Intro to 2 Peter:

• 1 Peter was written roughly between 62-64 AD.
• 2 Peter is believed to of been written between 64-68 AD
• Peter is currently imprisoned by Nero at the time of writing 2 Peter. He is awaiting his death.
• The theme of 2 Peter also shifts from persevering during persecution (the theme of 1 Peter) to pursuing the Truth of God’s Word to combat the false teaching that was infiltrating the church.

Persecution has always cleansed and strengthened the church; false teaching weakens the church and ruins its testimony. The only weapon to fight false teaching and the devil’s lies is the Word of God, which is why Peter emphasizes spiritual knowledge. -Warren W. Wiersbe

Greeting: vv. 1-2

2 Peter 1:2

2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.

This “knowledge” in verse 2 is not academic or theoretical. It is a personal knowledge. It is a knowledge that grows because a person begins to know someone fully and to understand that person’s heart. As we grow in personal knowledge of God and Christ, as we experience God the Father’s unconditional acceptance through Christ, a transformation begins. We begin to experience grace and peace in abundance, not only in our relationship with God but also in our relationships with one another.

Salvation leads to a productive and transformed life. (vv.3-11)

Verse 3 gives us some insight into some of the false teachings that Peter was writing to correct. There is nothing that needs to be added to God that can make our lives any better. God has quite literally given us, his children, everything that we could need to not only endure this life but to thrive in it. 

2 Corinthians 9:8

8 And God can bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

A godly life includes two primary ideas. 

• First, it describes an attitude of reverence in the presence of one who is majestic and divine. 
• Secondly, a godly life describes actions of obedience. 

At the heart of godly living and spiritual transformation is an attitude of reverence toward God and actions of obedience.

The only way that obedience comes about is through the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is the underlying tone of what Peter is talking about. God provides the believer with gifts and the ability to use those gifts. God’s design is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the believer is assisted in living a godly life.

VERSE 4:

In John’s Gospel, Jesus promises believers the continual presence of the Holy Spirit to assist in obedience. The common use of the Holy Spirit as the “Counselor” affirms that fact since the term “Counselor” (paraclete) means “the one called alongside to help.”

In some places, the word was an ancient warrior’s term. Greek soldiers always went into battle in pairs, so that when the enemy attacked, they could draw together back to back, covering each other’s blind side. The soldier’s battle partner was called the paraclete, or the helper.

VERSES 5-7

• Goodness speaks of moral excellence.
• Knowledge concentrates on practical knowledge or knowledge that is lived out. This kind of knowledge makes a distinction between what is true and what is not true. It can discern what is right versus what is wrong and what is encouraging versus what is hurtful.
• Self-control describes the inner strength to control one’s desires and cravings. The believer, through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, is not to be a prisoner to any sinful desire or craving.
• Perseverance in its most literal rendering means “to walk under the load.” This refers to the courage to deal with the difficult times in life, perhaps a veiled reference to the dominant theme of suffering in 1 Peter.
• Godliness is the virtue heralded in verse 3, and it means “reverence and obedience.”
• Mutual affection or Brotherly kindness translates one Greek word, philadelphia, a common word used to describe relationships of love with a family. 
• Love (agape) is a deliberate desire for the highest good of the person loved. It demonstrates itself in sacrificial action for that person’s good.

Verse 8-9:

You can usually tell when Christians are not growing, for they have these three characteristics:

(1) They are barren, or idle; that is, they will not work for Christ. 

(2) They are unfruitful; that is, their meager knowledge of Christ does not produce fruit in their lives. 

(3) They are blind, lacking spiritual insight, and spiritually “near-sighted.” Behind this lack of spiritual development is a poor memory, forgetting what God has done for them through Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:4–5

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

Verse 10-11:

As you begin to see changes and transformations occurring in your life, this should reassure you that God has called you to himself. These changes serve to “make your calling and election sure.” The opposite is also true. If your life shows no positive changes and this causes you no concern, then you should wonder and question whether you are a true believer in Jesus Christ.