2 Peter 1-2

2 Peter 1-2

1. Study 2 Peter 1:1-4 and the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:4-8. “What Does It Mean to Be ‘Partakers of the Divine nature’?” (p. 423). Write a statement describing what you can do to more effectively escape “the corruption that is in the world” and partake of divine nature.

I can escape the corruption of the world by first seeking for that which is good and wholesome. We read in the Thirteenth Article of Faith: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. This, by definition, involves disposing of things that represent things that are not virtuous, lovely or of good report. I can escape “the corruption that is in the world” by being selective of personal media that I read, watch and listen to. Any entertainment, dialogues and conversations should not contain any material that is offensive to the Holy Spirit. If we find however, that the Spirit is offended by what we think, say or do, then we need to change our behaviors, and repent of our offense in order to gain the Spirit back into our lives.

2. Read 2 Peter 1:5-7 and compare the attributes of divine nature Peter mentioned with those listed in Doctrine and Covenants 4:5-7. Then describe a particular activity, action, or conduct you could do to further develop each attribute listed from 2 Peter 1:5-7:

·         Faith: activities that I can do to develop faith along with hope, is to study and read the Scriptures on a daily basis, pray frequently throughout the day, as well as attend my church meetings, and perform callings.

·         Virtue: I can have a virtuous conduct by using good language and manners, whether I’m by myself, with my family and friends, and out in public. I can also show virtue in my activities by selecting good music, movies, and books. I can show virtue in my actions by doing good towards others, for instance when I’m out in public I can allow someone to get in front me while driving, hold the door for somebody, etc.

·         Knowledge: I can develop my knowledge by continually “feasting upon the words of Christ”. (2 Ne. 32:3) I can also develop knowledge by seeking “out of the best books words of wisdom” and to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)

·         Temperance: I can develop temperance, or self-control, by developing the self-discipline to wake up at a descent time in the morning, and by going to bed at the appropriate time at night.

·         Patience: I can develop patience over a lifetime of experience. Patience is something you cannot develop overnight.

·         Godliness: I can develop godliness by making sure that I keep the Priesthood Covenants I made at baptism, obtaining the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, and making the New and Everlasting Covenant with my wife in the House of the Lord.

·         Kindness: I can develop kindness in word and deed, by helping those around me, even if they are a total stranger.

·         Charity: I can develop charity, by developing the compassion for those who stand in need of my succor.

3. Read 2 Peter 1:8-12. Several times in these verses Peter used the term “these things.” “These things” are the attributes listed in verse 5-7. Explain in writing what Peter said he would do with “these things.” What did Peter say would happen to those who develop these attributes in abundance?

Peter said he would not be negligent to remind us of these divine attributes. Those who develop these Christ-like attributes will be established in the present truth.

4. Read John 17:3 and 3 Nephi 27:27. Then, write a paragraph describing the relationship between possessing these attributes and knowing the Lord. Why [is it] so important to develop these attributes?

The relationship between developing these Christ-like attributes and knowing the Lord is that as we come to know these attributes we come to understand the faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, kindness and charity of both the Father and the Son. It’s important to develop these attributes because in our mortal journey here on the earth, and as members of the human family, our deepest desire to return to the eternal presence of God, and by developing these traits are what will build character; and they are vital to us preparing to entering godhood.

5. Read 2 Peter 1:10; Mosiah 26:20; Doctrine and Covenants 132:49; and the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:10, “What Is Meant by Having One’s Calling and Election Made Sure?” (p. 423) and “Must an Individual Be Married for eternity to Have His Calling and Election Made Sure?” (p. 423). Describe in writing what Peter exhorts the Saints to seek. What does it mean to make your calling and election sure?

Peter is exhorting the Saints to seek exaltation. We read in the Book of Mormon: “Now is the time for men to prepare to meet God”. In essence with making sure that one’s calling and election is sure is by taking the necessary steps towards exaltation and eternal life. Men must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, and be baptized for the remission of sins and receive the great gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see Articles of Faith 1:4). The institute manual teaches that a man or a woman cannot receive eternal life without first receiving marriage in the Temple of God, and having that sealing done by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

6. Read 2 Peter 1:20-21 (note JST footnote a) and the institute student manual commentary for 2 Peter 1:21, “How Does One Correctly Interpret Scripture?” (p. 423). Write a paragraph explaining what Peter taught about interpreting the scriptures. How can you ensure that you interpret scriptures correctly? How have the teaching of Church leaders or the guidance of the Spirit helped you understand a particular scripture?

Peter taught that there is no private interpretation to be given by the will and mind of man, but rather is to be dictated by the teachings of the Holy Spirit of God. Prophecy is given by the power of the Spirit and by the will of God, but not by the will of man. I can make sure that I’m interpreting the scriptures correctly by praying for the Holy Ghost to confirm and correct the interpretation. I can also seek the words from church authorities in helping me understand the interpretation of the scriptures.