​Introduction:
1. This verse begins with "wherefore," indicating that Peter was concluding the information he had just
revealed.
a. This chapter deals with an important subject -- the Lord's return.
b. We do not know when Jesus will return, but we know that everything will be burned up when He
comes back.
c. We must live godly lives to be ready for the Lord's return.
d. We look forward to "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
2. Because we look for these things, Peter said: "be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without
spot, and blameless."
3. We are especially interested in the admonition to "be diligent."
4. In our lesson we are examining 3 activities that require us to be diligent.
Discussion:
I. FIRST, LET US BE DILIGENT IN KEEPING OUR HEARTS
A. Solomon addressed this activity in Proverbs 4:23.
B. Keeping the heart involves guarding and protecting that inner part of our being.
C. The heart must be kept because "out of it are the issues of life."
1. The things we do and say come forth from the heart (Matthew 12:35).
2. The key to doing and saying the right things is keeping the heart -- this is something we are to do
diligently.
D. To keep the heart, we must think properly (Proverbs 23:7).
E. A list of good things to think on is given in Philippians 4:8.
II. SECOND, LET US BE DILIGENT IN SEEKING GOD
A. This activity is addressed in Hebrews 11:6.
B. Believing in God is essential, and it is commendable.
C. However, believing in God alone will not save anyone (James 2:19).
D. In addition to believing in God, He wants us to diligently seek Him and His will.
E. Faith which pleases God is obedient (James 2:17).
F. God will reward those who diligently seek Him.
G. In connection with seeking God, let us consider 2 Timothy 2:15.
1. "Study" in this passage does not have the same meaning we associate with it.
2. "Study" in this passage means to "give diligence."
3. God wants us to give diligence in showing ourselves approved unto Him -- we do this by seeking Him
and His will.
III. THIRD, LET US BE DILIGENT IN MAKING OUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE
A. This activity is addressed in 2 Peter 1:5-11.
B. Despite what many people believe, the Bible teaches that a child of God can fall away (2 Peter 2:20-21).
C. However, there is something we can do to avoid falling away.
1. We are to diligently develop and grow in the Christian graces listed in vs.5-7.
2. Vs. 9 points out the condition of those who lack these graces.
3. We will certainly be blessed if we possess these graces (vs.8, 10-11).
Conclusion:
1. Being ready for the Lord's return requires us to "be diligent."
2. Are you being diligent in:
a. keeping your heart?
b. seeking God and His will?
c. making your calling and election sure?
Webmaster Gary L. Wa