WE ONLY SCRATCHED THE SURFACE 3-5-72 AM AND NOW WE WANT TO DIG DEEPLY FOR THE NUGGETS OF GOLD HERE

1. II Peter shows us that our great recourses to fight apostacy is in precious wealth of God's
2. But many times we walk around in beggar's clothing even though we are billionaires - gold in bag
3. We need to check the great gifts of God, and make sure we have all that God has for us!

You may need to lay claim to a real motherload of wealth you have yet not seen!

I.- IT IS GOD THAT GIVES GIFTS

Have Faith in God's Word- Today concentrate your mind on His Gifts- not on rewards that are earned

A.- THE KEY TO THIS PASSAGE IS FOUND IN THE ENGLISH WORDS "HATH GIVEN" IN VERSE 3-

1. There is a fine Greek word "Didomi" to give, if I gave you a hand, a book, a small present-
2. But this is "Doreo" - meaning a royal grant, regal bequest, - some kind of great worthy gift
3. The picture is that of a large-handed generosity - but a completely free gift, no strings.

B.- THESE GIFTS EMINATE FROM GOD'S GREAT AND WONDERFUL GRACE, NOT OF OUR WORKS OR DESSERTS -

1.This is not earned by our works, we have not merited these gifts, we cannot claim our rights
2. The Perfect Participle is used for past completed act with present resulting influence.
3. This means that we possess, with no strings attached, permanently because of God's past actions

C.- THE GREATEST VALUES IN LIFE PRETAIN TO GOD'S GREAT AND WONDERFUL GIFTS, DO NOT MISS THEM

1. He gave us His Own Son- John 3:16 - because of His great love, so that we need not perish
2. He gave us His Spirit Eph 5:18 Be Filled Imperative, Present, Plural,-PASSIVE done to us
3. And His full Joy I John 1:4-Passive (God does it), perfect (forever), Subjunctive-(Up to you)

Because of God's great grace, He has some great and precious gifts that He wants to give!

II.- GOD'S GIFTS ARE GREAT

He wants to give to us all things that pertain to life and godliness - what a bank account!

A.- THE ONLY LIMIT - "ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE POWER", AND THE DIVINE POWER IS SHOWN

1. "Divine" is a strange word- Classical Greek-"Theias" from Zeus - with special meaning
2. This word is used to illustrate the attributes of God regarding His greatness
3. The word "Power" dunamis, means that which overcomes all resistance- Dynamite!

B.- GOD GIVES TO US ALL THINGS THAT PRETAIN TO LIFE AND HOW PEOPLE TODAY WANT TO LIVE IT UP

1. Not bios- meaning Biological necessities- food, clothing, shelter, sex, reproduction-etc.
2. But Zoe - meaning full of vitality, animation, dynamic, world wide physical, social, spiritual
3. This means a vibrant life, really living & enjoying it! Christians should out live world!

C.- GOD GIVES TO US ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO GODLINESS, AND PEOPLE TODAY GRASP FOR GOD-like-NESS 

1. The word "Godliness" means well worship, or worship rightly directed How we need this
2. In classic Greek- it also means piety or rightly showing reverence and respect! In Church?
3. So this combines to mean a vibrant life on earth with spiritual homage to a living God

When you have these gifts- you are a walking ad for cosmetics & Dale Carnegie- Beautiful People

III.- THESE GIFTS ARE IN CHRIST!

There is only one way! And only one whereby you might obtain these free gifts of Grace!  No other way.

A.- SOME TRY TO TAKE A SHORTCUT, OR COUNTERFEIT GOD'S WAY, TO PRESERVE THEIR OWN PROUD WILL!

1. Make sure v. 10 of your own calling and election! Examine yourself if you be of the faith
2. Some follow cunning devised fables-v.16, others listen to false prophets-2:1, scoffers- 3:3
3. The saddest words of Jesus- Matt 7:21-3 "Depart from me- I never knew you!" after so much?

B.- THERE ARE GREAT GIFTS GIVEN ONLY ONE WAY "THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS" v.2,3,8

1. The repetition of this expression- do not miss this knowledge - Come to Know Jesus!
2. Not Gnosis (Gnostics) meaning imperfect, partial, theoretical, intellectual, knowledge
3. But Epignosis - meaning full, perfect, precise knowledge through acceptance and experience

C. TO KNOW JESUS ARIGHT MUST INVOLVE A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH HIM, NOT JUST HEAD ASSENT

1. The Bible was written to give you this Knowledge- Next Year- the Life of Christ -Person,
2. We have many people who know Him this way- who would be glad to introduce you-If you will!
3. but drop the "and" in v.1,2 - for our God is Jesus our Lord! God is our Savior -

If you do not Know Him then drop all other matters until you resolve this great mystery!

HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS "SUCH A KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS" IS BLIND, AND CANNOT SEE " - v.9

1. Open your eyes to Jesus and march down the Aisle to take His hand, by faith be saved!
2. Water Baptism confesses to the World that you are His and He is yours!
3. Church Membership lets people know where you stand regarding "His Body" the church.

We have student membership - Watchcare for Students and Winter visitors