e. without concealment

      • Without ambiguity or circumlocution

    • Free and fearless confidence

    • The behaviors/manners by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity.

      • Matthew 6:1; 5:13-16 – We must get the attention of men in order to spread the gospel.

• Sources of boldness

Acts 4:19-20, 29-31

Having greater love and respect for God than for people.

Being fully confident that the gospel of Christ is the truth.

II Corinthians 3:7-18

Being fully confident that the gospel of Christ is the truth and provides salvation.

Ephesians 3:1-12

Realize this is part of the purpose God has for me as part of His collection of redeemed people.

Love other people: Therefore want them to know God, choose to love and obey Him so they can have salvation.

• God does not change:

  • Hebrews 13:8

  • John 8:58

  • John 10:30, 37-38

• Ephesians 5:1-2

• Proverbs 6:16-19 – Things that the Lord hates

• As children of God, we need to learn to be “haters”

• Pride

  • Matthew 23:12; Mark 7:20-23 – Pride is still a sin!

  • II Corinthians 7:2-4 – Paul showed the right kind of pride.

• Lying

  • John 8:42-45 – Jesus told the truth, often bluntly.

• I John 3:15

• “Feet that make haste to run to evil”

  • Proverbs 1:15-16

• “A false witness that breathes out lies”

  • Exodus 20:16

  • Matthew 19:18

• “One who sows discord among brothers”

  • Titus 3:8-11

• Do we hate like God hates?