In this video, Marty Booth teaches on 2 Peter 1:5-21, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and the essentials we need to carry in our spiritual backpacks. Marty begins with a prayer, thanking God for the family of believers. He then discusses the seven essentials outlined in the passage: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Marty reminds the audience to continuously grow in knowledge of God and His word, as adding these essentials to our spiritual backpacks leads to a fruitful and productive life. He also stresses the need to recognize and expose false teachers, have confidence in our salvation, and rely on the prophetic word of scripture and the knowledge of God. Marty concludes with a reminder to diligently walk with God and trust in His perfect plan.
Introduction with Prayer
Before we dive into Marty Booth’s teaching on 2 Peter 1:5-21, let’s start with a word of prayer. We’ll take a moment to thank God for the family of believers and ask for His guidance as we learn and grow together.
Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts for the family of believers you have brought together here. We acknowledge that we come from different places and backgrounds, but You have united us for a purpose. We ask that You be our teacher, leader, guide, and inspiration as we delve into this study of Your Word. Father, we pray that You would speak to us through Marty’s teaching tonight and help us to be the men and women You have called us to be. Teach us, inspire us, and mold us to be more like You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Importance of Essentials
Just like when we go on a hike, both physically and spiritually, Marty Booth draws a parallel between the two and emphasizes the importance of having the right essentials. Just as we need water and snacks to keep us hydrated and energized during a physical hike, we also need certain spiritual essentials to navigate the journey of life.
Marty mentions that in 2 Peter 1:5-7, seven essentials are outlined: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These essentials are like items we pack in our spiritual backpack to keep us safe, productive, and fruitful on our spiritual journey.
The Seven Essentials Outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7
Let’s take a closer look at each of the seven essentials mentioned in 2 Peter 1:5-7:
Virtue
Virtue refers to moral excellence and righteousness. It is the quality that enables us to make choices and decisions that honor God and align with His Word. By living a life of integrity, honesty, and righteousness, we demonstrate our commitment to following God’s ways.
Knowledge
Knowledge is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It is not enough to have a general knowledge of God; we must constantly seek to deepen our understanding of Him. Marty emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong student of God and never thinking that we know everything there is to know. It is through knowledge that we are able to discern truth from falsehood and live according to God’s will.
Self-Control
Self-control is the ability to resist temptation and exercise discipline in all areas of our lives. It helps us overcome our selfish desires and make choices that honor God and benefit others. By practicing self-control, we prevent ourselves from being led astray and stay focused on our journey with God.
Perseverance
Perseverance is the ability to endure trials and hardships without losing faith. It is the steadfastness that allows us to hold on to our convictions and trust in God’s faithfulness. Marty reminds us that the Christian journey is not always easy, but with perseverance, we can press on and overcome any obstacles in our path.
Godliness
Godliness refers to a life that reflects the character of God. It is a daily pursuit of holiness and godly living. Marty urges us to seek God’s character and love, to be transformed by the Holy Spirit within us. As we grow in godliness, we become a beacon of light in a dark world, pointing others to the love and grace of God.
Brotherly Kindness
Brotherly kindness is the love and compassion we show towards our fellow believers. It is the act of extending grace, forgiveness, and support to one another. Marty highlights the importance of cultivating genuine relationships within the family of believers, where we encourage and build one another up in our faith.
Love
Love is the greatest of all the essentials. It encompasses all the others and binds them together in unity. Marty emphasizes that love should be the driving force behind everything we do. It is through love that we demonstrate our devotion to God and our care for others. Love is the foundation of a fruitful and productive life.
Continuous Growth in Knowledge of God
Marty emphasizes the importance of continuously growing in knowledge of God. He encourages us to never stop being a student of God and His Word. Just as we would never stop seeking new knowledge and understanding on a physical hike, we should never think that we know everything we need to know about God.
Understanding God’s Word is crucial for our spiritual growth. It is through the study and application of Scripture that we deepen our relationship with God. Marty reminds us that our compass in life should always be God’s Word, which guides us and illuminates our path. By studying and applying God’s Word, we equip ourselves to navigate the challenges of life and become more like Him.
Fruitful and Productive Life
Marty highlights the difference between faith alone and faith accompanied by the essentials outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7. While faith alone saves us, adding these essentials to our spiritual backpacks leads to a fruitful and productive life.
By incorporating virtues such as self-control, perseverance, and love into our daily lives, we demonstrate our commitment to following Christ. We become vessels of God’s love, peace, and joy, making a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Marty stresses that it is not enough to simply believe in God; we must actively live out our faith by adding these essentials to our spiritual backpacks.
Peter’s Final Words to His Spiritual Family
Marty discusses how Peter’s final words to his spiritual family are a testament to his deep love and concern for them. Writing from a jail cell in Rome, Peter urged his fellow believers to continue growing in their faith and knowledge of God. He knew that they would face challenges and false teachings, so he wanted to equip them to recognize and expose false teachers.
Peter’s words serve as a reminder to us today to stay vigilant in our faith and to be discerning when it comes to false teachings. Marty encourages us to take Peter’s words to heart and apply them to our own lives. Just as Peter wanted to protect his spiritual family, we too should be diligent in guarding the truth and exposing falsehoods.
Recognizing and Exposing False Teachers
Marty emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing and exposing false teachers. False teachings can infiltrate the church and lead believers astray. It is our responsibility to be discerning and to test everything against the standard of God’s Word.
Marty urges us to familiarize ourselves with the true teachings of Scripture so that we can identify false teachings when they arise. He emphasizes the need to expose false teachers for the protection of the spiritual family. By doing so, we safeguard the purity of the gospel and uphold the truth of God’s Word.
Confidence in Salvation and Assurance of Eternity
Marty reminds us of the importance of having confidence in our salvation and the assurance of eternity with God. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, but it is essential to understand and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Through faith, we can have confidence that our sins are forgiven and that we have eternal life with God. Marty encourages us to rest in the assurance that once we are saved, nothing can separate us from the love of God. This assurance gives us hope and peace, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Relying on the Prophetic Word of Scripture
Marty emphasizes the importance of relying on the prophetic word of Scripture. God’s Word is a lamp to guide our steps and a light to illuminate our path. In a world filled with darkness and confusion, the knowledge of God and His Word provide clarity and direction.
Marty encourages us to meditate on the truth of Scripture and let it shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. By grounding ourselves in God’s Word, we can discern the truth and make choices that align with His will. Relying on the prophetic word of Scripture strengthens our faith and enables us to stand firm even in the face of adversity.
Following God’s Word and Seeking His Guidance
In conclusion, Marty reminds us to be diligent in walking with God and trusting in His perfect plan. Just as we carefully select the essentials for a successful hike, we must choose to fill our spiritual backpacks with the right essentials. Following God’s Word, seeking His guidance, and actively living out our faith will enable us to navigate the journey of life with confidence and purpose.
Marty encourages us to continue growing in knowledge of God and His Word, to have confidence in our salvation, and to be discerning when it comes to false teachings. By relying on the prophetic word of Scripture and following God’s guidance, we can lead fruitful and productive lives that bring glory to His name.
So, as we embark on our spiritual journey, let us pack our spiritual backpacks with the essentials outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7. Let us walk with God, trust in His perfect plan, and be diligent in seeking His will. May we continue to grow in our knowledge of God and His Word and be a light in this world, reflecting His love and grace to all those we encounter.