SCRIPTURE: 2 PETER 1
INTRODUCTION:
This second letter was written by Peter to the Christians as he knew that his death was near. False teachers were creeping in. Peter combated their heresies and denounced their evil motives. He confirmed the true Christian faith. He urged the believers to hold on to the precious Word and grow spiritually so that they could identify and shun away from false teachers. He reminded them of the promise of Christ’s return and stressed that they grow in the knowledge of His Word.
BIBLE VERSES:
“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 Peter1:5-7)
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:10-11)
“ Above all, you 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 as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Peter 1:20-21)
MAKING ONE’S CALLING AND ELECTION SURE (vs. 3-11)
This is how to participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires = FAITH + GOODNESS + KNOWLEDGE + SELF-CONTROL + PERSEVERANCE + GODLINESS + BROTHERLY KINDNESS + LOVE.
Peter was urging Christians to make their calling and election sure so that they will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
PROPHECY OF SCRIPTURE (vs. 12-21)
The word of the prophets serves as a light shining on dark places. It is not the will of man but men spoke from God carried along by the Holy Spirit. It should be understood as a whole and agree on the “one hope” of Christ’s coming.
THOUGHTS:
Peter emphasized the key word of “Knowledge”. God gave us the gift of knowledge – that is salvation by faith. After the new birth, we have to grow in the knowledge of His Word in order to discern right from wrong. For this knowledge is grounded on the true Word of God that serves as a light shining in a dark word.
The Bible was given to us to be read, obeyed and passed on to others. No passage of the Scripture is to be interpreted by itself apart from the rest of the Word of God as aparts from the Holy Spirit who gave it.
True faith results in action and growth in Christian character. Our faith must become a dynamic part of what we do. Salvation must not depend on good deeds but it result in good deeds. True fatih practise moral discipline that leads to self-control, patience, endurance, goodness and loving others.
Scripture is the word of God which is authentic and reliable. The Holy Spirit inspired the writer to faithfully communicate His word. No one is allowed to add or subtract it.