Chapter 1
-Peter writes to those who have obtained a faith equal to
his own as an apostle and servant of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1). This faith is
based on the righteousness of God and is not earned or merited in any way (2
Peter 1:1b). Because of this, grace and peace can be multiplied to the
recipients of this letter in the true and accurate knowledge of the Lord (2
Peter 1:2).
-Our calling is real, it gives Divine power, and grants us
EVERYTHING we need that pertains to life (abundant life, John 10:10) and
godliness through this genuine faith and knowledge of Him, who calls us to His
own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3). God gives us His very great and
precious promises so that we can become partakers of His Divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world (the fallen world) because of
sinful desire (2 Peter 1:4, James 1:14-15). Because we are partakers in the
Divine nature, growth is expected. We are to add to our faith making every
effort in the following areas that Peter points out. We are to grow in virtue
(moral excellence, goodness), knowledge (becoming stronger in the wisdom of
God, studious, diligent), self-control (self-mastery, not angered easily, cool
under pressure), steadfastness (patience, endurance, fortitude), Godliness
(piety, uprightness), brotherly love (kindness, compassion), and agape (highest love form) (2 Peter
1:5-7). IF these qualities are ours and increasing, they will keep us from
being ineffective (useless, vain) and unfruitful (unproductive) in the
knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 1:8). If these qualities
are lacking, we become so nearsighted that we become blind (temporary indulgences)
and will forget our cleansing from sin and its power (2 Peter 1:9). Because of
this, we must become diligent to confirm our calling and election (2 Peter
1:10). Abiding in constant Christian growth will keep us from falling (2 Peter
1:10b). In this development of moral excellence and virtue by faith and
Christ’s righteousness we are provided entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11).
-Peter wants to remind his readers constantly of these
qualities. We knows what is at stake and is desperate to impart truth to them
before he leaves the natural earth for eternity (2 Peter 1:12-15).
*Application* Peter knew his time was limited and so should we. Don’t put off
till tomorrow what can be done today. Don’t be a spiritual procrastinator. Who
knows when the Lord will call you home? Be effective, be diligent, be
passionate, be on fire!
-The reality of Peter’s message is bound up in the fact that
he was an eyewitness of the Majestic Glory (that is Christ Jesus and His
transfiguration on the mountain). These are not cleverly devised myths. Jesus
came and He had all power. This prophetic Word has been confirmed and everyone
will do well to pay attention to it. It will light up your understanding taking
you from darkness into illumination dawning with the Morning Star right within
our hearts (2 Peter 1:16-19). *Application* Our God is real y’all! We best
start acting like its true because it is!
-No prophecy
of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. No prophecy was ever
produced by the will of man. It is ALL God ordained and spoken through the
agency of man as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).
This is the inspiration of the Word of God. He used common people, like Peter
in this instance, to communicate His perfect revelation to mankind for all time
and eternity. “The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of
spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of
the heart (Hebrews 4:12).” The Word accomplishes all that God wants it to
accomplish for redemptive purposes and does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). God
works within human personalities to communicate His Divine message to humanity.
*Application* Take some time to appreciate the creativity of God and how He
reveals Himself to us. Our own interpretation can’t make sense of anything. It
takes Him through His Holy Spirit to bring us the Word through the original
authors, and His Holy Spirit gives us illumination to understand and unlock the
mysteries of His Word in the present. What an awesome God we serve!
Verses to Memorize: 2
Peter 1:3-7, 20-21
No comments:
Post a Comment