Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson.

1. How important do you think it is for an architect or builder to have top quality tools, materials, and training to complete a masterful work?

2. How do you explain why some people accept Jesus and are baptized into him, but yet quickly depart from the faith?

Read 2 Peter 1:3, 4

1. Verse 3 makes no qualms about it: Jesus gives us theias dynameōs (divine power, or miraculous godly force) for everything (yes, everything!) that we need in our lives. Do you feel equipped to live your fullest Christian life? Why or why not? How do you resolve how you may feel with the truth of this Scripture?

2. Consider the great and precious promises of Jesus, not only for our past salvation and our present struggles, but also for a future time when he will return again. How does his glory and goodness achieve these promises?

3. How does Jesus help us “participate in the divine nature” and escape “the corruption in the world caused by evil desires?” 

4. Roles matter. There is Jesus’ part but there is also our part to consider. Discuss what role we have in participating in godliness and escaping evil.

Read 2 Peter 1:5-9

5. This passage is like stair-stepping upward in maturity as we build upon each sequential characteristic. Where do we start as believers? Where do we end? How does each step tie together?

6. Many of us have known people who accepted Jesus and were baptized, but soon departed from the faith. What is the hazard of not growing in maturity in increasing measure? Why do you think Peter used the phrase “nearsighted and blind” to describe people lacking in these qualities? 

Read 2 Peter 1:10, 11

7. How can you make your calling and election sure? “For if you do these things . . .”  (v. 10). List the things in all these passages that Peter is telling believers to do.

8. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. As Christians, we build our works on the solid foundation of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Brainstorm what makes up works like gold, silver, jewels, and wood, hay, or straw. Discuss how to make your kingdom work last for eternity. Will your works survive the fire?

Conclude your group time with prayer, using the following as a guide.

Jesus, you are our great and mighty foundation—immovable, indestructible, solid, and true. Holy Spirit, equip us with your power and help us to move forward in maturity from faith to absolute Christlike love so that we’ll never become blind to your sacrifice for us and we would receive the rich welcome awaiting us in Heaven.