Week 35 — Abiding and Spiritual Diligence | Blake Hutchings

Week 35 — Abiding and Spiritual Diligence | Blake Hutchings | 2 Peter 1:3-8

Tension: Grace received vs. growth neglected

Formation Outcome: Intentional spiritual maturity

Grounding Questions:

•  Why do believers sometimes assume spiritual growth will happen automatically?

•  What is the difference between earning salvation and making every effort to grow?

Expository Teaching:

Second Peter 1 begins by emphasizing that God has already given believers everything needed for life and godliness. Growth begins with divine provision, not human achievement.

Peter then says:

“For this very reason, make every effort…”

This phrase is important. Grace does not eliminate effort. Grace empowers effort. Believers do not grow in order to earn salvation, but because God has supplied what is needed for mature life.

Peter lists qualities to be added: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These qualities reflect a life being formed by Christ over time.

The tension is between receiving grace and neglecting growth. Some believers treat salvation as the end of spiritual responsibility. Peter teaches that those who have received divine life are called to active participation in growth.

This fits the ABIDE theme because abiding is not passive. A branch remains connected, but life in the branch produces development. Spiritual diligence is how believers cooperate with the grace God supplies.

Group Discussion Questions:

•  What does Peter say God has already given believers?

•  Why does grace lead to effort rather than laziness?

•  Which quality in Peter’s list feels most needed in your life right now?

•  What intentional practice would help you grow in that area?

MacDonald Ave Church of Christ, Richmond, CA Sunday Morning Bible Class, September 27, 2026 (Revision.1)