In 2 Peter Chapter 1, our teacher John Mathews emphasizes that

believers have “Everything We Need” for a godly life through their

knowledge of Jesus Christ. He reassures us that Jesus’ sacrifice is

sufficient and that the teachings of the apostles provide us with all

the necessary guidance. Peter encourages Christians to lead lives

of virtue, knowledge, self-control, godliness and love, confirming

their calling and election. He also affirms the truthfulness of

Scripture, emphasizing that prophecy is not open to personal

interpretation but is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

These chapters encourage Christians to live for God’s will and

to expect suffering as part of their faith journey. Believers

are reminded to use their gifts to serve others, and elders are

instructed on how to shepherd the flock. The final exhortation is

to be humble, casting anxieties on God, and to be vigilant against

the devil’s attacks. The letter closes with personal greetings and a

call to stand firm in the grace of God.

1 Peter Chapter 3 addresses the roles of wives and husbands,

highlighting the importance of inner beauty and consideration. It

discusses how to handle suffering for doing good, reminding us

that Christ also suffered. Peter explains baptism as a pledge of a

good conscience toward God and emphasizes that it

In 1 Peter Chapter 2, believers are described as living stones being

built into a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone. Christians

are urged to live honourably among others, even when wronged,

and to submit to authority out of reverence for God. Peter reminds

us that Jesus suffered for us, leaving an example to follow, and that

we are called to endure for doing good.

In 1 Peter Chapter 1, the apostle addresses Christians who are

dispersed and facing trials, providing them with hope and assurance.

He celebrates the new birth through Jesus Christ, which promises

an inheritance that is incorruptible. Peter reminds believers of

their salvation, a theme prophesied by the prophets and longed

to be seen by angels. He calls for holy living, in reverence to God,

and encourages love among the faithful, as they are cleansed by

obeying the truth.

James Chapter 5 warns the rich about the misery that awaits

them due to their selfishness and injustice toward workers. It

encourages patience in suffering, just like a farmer waits for the

harvest. Christians are to avoid grumbling against each other

and to follow the example of the prophets and Job who showed

endurance. James emphasizes the importance of honesty, prayer

and confession of sins to one another. He also highlights the power

of prayer, using Elijah as an example. The chapter concludes with

the call to bring back those who have wandered from the truth, as

this saves souls and covers a multitude of sins.

In James Chapters 3 and 4, John Mathews teaches the power

and danger of the tongue. He illustrates how a small organ can

have a significant impact, likening it to a rudder steering a ship.

The chapters call for self-examination, urging believers to replace

jealousy and selfish ambition with humility and wisdom from

above. James calls out worldly desires as the source of conflicts

and challenges believers to draw near to God, cleanse their lives

and submit to his will, promising that humility before the Lord leads

to exaltation.

John Mathews addresses the relationship between faith and works

in James Chapter 2. He teaches that genuine faith is evidenced by

good deeds. The chapter warns against favouritism and the sin of

partiality, reminding us that loving our neighbour is central to living

out our faith. James uses the examples of Abraham and Rahab to

illustrate that faith is made complete by actions. A living faith is

active and produces works that align with God’s will.