Building Blocks
“A Foundation of Faith”
2 Peter 1:1-4 

When we assemble the building blocks of godly character, we can be effective and fruitful in all areas of our lives. 

“Faith…is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.” –Elton Trueblood 

Four Qualities of Real Faith (2 Peter 1:1-4)

1. Faith is found in a person (v. 1-2)	

Real faith is not just believing in a religion, but growing in a relationship with Christ. 

“For God made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” –2 Cor. 5:21  

2. Faith involves a divine power (v. 3) 

The Christian faith is not merely a set of doctrines to be accepted, but a power to be experienced.

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”  –2 Timothy 1:7

The way we gain freedom and victory is not through willpower, but yielding to the Spirit’s power.

3. Faith is trusting in God’s promises (v. 4)

His promises bring peace, comfort, strength and wisdom. 

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” –2 Cor. 1:20

4. Faith is partaking in the divine nature (v. 4)

The more we’re like Jesus, the less we’re like the world. 

How do we access God’s power and promises?  
By developing holy habits in our lives. 

Quiet prayer: Connect to God
Devote 5 minutes for 5 days this week

Scripture reading: Renew your mind
Devote 15 minutes for 5 days this week

When we yield to His power and trust in His promises, we can fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.  

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Remembering God’s Promises:

Fear
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –Isaiah 41:10

Discouragement
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9

Plans for the future
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Anxiety
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7-8

Defeating temptation
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” –James 4:7-8

Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” –James 1:5

Courage
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 
–2 Timothy 1:7

Provision & Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” –Matthew 5:25-27

Forgiveness
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” –Ephesians 4:32

God’s Mercy
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:22-23

Anger
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not fulfill the righteous life that God desires.” –James 1:19

Integrity
“O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.” –Psalm 15:1-2

Humility
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 
–Philippians 2:3-4

Loving your enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:43-45

Security
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” –Psalm 91:1-2