Week 3: 2 Peter

Recap:

Sanctification: Spirit uses Word to make child of God more like Son for God’s glory.

Divine nature being nurtured in us leads to growth, as seen in 2 Peter 1:4-8. All of the traits listed build upon faith as the foundation, each is the basis for the next.

Growth should make us fruitful and effective. No growth leaves us without vision and without assurance.

Calls upon believers to make their calling and election sure, meaning steadfast and firm.

Peter on Repetition: 2 Peter 1:12-15

“I don’t want you to stumble or to be deceived, so I will continue to remind you of the truths you’re already standing in. I’m departing soon, and I want you to be able to remember these key truths even after I’m gone.”

Repetition of these truths - Repeating anything can be awkward and can even become frustrating, for the giver and receiver. But it’s important.

What is repeated: 1:16 gives us two things: 1) the power of God at work in believers as evidenced in v. 4-11 from last week; and 2) the second coming of Jesus, which we’ll address more tonight.

Why it’s repeated: On Peter’s part:

Took it as a serious duty - “I will not be negligent.” Jesus called him to the work of strengthening brethren (Luke 22:31-32)

Took it as not only a good thing but also the right thing - “I think it meet/right.”

Knew his time was limited.

For their benefit:

False teachers play the grace card as an excuse for immoral living and deny the return of Jesus.

Human heart tends to forget: God tells Israel as much in Deuteronomy. And Jesus tells the disciples that’s one of the main reasons the Holy Spirit is coming (John 14:26)

World tries to conform us to its mold (Romans 12:2)

In my personal ministry: There are subjects that I refer to frequently, and I tend to repeat some things. I don’t suppose it was intentional at first, but it’s become more intentional over time because of the world we’re living in.

I believe the Bible is true. All of it, Gen. to Rev. We must reject modern ideas that part or all of the Bible is flawed or false.

I believe it points to Jesus, Gen. to Rev. Not just a collection of literature.

Suffering, trials, and endurance because we all face those things and we need to be reminded of the grace of God that’s sufficient even in our weakness.

If we’re going to get stuck in a rut, let’s be sure its those ruts carved out by Jesus and the saints of great faith who’ve followed in His steps.

Peter on Readiness - 2 Peter 1:15-16

Peter wanted them to know these truths, not just for recall in times of adversity but for a lifetime of living. He uses the Second Coming of Christ as a motivator for godly living.

False teachers attacked the idea of a second coming, but Peter gives 2 sources of credibility: 1) the witness of the apostles; and 2) the prophetic Word.

Peter on Reassurance - 2 Peter 1:15-21

1. Reassured by eyewitnesses. 16-18

1:16-18: Eyewitnesses of the transfiguration event. Saw with eyes His glory, heard with their ears the voice of God speak.

Note: “the excellent glory” in v. 17 KJV is “The Majestic Glory” in ESV, NASB, CSB, NIV, NKJV. All except NLT, and even that says from the glory of the father. The glorious One gave glory to His Son. God Himself approved. Col. 1:19

Really cool note: Matt. 16:28, Mk 9:1, Luke 9:27

All these verses state some of those apostles would not die until they saw the kingdom of God come. The Transfiguration was that moment! They got a preview of the glory of Jesus when He will return.

They also got a firsthand experience with what God says about unjust suffering that comes from His will bringing Him glory.

2. Reassured by Word itself. 19-21

What he says in 19 tells us that as great as firsthand eyewitness experience may be, God’s Word is even more powerful and reliable than personal experience.

All of the Scripture points to Jesus. So we have to be careful with teaching that tries to twist Scripture to say anything outside of that. God will never contradict His word.

Someone who tries to manipulate Scripture not only changes its meaning, but also cancels out its authority.

It’s putting words in God’s mouth. (Jeremiah 23:16 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.” Ezekiel 13:3 “Thus says the Lord God, Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!”

“This muffles the voice of God at best and puts words in his mouth at worst. Either way we miss hearing and obeying what God has for us.”

Who puts words in God’s mouth first and still does? Satan!

Peter on Revelation - 2 Peter 1:19-21

V. 19 tells us that God’s word shines in a dark place until the day dawns and the daystar arises. The world is dark because of sin and corruption and continues to grow darker with increasing false teaching and the deception of many. But God’s word is the light! It’s like a divine flashlight to transform us into his image and light our path!

Closing illustration: We’ve discussed tonight that false teaching muffles the voice of God, and we’ve just seen it also dims a person’s views of reality, of God, and of the Gospel. I picture someone walking around with sunglasses and headphones, things the world has provided. They think they look cool, they’re connected/tuned in to something. But they don’t see or hear clearly, except the program or false gospel the world has amplified in their ears.

We must let the Word of God be a light.