2 Peter 1:12-21

1.  Read the whole passage.  What first impressions do you get of Peter from his words here?  How would you describe his attitude towards:
    - the Christians he's writing to?
    - the Lord Jesus?
    - the Old Testament prophets?
 
2. Look at vv.12-15.  Why is it so important to Peter that Christians remember the gospel of grace (see vv.1-11 for Peter's description of some of the fundamental truths of the gospel)?  Why is it so important for us today?  
 
3. Think a bit about what the gospel tells us about God - about Jesus - about ourselves - and about the future.  What aspects of the gospel do you most easily forget in your daily life?  What aspects of the gospel are most precious to you?
 
4. What practical steps could you take to help someone remember the gospel of grace?  (The 'someone' could be your children; your husband/wife; someone in your homegroup; a friend from another church...)  Be realistic  (preaching a sermon to them won't always be the best way...!).
 
5. How can you make the gospel of grace drive your life as a Christian?  How can we make it drive our life as a church?
 
6. vv.16-18.  Do you think much about the glory of Jesus?  If you had to describe to someone what you find most glorious about Jesus, what would you say?
 
7.  People today still claim that Christians are gullible to believe what the Bible tells them about Jesus.  How do Peter's words - and Peter's life - help us deal with those accusations?
 
8. vv.19-21.  What is your general attitude towards the Bible?  Is it similar or different to Peter's attitude here?
 
9. How can the Bible shed light for us in this dark world (v.19)?  Can you think of a time when you felt God's word really shed light on something for you?  Share that with the group if you can.
 
10.  What one thing have you been encouraged by in this passage?  And what has challenged you?