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2 Peter

Introduction

Around AD 65 the apostle Peter was imprisoned in Rome by the emperor Nero, and he realized that he would soon be executed. Since he was an eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus, he decided to write another letter to the believers he had written to before, confirming what they had been taught about Jesus. False teachers were proposing that, since Jesus hadn’t returned already, his return couldn’t be expected at all. Because they didn’t expect any future judgment, they were living immoral lives. (Peter likely learned about the threat of these teachers from a letter sent by Jude, a brother of Jesus, to warn believers against them. Peter’s letter echoes Jude’s, but in shorter form. See Jude.)

Peter answers the false teachers by stressing that he personally saw the glory and majesty of Jesus on the sacred mountain (see Mark 9:2-13). Everyone will see this glory when Jesus returns. In powerful imagery Peter describes the false teachers’ destructive effect on the community and the judgment that awaits them. In the final section of his letter, Peter explains that the Messiah’s return has been delayed because God wants everyone to repent. Our proper response is to live good lives filled with hope, since we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

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2 Peter Chapter 1 (ESV)

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, ⁴ by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Reflection

1. Chapter at a Glance: God in His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. We are to make every effort to grow in spiritual virtues. Christian faith rest upon the testimonies of eyewitnesses. God’s prophetic words were spoken by men moved by the Holy Spirit.
2. An exercise bicycle helps us build stamina and slims thighs. But it does no good at all unless we put in our daily effort.  Our relationship with God is something like this.  The resource we need to live a God-pleasing life is always there for us. But to benefit from what God has provided, we have to put in the effort.
3. We are to make every effort to live a Christian life. We begin with faith, and we go on, and concentrate on developing the following Christian virtues: Good character (virtue), spiritual understanding (knowledge), alert discipline (self-control), passionate patience (steadfastness), reverent wonder (godliness), warm friendliness (brotherly affection), and generous love.  If these qualities “are increasing”, they will keep us from “being ineffective or unfruitful”
4. Take time to ponder each character trait. Then think about those you are doing well in.  Think about those you need to grow in.
5. Admit your need for God’s guidance and help in your growth in him. Ask him to help you grow in those areas where you recognize you need the most improvement.

PRAYER:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.

HYMN:

More Like Jesus – youtu.be/chbMVsgGbgs