Lesson 12

2 Peter; 1 John



Complete assignment 1 and any three of the remaining assignments:

1.  2 Peter 1. Attributes of Divine Nature

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.

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
  • Virtue
  • Knowledge
  • Temperance
  • Patience
  • Godliness
  • Kindness
  • Charity

Read 2 Peter 1:8–12. Several times in these verses Peter used the term these things. “These things” are the attributes listed in verses 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?

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

Read 2 Peter 1:10; Mosiah 26:20; Doctrine and Covenants 132:49 and the 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 exhorted the Saints to seek. What does it mean to make your calling and election sure?

Read 2 Peter 1:20–21 (note JST footnote a) and the 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 teachings of Church leaders or the guidance of the Spirit helped you understand a particular scripture?

2.  2 Peter 2. Teaching

Read 2 Peter 2:1–19. Record the characteristics of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps you recognize false teachers today.

Read 2 Peter 2:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, 7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world.”

3.  2 Peter 3. The Second Coming

Read 2 Peter 3, and be sure to use the information in the Joseph Smith Translation as you read. Describe in writing what counsel Peter gave that can help us avoid false teachings and remain faithful as we prepare for the Second Coming. Chapter 3 describes “scoffers,” who attempt to explain away the signs and prophecies of the Second Coming. Write a paragraph describing what Moroni 7:12–17; Doctrine and Covenants 45:57; 46:7–8 teach that can help us avoid deception.

Read 2 Peter 3:10 and underline the phrases you find about the Second Coming. Then complete the following tasks:

  • Read Joseph Smith––Matthew 1:3–39 and write the name of the parable that helps the “elect . . . know” (v. 39) the season of the Second Coming. If the righteous are going to know the season of the Second Coming from the signs given, then whom will the Second Coming be like a “thief in the night” for? (2 Peter 3:10; see also Joseph Smith––Matthew 1:46–48). 
  • Explain in writing how Doctrine and Covenants 133:41 helps us understand the source of burning at the time of the Second Coming.

4. 1 John 1–3. That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God

Read 1 John 1:1–4. Describe in writing John’s desire for those he wrote to. Study the following scripture references and then list what these verses teach about how we can come to know God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:

Choose one of the ways to greater joy and fellowship with God as you described it above and write a paragraph explaining how you can better implement those principles in your life.

5.  1 John 3–5. Walk in the Light and Love of God

Read 1 John 3:16–23; 4:7–21. Write a paragraph telling how God shows His love for us and how we can show our love for Him.

Read 1 John 4:9–10. List the manifestations of God’s love mentioned in these verses. Read John 3:16; 1 John 5:11; 2 Nephi 9:10. Explain in writing how sending His Son to atone for our sins manifests Heavenly Father’s love for us.

Study 1 John 5:1–4; JST, 1 John 5:18; Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:14; Moses 6:59–60. Write a paragraph on how a person becomes “born of God.”

6.  2 John. Abide “in the Doctrine of Christ”

Read 2 John 1:7 and the student manual commentary for 2 John 7, “For Many Deceivers Are Entered into the World” (p. 437). Summarize in one or two paragraphs the false doctrine John warned against, where it came from, and what effect it would have if it were believed.

Read 2 John 1:8–13. Write one or two sentences explaining what counsel John gave that could help avoid this and other false doctrines generally.

7.  3 John. “Walk in Truth”

Read 3 John 1:1–11. Write a brief comparison between the actions of Gaius and Diotrephes. Read the student manual Points to Ponder section “Disobedience to Priesthood Authority” (p. 441). List some of the results that come to those who criticize the leaders of the Church. Read Alma 39:11. What influence could Gaius’s and Diotrephes’s examples have on others?