Sorry to be such a late poster... I started on the study pretty well into the game. I think everyone pretty much covered the ground for Question 1 except for these little tidbits:
1. Of all the apostles, Peter and Paul both seemed keenly aware of their pasts: Paul as a former persecutor of the believers and Peter as one who had denied Christ. In that light, I find it especially meaningful that Peter would write of how precious the faith is. This gives me hope and comfort, for I, too, am an unworthy sinner with a past. The quality of my faith is as precious as Peter's. God loves me just as much.
2. Much has been made about the difference between Peter's faith and ours, but that difference is a result of the utilization of the resource. If Bill Gates somehow limited himself to living on my salary, his lifestyle would be much different even if he still had his billions in the bank. He would not be utilizing the resources he has.
Likewise, if my faith is "less" than Peter's, it is because I'm not utilizing the resources my heavenly Father provides to me.
Thanks!
== Ross ==