Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
Peter’s repeated warning is aimed “especially” at Christians who refuse to grow and become “blind” and forget they were “purged from [their] old sins”; how does that challenge common modern categories like “saved but not serious,” and what signs would a group actually look for to diagnose this kind of spiritual amnesia?
Another way to ask: Peter warns Christians who stop growing can become “blind” and forget they were cleansed from old sins. How does this challenge the idea of being “saved but not serious,” and what signs would show someone has this kind of spiritual forgetfulness?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, Peter does not allow a category where a Christian can safely stay stagnant; refusal to grow leads to real spiritual blindness and forgetfulness about cleansing. A group would diagnose this “amnesia” by looking for a lack of added virtues and a life that becomes barren, unfruitful, and disconnected from remembrance of Christ’s work.
- The speaker emphasizes Peter is “especially talking to Christians… not talking to the world.”
- Peter’s warning is quoted: one who “lacketh these things is blind… and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
- He interprets it: “If we refuse to grow… we become blind,” and “soon forget he who formed them… cleansed them.”
- Growth is active: “add to your faith…,” “be actively involved,” and “give it all we’ve got.”
- The promised contrast: if virtues “be in you and abound,” you will not be “barren nor unfruitful,” and you will not feel “empty or worthless.”