2 Peter 1:2-11 Of these qualities - faith is the foundation. Virtue is the desire for moral and spiritual excellence. To achieve this, we must the deep, true knowledge of God’s will for our lives. Then once we have true knowledge, we must apply it with discipline & self-control. We must be steadfast, fully committed to the principles we have embraced. In all points, we must seek for the things esteemed by God. Showing kindness to our brethren.

To Brotherly Kindness Love ~ 2 Peter 1:7

Study Format We will consider Bible principles concerning the matter of “love” (as recorded in 2 Pet.1:7). We will illustrate how the Christian may incorporate this instruction into his/her daily life.

Love: ἀγάπη; agapē “Love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: - (feast of) charity (-ably), dear, love.” (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries) “1) brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence 2) love feasts”(Thayer’s Greek Definitions) “Denotes the highest, most perfect kind of love, implying a clear determination of will and judgment, and belonging particularly to the sphere of Divine revelation.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (NKJV) Cf. Rev. 2:4-5; 2 Pet. 1:7

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:9-10 (NKJV) Cf. Mt. 28:18-20

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:12-14 (NKJV) Cf. Vs. 17

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 (NKJV) nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NKJV) Cf. Isa. 1:28; 53:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:11-13

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:9-10 (NKJV)

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ Col 2:2 (NKJV)

How the word is used in various passages of the Bible: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Cor 13:1-3 (NKJV) Cf. 2 Pet. 1:7, 8-9, 13-15; Col. 3:12-14

Principles in action: Moses was willing to lay down his life for his brethren (Exod. 32:10-11; 30-32; 1 Jn. 3:16-17). Moses manifested love for others every time he interceded on behalf of them (Exod. 33:12-15). He taught continually, including divine reminders (Deut. 1-34; 2 Pet. 1:13-14; 2 Jn 1:6). Moses was willing to be patient; teach, admonish, rebuke, and provide correction. But, he also worked WITH the children of Israel, shepherding them (Ps. 77:20; Eph. 4:2; Jn. 10:10, 27-30; Heb. 10:24).

Principles in action: Trust the Lord & His ways dealing with weaknesses of others; being prayerful that they will “get it” on the Lord’s timeline (Eph. 3:19). Is it evident that we love one another’s soul (Lk. 15:11-32; 2 Cor. 2:8)? Are we different from the world? If we know God more intimately, then expressions of love toward others will outpour more naturally (1 Jn. 4:7-11; Gal. 5:22-24).

2 Peter 1:2-11 Of these qualities - faith is the foundation. Virtue is the desire for moral and spiritual excellence. To achieve this, we must the deep, true knowledge of God’s will for our lives. Then once we have true knowledge, we must apply it with discipline & self-control. We must be steadfast, fully committed to the principles we have embraced. In all points, we must seek for the things esteemed by God. Showing kindness to our brethren. SHOWING LOVE TO ALL MEN.

John 21:15-19 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." (NKJV)