2 Peter 2 – Introduction (Continued)

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2 Peter 2 – Introduction (Continued)

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: 2 Peter 1:1-4


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NOTE: Having just returned from vacation, and heading out again this week for some preacher activities, there will be no prerecorded message.  When I return, the live audio will be made available for this lesson.  We anticipate to return to pre-recorded videos and audio, for Sunday, July 23.  Take care until then. TT

 

STUDIES IN 2 PETER (2)

Introduction (2)

Last month, we began our study through 2 Peter.  We introduced this letter noting its primary purpose is to warn against false teachers.   We addressed the integrity of the letter and why we accept it as part of God’s revealed word to us (inspired scripture).   Peter, the apostle, clearly identifies himself as the author and described this as a second letter (with the first very likely being 1 Peter) and as such it would have been addressed to the same audience or at least included them.  We then discussed our “like precious faith” noting that our faith needs to be both precious (valuable) and of the same kind (like).  The point is there is “one faith” for all (Ephesians 4:4-6) and that it ought to unify us.  There is NOT a “clergy/laity” doctrine in scripture.   Today, we will continue our study of vs. 1-4.

 

  1. Faith, by the righteousness of God (1:1)
    1. Continuing to address our “like precious faith”, we note that it is:
    2. By the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ –
      1. God and Savior Jesus Christ here seem to identify Jesus. Jesus is certainly our Savior, but He is also God (Part of the Godhead).   Scripture clearly declares this:
        1. John 1:1-3 – “the Word was God…”
        2. Colossians 2:9 notes that in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
        3. Romans 9:5 where He is described as “over all, the eternally blessed God.”
        4. Titus 2:12-13, we live soberly, righteously and goldy, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
        5. Hebrews 1:3 describes Him as “the brightness of His glory and express image of His person…”
        6. Philippians 2:6, He did not “consider it robbery to be equal with God” (NASB, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”).
        7. John 14:8-10 – Jesus told Philip, if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
      2. He is here described as righteous – a word meaning He does the right thing.
        1. We know that God always does that which is right.
        2. We also know that Jesus, while upon this earth lived a righteous life – He perfectly kept the law and never sinned. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us of this (also Hebrews 7:25-26ff, 2 Corinthians 5:21).  Romans 5:18 describes Jesus “righteous act” salvation is available to all men.   1 Corinthians 1:30, But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
        3. In context, we could appeal to God’s impartiality with us – Romans 2:11. Romans 5:8 reminds us that Christ died for us.
      3. It is because of the mercy, grace and love of God that we can have a “like precious faith” with hope.
  2. Grace and peace multiplied (1:2)–
    1. Here we have Peter’s greeting – similar to 1 Peter 1:2 but expanded.  There were typical greetings found in NT letters.
    2. May His grace and peace be multiplied to us – Peter’s desire is a continued increase of God’s grace and peace. In this we find maturity and greater hope in Him.  As we mature in the faith, we more greatly appreciate and understand the grace of God.  And our peace also becomes more sure in every way (with Him, others and within ourselves).   The Bible continually calls for us to reach maturity – 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourselves approved…” cf. Hebrews 5:12-14, 2 Peter 3:18, etc.
    3. May it be “in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
      1. Why do we hope? Because He has revealed to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (vs. 3).
      2. The word “knowledge” (ἐπίγνωσις, epignōsis) is a more intense word than just knowing details. It implies a thorough understanding.  Bullinger defines this as “clear and exact knowledge”.   Thayer, “precise and correct knowledge”.  It is a depth of knowledge of Him that will protect us from false teachers and their doctrines.  That is Peter’s greeting for them.
      3. Ephesians 4:11-16 finds us being grounded so that we come to unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God. This will keep us from being “tossed to and fro…”
      4. Colossians 1:9-10 – may this knowledge be continually increasing within us.
  3. The Divine power of God…
    1. His divine power implies that God, who is all powerful, has provided for us what is needed.
      1. We have noted in times past that grace is God’s part in our salvation (Ephesians 2:4, 8-9). He has done many things that make salvation possible and gives us hope.
      2. In addition to sending Jesus to die, He has given us His word as a perfect guide. Recall how inspired scripture is profitable – 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  And be reminded that what the apostles and other inspired men revealed was provided by the Holy Spirit Himself (John 14:26, 16:13, cf. 1 Corinthians 2:6-12, etc.).  God’s divine power was instrumental in our knowing His will.
      3. There was also the working of the Holy Spirit in the first century that help to VERIFY the validity of their message. Miracles were a form of confirmation of the truth.  See Hebrews 2:4 notes that God bore witness with signs and wonders.  Mark 16:20 – the word was confirmed through accompanying signs.  Romans 15:18-19, Paul notes this fact as well.
    2. All things that pertain to life and godliness –
      1. There is nothing left to know -2 Timothy 3:16-17 – His word makes us complete, Jude 3 – the “faith” has been delivered, “once and for all” to the saints.  His word gives us direction as to how we are to live.
      2. In this text we are given all things pertaining to:
        1. Life – a reference to eternal life, spiritual life. Ephesians 2:4-5 notes how in Christ we have been made alive together with Christ.
        2. Godliness – a word that is associated with reverence and piety. This is about giving God the honor He is due.  We will address this in a few lessons as we see the qualities with which we build up our faith (2 Peter 1:5-7).   1 Timothy 4:8 notes how godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of life both now and that which is to come.
      3. But there are many other things He has provided for us to give us life and instruction in righteousness.
        1. Ephesians 1:3-14 – He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Included in this passage – He has adopted us, we are redeemed by His blood, we have access to wisdom and prudence, we have an inheritance, and the Holy Spirit working within us (though not miraculously).
        2. We have the avenue of prayer – Philippians 4:6-7 – be anxious for nothing. Hebrews 4:15-16, because of Jesus we can boldly come to the throne of God’s grace.  This means we can pray to Him.  Ephesians 2:18 notes that through Jesus we have access to the Father.  Again, in Ephesians 3:12
        3. We have each other – the church is very much part of His divine pattern – Ephesians 3:10-11. As noted, that was one of the primary points of strength in 1 Peter.
      4. Through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue… – Contextually, we are equipped so that we can avoid being deceived by false teachers. As recently noted, when we abide in Him and His word, we are made free – John 8:31-32.  The truth will make us free.

As Peter continues to greet these brethren, he has reminded us of God and what He has done for us.  This understanding is crucial as we strive to learn His will as He has given it.  Our goal is to not be led away by the errors of ungodly men.    In our next lesson, we will address how we are partakers of the divine nature.  Are you in possession of all that God has made available to you?  Think about it!

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