II Peter 1:1-21, A Faithful Servant of the Lord

Second Peter 1:1-21, A Faithful Servant of the Lord.

*Peter reminds the flock. [1:12: Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance]. Peter emphasizes the necessity of remembering. Repetition brings remembrance. The way we think is the way we act. Truth must constantly be repeated. We need the fundamentals over and over again.

*Peter remembers that his time is limited to remind them that we live in a temporary tent. We need to focus on eternal things. [1:14: Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. John 21:18-19: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me].

*Peter reinforces the flock. Peter’s teachings would outlive him so that others would be taught. [1:15: Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance]. What are we leaving behind for God’s glory?

*Peter reveals that he saw God’s glory. [1:16-18: For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount].

*We have a prophetic Word confirmed. We can be sure that we have the Word of God. [1:20-21: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost]. We study God’s Word in context. Our experience has to be based on the Word of God. We need to revere and respect God’s Word. [2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness].