Growing Through Experience: Peter's Letters

This 2002 series, Growing Through Experience: Peter’s Letters, delivered by Brother Michael Owen, takes listeners through the writings of the apostle Peter, highlighting how his own growth in faith and character is reflected in his epistles. These talks reveal how Peter’s lessons in humility, endurance, and trust in God became the foundation for his pastoral counsel to believers facing trial. The series blends scriptural exposition with practical application, encouraging disciples today to see growth as a lifelong process shaped by suffering, faith, and hope in the return of Christ.

A Living Hope

The opening class reflects on Peter’s journey from impetuous fisherman to steadfast apostle, showing how his letters point believers to a living hope through the resurrection of Christ. It emphasizes the certainty of God’s promises and the call to holiness while preparing hearts for the reality of suffering in the walk of faith.

A Sure Foundation

This lecture draws out Peter’s understanding of Christ as the chief cornerstone, the secure foundation upon which lives must be built. Believers are urged to resist being conformed to the world, to grow through the sincere milk of the Word, and to pursue holiness rooted in God’s character.

A Meek and Quiet Spirit

Here Peter’s call to submission and humility is developed, showing how true praise to God comes not from outward display but from inner disposition. The lesson applies this principle to relationships in the ecclesia, in families, and in daily life, with Christ as the supreme example of patient endurance.

Effective Discipleship

The fourth class considers what it means to follow Christ in practice. Drawing from Peter’s exhortations, it highlights sound-mindedness, prayerfulness, love, and resilience in the face of trial. The lesson shows how effective discipleship requires both inner discipline and outward care for others.

Partakers of the Divine Nature

This study turns to Peter’s second letter, focusing on the “exceeding great and precious promises” by which believers are made partakers of the divine nature. The talk urges continual growth in virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, Godliness, and love, reminding listeners of the urgency of their calling and the certainty of Christ’s return.

Looking for the Coming of the Lord

The final lecture emphasizes Peter’s forward-looking faith as he prepared for his own departure. It reflects on how trials refine believers, shaping them for service in God’s kingdom. With urgency and warmth, the class exhorts disciples to remain steadfast, to keep growing, and to live each day in anticipation of the Lord’s return.

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