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We overlook 2 Peter because it has a “2” instead of a “1” as in 1 Peter. We find the same problem with a “2” and even a “3” as in 2 John and 3 John. So, we might demean these epistles in favor of books with a “1.”
Well, at least I memorized 1 Peter, but seldom read 2 Peter, until one day I saw this verse . . .
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble (2 Peter 1:10, NIV).
I don’t want to fall away in my relationship with Jesus, and with this verse, the epistle was now more interesting to me, especially since it guarantees that if we “do these things,” we will never stumble.”
As 2 Peter continues . . .
And you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11).
HHHHMMMHHM—a warranty on our faith to not stumble and to receive a rich welcome into glory. With this realization, I began to memorize 2 Peter but confess that I never got beyond the first 11 verses in chapter one.
Even with my tardy memorization schedule, I learned an important plan for spiritual growth, as 2 Peter 1:1-11 is the only place in the Bible that gives us a step-by-step plan, based upon the promises of Jesus, for spiritual formation.
Read carefully . . .
He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:4).
Now, the step-by-step plan:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love (2 Peter 1:5-7).
To faith, add goodness; to goodness, add knowledge; to knowledge, add self-control, etc. Why does Peter give this plan?
Peter was close to death, and a great persecution combined with false doctrine was creeping into the church throughout the Roman Empire. He writes to believers in the first century . . .
I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside (2 Peter 1:13-14).
After an incredible chapter one in 2 Peter, the aged and soon-to-be with the Lord, Apostle Peter includes some of the most descriptive verses in the entire Bible on what will happen at the end of the first century and in the end times in which we now live.
2 Peter’s summation of the end times . . .
Chapter two:
- False teachers with depraved teaching.
- Bold claims these teachers make about supernatural beings (or other strange occurrences) that distract from truth.
- Prophets and perhaps even politicians who are springs without water making promises they can’t keep or are blatantly false.
Chapter three:
- A warning against scoffing that leads to dismissing godliness.
- The second coming of Jesus is delayed because He doesn’t want any to perish.
- Watch for Jesus, who will return like a thief in the night!
Well, that’s 2 Peter, a must-read for everyone. And before we deny or disbelieve anything recorded in this epistle, look closely at what Peter says about the Bible . . .
We must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God (2 Peter 1:20-21).
Amen, and as Peter concludes this epistle, “Let’s grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a).