2 Peter 1:1-15

Overview of 2 Peter

Author: Peter

Location: probably written in prison in Rome

Date: probably close to his execution 64-67

Audience: he mentions second letter to these churches, so probably Asia Minor 2 Peter 3:1

Themes

The power of God’s grace

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

Results: fruitful lives

Revelation of truth in Christ as found in Scripture is sure because it is from God, not from man

Believers will face persecution and opposition, be ready

Purpose

1) to expose such false teachers for what they were

2) to set before the churches the conditions of survival when doctrinal and moral perversions infiltrate their fellowships appearing to carry all before them. (BST 2 Peter, pg 2 printout)

Today’s Lesson: 1 Peter 1:1-15

v1: From the very start, we know it is from Peter

equal standing: all of us have equal standing before God because of “our God and Savior Jesus Christ” and his righteousness

v2: Truth - true “knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord”

v3: We are called by God to his glory and excellence

v4: great promises - likeness to God (1:4) Christ’s return (3:4) eternal life in Heaven (1 Peter 1:4)

“partakers of the divine nature” - We do not become part of God, we live in a moral and virtuous way that imitates Christ

v5: supplement your faith - confess faith in Christ and live as he taught, this faith leads to the virtues mentioned.

v9: lack these qualities… forgotten that he was cleansed

a) could be person whose “cleansing” was merely external and not a true change of heart

b) could be genuine Christian who has fallen into serious sin

v10: God calls believers through the Gospel (2 Thess. 2:14), but has also chosen (elected) them “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4)

Those who practice will never fall… - Into apostasy (falling away from the faith)

He is not saying that true believers can fall into this category

Those who do not practice these things were never really called or elected or born again.

v11: richly provided - if you do what Peter is saying, definite eternal glory in heaven, some think degrees of blessing and reward in this life and in heaven (not prosperity gospel).

v12: remind you even though you are established in the truth.

I think relevant for us today as then

We need reminders!

v 13: I am going to keep doing it as long as I am here!

v14: I know I am going to die soon

Probably Nero’s persecution

v15: I am going to do all I can to make sure you stay true after my departure