Standing Firm on God’s Promises

Plugging into God’s Power

INTRODUCTION

The book of 2 Peter is clearly attributed to the Apostle Peter in the opening line of the book. The authorship of 2 Peter has been questioned on several grounds, most notably the difference in style from 1 Peter and the reference to Paul’s writings as scripture. These objections can be addressed in terms of Peter using a different scribe to record his letter and the fact that Paul’s letters were widely circulated far before they were collected as a group.

There is internal evidence to support the idea that Peter is the author of this book. The author refers to himself in the first person singular. He claims to be an eyewitness to the transfiguration. He mentions that this is his second letter. He refers to Paul as “our dear brother.”

2 Peter was written near the end of Peter’s life. Peter was martyred during the reign of Nero, probably prior to 68 AD. This book was most likely written between 65-68 AD.

The message of 1 Peter focused on dealing with persecution from outside of the church. The message of 2 Peter deals with false teachers within the church. 2 Peter is very pastoral. Peter encourages his readers to live out their faith in practical ways.

There are three main themes in this book. Peter encourages the spiritual growth of his readers. He combats the false teaching that had infiltrated the church. He encouraged his readers to actively watch for the return of Christ.

The book of 2 Peter is a practical guide for us for standing firm in our faith in the face of increasing pressures.

Study 1: 2 Peter 1:1-2

These first two verses are the introduction to the book. This is a standard introduction used during that time period. It introduces the writer and identifies the recipient.

1. In verse 1, Peter introduces himself.

a. What words does Peter use to describe himself?

b. What do the two main descriptors tell us about Peter?

c. Peter introduces himself as Simon Peter. The most ancient texts use the Hebrew Symeon rather than the Greek Simon. Why might Peter use both a Hebrew name and a Greek name to introduce himself?

2. In verse 2, Peter identifies his recipients.

a. How does Peter describe those to whom he is writing?

b. How does his description link Peter with his audience?

c. Peter’s description is not specific to a particular church. What does that tell us about the scope of this letter?

3. Peter includes a formal blessing in verse 2.

a. What is the tone of this blessing?

b. How does Peter set the stage for the rest of the letter?

MAKE IT PERSONAL

1. When was the last time that you wrote a personal letter to someone? What was the occasion or the purpose?

2. Most of us are suspicious of generic form letters. How is the beginning of 2 Peter different?

3. Peter was intentional about identifying himself as a follower of Jesus.

a. What does it mean to you to be a servant of Jesus?

b. The Greek word for servant is doulos, which literally means slave. How does this affect the implications of the word?

c. Peter also called himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. An apostle was a herald, proclaiming the master’s message. What does it mean for you to be a herald of the message of Jesus?

4. In what ways are our faith and Christ’s righteousness linked?

5. What does it mean for you to have grace and peace in abundance?

a. What is the source of this grace & peace?

b. Explore Jesus’ statement in John 10:10.

Study 2: 2 Peter 1:3-4

Peter challenged his readers to tap into the power of Christ made available to them.

1. Verse 3 focuses on God’s power.

a. The Greek word Peter uses for power is dynameos. It is the same word from which we get our word dynamo. How does this help explain the nature of God’s power?

b. What is the purpose for God giving us this power?

c. How do we attain this power?

d. What role does Christ play in this exchange?

2. Peter shifts his focus from God’s power to God’s promises in verse 4.

a. What are the great and precious promises that God has given to us?

b. For what two purposes are we given these promises?

c. How would this be an encouragement to the people to whom Peter was writing?

MAKE IT PERSONAL

1. What are the physical power sources that you tap into regularly? How do they affect the way that you live?

2. What does it mean for you to tap into God’s divine power?

3. What excuses do we use for not living godly lives? How do these verses challenge our excuses?

4. Take the time to explore some of God’s promises to us through Christ.

a. John 3:16-17

b. Matthew 28:18-20

c. 2 Corinthians 5:17

d. John 15:1-8

e. 2 Corinthians 4:6-18

5. How can knowing God’s promises empower you to live for Christ and stand against Satan?

Study 3: 2 Peter 1:5-9

In this section, Peter encourages his readers to actively develop their participation in the divine nature.

1. In verse 5, Peter says, for this reason, make every effort. What is he referring to?

2. In verses 5-7, Peter lists a number of qualities that will enhance our spiritual life in Christ. Define for yourself each of them.

a. Faith

b. Goodness

c. Knowledge

d. Self-control

e. Perseverance

f. Godliness

g. Brotherly kindness

h. Love.

3. What is the goal of growing in these areas?

4. What is the outcome of neglecting these areas?

MAKE IT PERSONAL

1. What is one goal that you worked extremely hard at achieving?

2. What is our ultimate goal for striving to live godly lives?

3. The qualities Peter listed are not a linear progression, but a collective whole. What does it take for us to grow in these areas of our life? Consider Galatians 5:22-25.

4. How can these qualities help us to be spiritually productive and grow closer to Christ?

5. Peter implies that a person can become spiritually blind.

a. What does it mean for a believer to be spiritually nearsighted or even blind?

b. What significant truth does Satan not want us to always remember? Consider 1 Peter 2:4-12.

Study 4: 2 Peter 1:10-11

In this section. Peter focuses on the assurance of salvation we can have in Christ.

1. What spiritual battle is Peter alluding to in verse 10?

2. What does it mean to be eager to make your calling and election sure?

3. We know that we cannot earn our salvation through works, so what do you think Peter means when he says that if we do these things we will never fall?

4. What is the ultimate motivation for living a godly life in Christ?

5. There is a long standing debate over the means of our salvation. Some believe that it is all God without any input from us. Others believe that God offers us a choice that we can accept or decline. Whichever side of the debate you may fall on, what does it mean to make your calling and election sure?

MAKE IT PERSONAL

1. How important is it to you to know for sure that you are a child of God? How can you attain that assurance?

2. Although we cannot work for our salvation, Peter implies that we must work at our salvation. What is the purpose of this?

3. How can each of the following verses be an encouragement to us as we work at our salvation in Christ?

a. John 3:16

b. Ephesians 2:8-9

c. Philippians 2:12-13

d. Colossians 1:9-14

-9-