2 Peter Bible Study Notes- Chapter 3

Chapter 3

 

-This second letter, as it concludes, it much like the first letter in Peter’s estimation in that it is designed to stir up the believers’ minds by sincere reminders as to the prophetic utterances listed in Scripture by the command of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:1-2). He lists the prophets as well as the apostles as having this Divine authority into the revelation of God’s Word. First of all, he warns of the scoffing spirit that will be prevalent in the last days that scorn any thought that God is coming in judgment and that things will be different in the world. They will claim that all is going as it has since the creation and that the promise is null and void by God as to His coming. They overlook the fact that God has already judged the earth for sin once with the deluge of water in the flood and has reserved the next judgment for the destruction of the ungodly by fire (2 Peter 3:3-7). *Application* There will be a denial of the truth pertaining to God’s wrath and punishment upon those who reject Him as we see clearly in this passage. This is an easy point to argue in our present modern and tolerant age. No one wants to acknowledge that there is a Higher Power that is objective and concrete. Most deny any way that the Supreme Being would ever come for judgment and fire, even though His Word is being fulfilled prophetically every day. The culture has denied the existence of God and His coming by their actions in not being willing to repent and turn to Him in the distresses of our current time. They rationalize everything and try to construct a society without sin by legislation rather than Godly transformation. This will never work. God will have to come back and set things straight by His Word and Power. Acknowledgment of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ is the only cure for what ails the human condition.

-Peter maintains persistence in remembering that the Lord is patient and never slow in fulfilling His promises. One day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. In other words, time is of no essence to the Sovereign. He is desiring that everyone turn to Him in repentance so that none perish (2 Peter 3:8-9). *Application* Here we see the patience and impartiality of our Lord. We can also implicitly see His love for us in these verses. We should always thank Him for delaying His judgments on us. He gives everyone time who still need His forgiveness so that possibly His mercy might be extended to all. Receive the goodness of the Lord; He is waiting for you.

-“But, the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed (2 Peter 3:10).” Because of this irrefutable fact, what kind of people should we be in holiness and godliness (2 Peter 3:11)? *Application* This is the question Peter asks us and it is worth reflecting on. We should wait for and hasten (quicken, speed up) the coming of the day of the God in all hope, joy, faith, and love. We have the blessed assurance of a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). We are to be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace being patient at all times and in all ways as we wait for His glory (2 Peter 3:14-15). We are not to be carried away with the error of lawless people and lose our stability being twisted with illogical human rationale that the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction. These misinterpret and misuse Scripture for their own selfish desires and benefit (2 Peter 3:16-17). Instead, we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

-One more important point is made here in this chapter. Peter ascribes apostolic authority to Paul in his writing for Scriptural authenticity (2 Peter 3:15-16). While in a sense he wasn’t an eyewitness with the disciples (he was in his Damascus vision if we want to apply that), he is given apostolic authority by Peter, which is a very important piece of information here in this letter. This is important because Paul wrote over half of the New Testament Scriptures, which we subscribe to. We can also concur that some of the things Paul writes are hard to understand unless illuminated by the Holy Spirit to enlighten the meaning of these Divine texts. Therefore, Peter has made some important theological and canonical points here in this short letter pertaining to Scripture, or God’s Word (2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:1-2, 15-16).

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Peter 3:8-9

2 Peter Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2

Chapter 2

 

-Peter makes us aware of the reality of false prophets among the people both past and present in this chapter with a warning of impending doom for those who stray from the true knowledge of Christ and lead others astray. These false prophets have specific descriptions. They secretly bring in destructive heresies; they deny the Master who bought them; they are bringing upon themselves swift destruction (2 Peter 2:1). They blaspheme the way of the truth and take many down with them (2 Peter 2:2). In their greed they exploit with false words bringing on their just condemnation from long ago, which is neither idle nor asleep (2 Peter 2:3). *Application* If false prophets will always be among us, we must always be vigilant and aware of satanic influences that seek to harm and destroy us as believers. This is spiritual warfare 101, and we’d better be prepared for its reality. The only sure way to not be deceived is to know the truth. We know the truth by knowing the revealed Word of God, which is explicit in the Bible. It is our authority and guide. Trust it and avoid deception.

-The preserving of the saints and the sinners is dealt with in the next pericope of this chapter. For the righteous there will be rescue and deliverance. For the unrighteous there is binding until the proper punishment can be exacted towards unrepentance on the day of judgment, especially for those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority (2 Peter 2:4-10). *Application* We choose our sides in this cosmic battle over good and evil. Choose wisely my friend, the judgment will arrive sooner than we can imagine.

-There is no fear in the wrongdoers as Peter explains in the next paragraph of this chapter. False prophets are like unreasoning animals and creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. In other words, they will be caught in the trap of their own foolishness. They will garner the wage of their misconduct for all to see. Their adultery, insatiable sin, and enticements lead them to being accursed as wretched children who forsake the true way and go after the way of Balaam, who loved gain from wrongdoing in his greed. He was rebuked, and so will the false prophet (2 Peter 2:10b-16). *Application* Don’t be swayed by those doing immoral things. Walk away from it. The Word says to resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9).

-Peter goes on to describe false prophets as waterless springs and mists driven by a storm, which are reserved for utter gloom and doom (2 Peter 2:17). What the Lord is saying to us here is that there is a false hope in these ungodly people. Think about being thirsty for water and coming to a well with expectations only to be denied. Think about the storm clouds that promise rain, but only produce a slight mist, producing no sustenance. This is what false prophets are like; they produce no hope in the end. They promise freedom, but are slaves of corruption. They are overwhelmed by their selfish desire and are entrapped (2 Peter 2:19). These have apparently even tasted the Holy Spirit and His goodness, but have turned aside and have become entangled in the trap of sin and are overcome by it. For these, the end result is worse than before they even knew the truth of the gospel of Christ Jesus. They are like dogs who return to their vomit and pigs that become clean, yet desire to go back into the mire and mud to wallow in it (2 Peter 2:20-22). *Application* The emptiness and futility of the wayward false prophet should be heeded. We live in the last days for sure, and these false teachers and evil will increase (2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:3-4). Be careful who you listen to and let have authority in your life. Make sure they line up with the Word of God in teaching and practice. This will allow you to grow.

 

Verse to Memorize: 2 Peter 2:9

2 Peter Bible Study Notes- Chapter 1

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

2 Peter Bible Study Notes- Overview

Overview of 2 Peter for New Testament Reading

 

            “I’m warning you Billy, stay away from them boys. They’re up to no good, they’ll be the ruin of ya. If you know what’s best you’ll listen to your mama.” Statements like this one remind us of the wisdom of good ole mom and our younger days. Messages such as this served as a warning to impending demise if we decided that we would neglect such wise-sage counsel and venture down the road to danger. Wise young men steer clear of doom after taking heed to the words of caution.

            In the same way, Peter realized the impending danger of the early church as it grew up in the 1^st Century. Earlier the apostle had written a letter of encouragement and comfort during a time of intense suffering and persecution from primarily the outside, but now he writes a letter of warning from an internal attack from within the church, namely complacency and heresy. He speaks in this letter of holding fast to the nonnegotiable facts of the faith, of growing and maturing in the faith, and of rejecting all who would distort the truth. To follow his advice would ensure Christ exalting individuals and God honoring churches. This was his primary purpose for writing as he clearly saw his earthly ministry coming to an end in the near future (1:13-15). In fact it did come to an end through martyrdom shortly after this work somewhere around the year 67 AD, probably in Rome. In Peter’s last days he looked forward to the future of the church as Christ’s apostle and leader. He desperately wanted the faith to advance and not be polluted by those who would try to come in secretly to profane the name of Jesus Christ and His magnificent work of salvation.

            This book was one of the last books included in the biblical cannon, but after close scrutiny from the early church fathers it was incorporated into the New Testament. It has many similarities to the book of Jude and no doubt either borrowed from or contributed to that book in the New Testament as far as source goes.

            Peter uses blistering and potent language to a high degree grammatically as he makes his case for the purity of the church during these fledging years. This is a hard-hitting book that will exhort one to greater Christian maturity and prepare one for the onslaught of the enemy.

           

Major Themes:

 

Diligence- If our faith is real, it will be evident in our godly behavior. If people are diligent in Christian growth, they won’t backslide or be deceived by false teachers. Growth is essential in the walk with Jesus. It obviously begins with faith and progresses to the point of agape type love, the highest degree of love, which is seen in our Heavenly Father. Keep on growing and display His fruit!

 

True Knowledge- True knowledge only comes from God who called us by His own glory and excellence (1:3). It will give us everything we need that pertains to real-spiritual life and joy abounding. This comes through the faithful promises God has made to us through the Scriptures and allows us to partake of the divine nature as we trust in Him (1:4). Peter begins and ends with this concept of knowledge in his writing (3:18). True knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit and it is He who moved men to write God’s Word (1:20-21).

 

False Teachers- Peter warns the church to beware of these false teachers who are proud of their position, promote sexual sin, and advise that keeping the commandments of God are optional. Peter counters them by pointing to the Spirit-inspired Scriptures as our authority. Christians need discernment to be able to resist false teachers. God can rescue us from their lies if we stay true to His Word, the Bible, and reject those who deceive and distort the truth.

 

Christ’s Return- One day Christ will return. In that day He will create a new heaven and a new earth, where we as His children will live forever. As Christians, our hope is in this blessed promise. But, with Christ’s return comes His judgment on all who refuse to believe. The cure for complacency, lawlessness, and heresy is found in the confident assurance that Christ will return. God is still giving unbelievers time to repent. He is patient with us and desires all to come to repentance (3:9). To be ready, Christians must keep on trusting and resist the pressure to give up, waiting for Christ’s return.

 

Structure:

 

After a brief greeting (1:1), Peter gives the antidote for stagnancy and shortsightedness in the Christian life (1:2-11). Then he explains that his days are numbered (1:12-15) and that the believers should listen to his messages, reminders, and the words of Scripture (1:16-21).

Next, Peter unleashes a blunt warning about false teachers (2:1-22). They will become prevalent in the last days (2:1-2), they will do or say anything for money (2:3), they will spurn the things of God (2:2, 10-11), they will do whatever they feel like doing (2:12-17), they will be proud and boastful (2:18-19), and they will be judged and punished by God (2:3-10, 20-22).

Peter concludes his brief letter by explaining why he has written it (3:1-18), which is to remind them of the words of the prophets and apostles that adamantly predicted that false teachers would come, to give the reasons for the delay in Christ’s return (3:1-13), and to encourage them to beware of heresies and to grow in their faith (3:14-18).

Listen carefully to Peter’s message as it does apply very much to the days that we live in presently. Our world is filled with false prophets and teachers, who claim to have the truth and who clamor for our attention and allegiance. Determine that you will grow in your knowledge of Christ and reject all those who preach anything inconsistent with God’s Word.

Key Verse:

 

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

 

*Notes from this overview were aided by:

 

New American Standard Bible: Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Mich.: 1995, pgs. 2209-2210.