Disciple In Distress: Vital Principles to Employ

Dr. George Bannister

Disciples in Distress • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

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Introduction:

Second Peter emphasizes practical Christian living. To this end, Peter wrote to warn against false teachers and the negative influence they can have on moral living. The letter emphasizes true knowledge of God while facing false teaching and encourages readers to maintain Christian virtue in the midst of the world’s vice.

author:

The author of 2 Peter plainly identified himself as the apostle Peter (1:1).

He called himself “Simeon Peter” (1:1), a name not generally used of the apostle (elsewhere only in Ac 15:14).

The spelling is Semitic and lends a sense of authenticity to Peter’s letter. Moreover, it was natural for Peter, as a Semite, to use the original form of his name.

Peter designated himself as “a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ.” He viewed himself as a servant submitted to Christ’s lordship and as a divinely ordained, directly commissioned, authoritative representative of the Lord Jesus himself.

The letter contains several personal allusions to Peter’s life.

He mentioned that his death was close (1:14),

described himself as an eyewitness of the transfiguration of Jesus (1:16–18),

quoted the words of the voice from heaven at this event (1:17),

indicated that he had previously written to the letter’s recipients (whom he called “dear friends” in 3:1),

and also called Paul “our dear brother” (3:15). This suggests that the author was close to Paul. Such references point to Peter as the author.

Other reasons to accept Peter’s authorship:

(1) The early church soundly rejected the practice of writing under an apostolic pseudonym, regarding it as outright forgery.

(2) Peter may have had help in writing 1 Peter (1Pt 5:12) and not in writing 2 Peter, a situation that would lead to different styles in his Greek.

(3) Rather than the whole collection, Peter may have referred only to those Pauline letters that were known at the time of writing.

(4) Peter may have borrowed some from Jude, or both may have used a common source. All of these evidences suggest that 2 Peter should be accepted as authentic.

background:

Unlike 1 Peter, 2 Peter does not mention specific recipients or refer to an exact destination. The apostle referred to his epistle as the “second letter” he had written to his readers (3:1). If the letter written prior to 2 Peter is 1 Peter, then he wrote to the same recipients (“exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” 1Pt 1:1). But if the previous letter is a reference to some other epistle that is now unknown, we cannot determine with certainty to whom or to where 2 Peter was written.

Peter likely wrote 2 Peter from Rome, where church tradition placed the apostle in his latter days. Because he mentioned that his death was near (1:14), it seems the letter was written just before his death. Tradition places the date of Peter’s martyrdom at about AD 67 during Nero’s reign (ruled AD 54–68).

Second Peter’s literary relationship with Jude is debated. What one decides about this issue inevitably affects the authorship and date of each letter. Both epistles are strikingly similar in content. Thus, if 2 Peter borrowed from Jude and the latter book was written somewhere between AD 65 and 80, the apostle Peter could not have been the author of 2 Peter. The use of 2 Peter by Jude, however, poses no problem for authorship or dating. Jude may have borrowed from 2 Peter, or both authors may have used a common source.

Peter wrote this letter shortly before he died (1:14), and though not mentioned, possibly while in prison. He wrote to Christian friends confronted with the threat of false teachers who were denying Christ’s saving work and second coming. As an eyewitness of Jesus’s life (1:16–18), Peter sought to affirm for his readers the reality of Christ’s return and to remind them of truths they might otherwise forget (3:1).

message and purpose

Peter cautioned believers to beware of false teachers with their bogus doctrines and licentious lifestyles. The temptation to a sinful lifestyle so concerned Peter that shortly after his first letter, he followed up with this one. Peter also warned against denials of Christ’s return with its accompanying judgment. He urged his readers to make every effort to grow in the knowledge and practice of the Christian faith.

contribution to the bible

Peter made strong connections with the Old Testament and challenged his audience to live authentic Christian lives. Peter had been with Jesus when Jesus first spoke of his return (Mt 24–25), and he gave emphasis to the surety of the second coming.

It is the word of God that holds the forefront of this short letter. Peter does this in chap. 1 by emphasizing knowledge (1:3, 5–6, 8, 12, 20–21) and its divine origin; in chap. 2 by showing its historicity (2:4–8); and in chap. 3 by indicating Paul’s letters are equal with “the rest of the Scriptures” (3:15–16). Peter insisted on the importance of Scripture for guiding and preserving our faith.

structure

Second Peter is a general letter with the typical features of a salutation, main body, and farewell. What is missing is an expression of thanksgiving. Its style is that of a pastoral letter, driven by the needs of the recipients, rather than some type of formal treatise.

outline

I. Greeting (1:1–2)

II. Building on Faith with Godly Qualities (1:3–11)

III. The Apostle Peter’s Testimony (1:12–21)

IV. Warning against False Teachers (2:1–22)

V. Certainty of Christ’s Return (3:1–10)

VI. Christ’s Return Impels Us to Holy Living (3:11–18)

PREHISTORY-AD 29

Noah, his family, and the animal kingdom are spared in the great flood.

God rescues Lot from the complete destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. 2085 BC?

Israel kills every male, including Balaam, in their war against Midian. 1407 BC

Jesus calls Simon Peter “the Rock.” AD 29

Jesus calls Peter to be one of his twelve disciples. AD 29

AD 30–33

Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. 30

Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi that Jesus is the Messiah. 32

Peter, James, and John witness Jesus’s transfiguration. 32

Peter vows to die with Jesus. 33

Peter denies Jesus in the courtyard of Annas. 33

AD 33–40

Following his resurrection, Jesus appears to Peter and recommissions him. 33

Three thousand persons respond to Peter’s sermon at the feast of Pentecost. 33

Saul’s conversion on the Damascus Road October, 34

Paul meets with Peter and James on his first visit to Jerusalem following his conversion. 37?

Peter bears witness to and baptizes Cornelius and his family at Caesarea Maritima. 40

AD 50–SECOND COMPANY

Peter, James, John, Paul, Barnabas, and Titus meet in Jerusalem to deal with the question of whether Gentiles had to be circumcised to become Christians. 49

At Antioch, Paul confronts Peter’s refusal to share meals with Gentile believers. 49

Peter’s martyrdom in Rome during Nero’s persecution of Christians 66

Destruction of Jerusalem 70

Allusions to 2 Peter may exist in a number of second-century documents, including 1, 2 Clement, Barnabas, Shepherd of Hermas, the letters of Ignatius of Antioch, and the Martyrdom of Polycarp.

I. Greeting (2 Peter 1:1–2)

2 Peter 1:1–2 NLT

1 This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. 2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.

A. Common bond because of Christ (2 Peter 1:1)

2 Peter 1:1 NLT

“ 1 Συμεὼν Πέτρος δοῦλος καὶ ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῖς ἰσότιμον ἡμῖν λαχοῦσιν πίστιν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν καὶ σωτῆρος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ·”

1- Note how Peter identifies himself:

a. “ Simon Peter”

b. “Slave (δοῦλος ) of Jesus Christ”

c. “Apostle (ἀπόστολος ) of Jesus Christ”

Principle: Before the disciple can be a leader, he must be a servant!

(Romans 1:1)

Romans 1:1 NLT

1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.

(Mark 9:35)

Mark 9:35 NLT

35 He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

2- Note to whom the letter is written:

a. “ I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. “

(John 14:6)

John 14:6 NLT

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

(Acts 4:12)

Acts 4:12 NLT

12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

3- Note the basis upon which Peter writes:

a. “This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.”

Principle: Our common bond that unites us is found in our faith in the saving work of Christ on our behalf.

(2 Corinthians 5:15)

2 Corinthians 5:15 NLT

15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

B. Abounding richness of growing in Christ (2 Peter 1:2)

2 Peter 1:2 NLT

2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.

“2 χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη πληθυνθείη ἐν ἐπιγνώσει τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν. “

1- Principle: Grace precedes peace. (“grace and peace” is a phrase that appears 17 times in the New Testament.) (Tit 1:4; Gal. 1:3; Phil. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:2; etc.)

(Romans 5:1)

Romans 5:1 NLT

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

(Ephesians 1:7)

Ephesians 1:7 NLT

7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

(Romans 5:10)

Romans 5:10 NLT

10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

(Philippians 4:7)

Philippians 4:7 NLT

7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

2- Principle: Both grace and peace come through our personal knowledge of God through Christ.

(John 17:3)

John 17:3 NLT

3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

(2 Peter 3:18)

2 Peter 3:18 NLT

18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

II. God’s Grace is the Foundation for a Life of Godliness (2 Peter 1:3–11)

2 Peter 1:3–11 NLT

3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A. The Divine Provision for Godly Living ( 2 Peter 1:3–4)

2 Peter 1:3–4 NLT

( 3 Ὡς πάντα ἡμῖν τῆς θείας δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ τὰ πρὸς ζωὴν καὶ εὐσέβειαν δεδωρημένης διὰ τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ καλέσαντος ἡμᾶς ἰδίᾳ δόξῃ καὶ ἀρετῇ, 4 διʼ ὧν τὰ τίμια καὶ μέγιστα ἡμῖν ἐπαγγέλματα δεδώρηται, ἵνα διὰ τούτων γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως, ἀποφυγόντες τῆς ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ φθορᾶς.)

1. The Christian life is designed to be lived by divine power, not through fleshly strength or intellectual cleverness. (2 Peter 1:3a)

2 Peter 1:3a NLT

a. (Acts 1:8)

Acts 1:8 NLT

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

b. (1 Corinthians 2:4)

1 Corinthians 2:4 NLT

4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.

c. (John 6:63)

John 6:63 NLT

63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

2. God has made everything needed for leading a life pleasing to Him available to the believer. (2 Peter 1:3b)

2 Peter 1:3b NLT

a. His Word

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

b. His presence (and with it, His power)

(John 14:26-27)

John 14:26–27 NLT

26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

(John 16:13-15)

John 16:13–15 NLT

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’

c. His body- the church

d. His special abilities (1 Cor 12; Romans 12; Eph. 4:11-16)

3. All is available because of our faith in Christ! (2 Peter 1:3c)

2 Peter 1:3c NLT

a. It is faith in Christ that makes the resources of Heaven available to the believer.

4. God has given the believer “great and precious promises. ” (2 Peter 1:4a)

2 Peter 1:4a NLT

4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

a. God’s promises are both future hope and present reality!

b. God’s promises are great and precious.

5. The promises of God enable the believer to share in God’s divine nature. (2 Peter 1:4b)

2 Peter 1:4b NLT

a. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we partake in the “divine nature.”

6. The promises of God enable the believer to escape the world’s corruption. (2 Peter 1:4c)

2 Peter 1:4c NLT

a. The implanted divine nature give the believer the strength to overcome the temptations of the world.

B. The Dedication to Diligently Pursue a Godly Life ( 2 Peter1:5–7)

2 Peter 1:5–7 NLT

5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

5 καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο δὲ σπουδὴν πᾶσαν παρεισενέγκαντες ἐπιχορηγήσατε ἐν τῇ πίστει ὑμῶν τὴν ἀρετήν, ἐν δὲ τῇ ἀρετῇ τὴν γνῶσιν,

6 ἐν δὲ τῇ γνώσει τὴν ἐγκράτειαν, ἐν δὲ τῇ ἐγκρατείᾳ τὴν ὑπομονήν, ἐν δὲ τῇ ὑπομονῇ τὴν εὐσέβειαν,

7 ἐν δὲ τῇ εὐσεβείᾳ τὴν φιλαδελφίαν, ἐν δὲ τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ τὴν ἀγάπην·

The divine provision to live godly lives should lead to commitment on our part to pursue godly living.

(Philippians 2:12)

God gives us the process by which we can pursue living godly lives:

Supplement our faith in Christ with living lives of moral excellence (ἀρετήν= the quality of moral excellence—‘outstanding goodness, virtue.’).

To moral excellence (fueled by faith) add knowledge (γνῶσιν) of the person, will and ways of God.

( This type of 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 is able to discern what is right versus what is wrong and what is encouraging versus what is hurtful.)

To knowledge add self control (ἐγκράτειαν= to exercise complete control over one’s desires and actions—‘to control oneself, to exercise self- control, self-control.’)

To self control, add patient endurance ( ὑπομονήν= capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances—‘endurance, being able to endure.’)

then add godliness (εὐσέβειαν= appropriate beliefs and devout practice of obligations relating to supernatural persons and powers—‘religion, piety.’)

to godliness, add brotherly affection (φιλαδελφίαν = affection for one’s fellow believer in Christ—‘love for one’s fellow believer, affection for a fellow believer.’)

to brotherly affection add love (ἀγάπην= to have love for someone or something, based on sincere appreciation and high regard—‘to love, to regard with affection, loving concern, love.’)

C. The Godly Virtues Needed for Kingdom Citizens ( 2 Peter 1:8–11)

2 Peter 1:8–11 NLT

8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

8 ταῦτα γὰρ ὑμῖν ὑπάρχοντα καὶ πλεονάζοντα οὐκ ἀργοὺς οὐδὲ ἀκάρπους καθίστησιν εἰς τὴν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐπίγνωσιν·

9 ᾧ γὰρ μὴ πάρεστιν ταῦτα, τυφλός ἐστιν μυωπάζων, λήθην λαβὼν τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ τῶν πάλαι αὐτοῦ ἁμαρτημάτων.

10 διὸ μᾶλλον, ἀδελφοί, σπουδάσατε βεβαίαν ὑμῶν τὴν κλῆσιν καὶ ἐκλογὴν ποιεῖσθαι· ταῦτα γὰρ ποιοῦντες οὐ μὴ πταίσητέ ποτε·

11 οὕτως γὰρ πλουσίως ἐπιχορηγηθήσεται ὑμῖν ἡ εἴσοδος εἰς τὴν αἰώνιον βασιλείαν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν καὶ σωτῆρος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

Living in the pursuit of the godly lifestyle enables us to become productive and fruitful in our relationship with Christ. (2 Peter 1:8)

2 Peter 1:8 NLT

8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s desire is that we be fruitful. (John 15:5, 8)

John 15:5 NLT

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:8 NLT

8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

2. Refusal to pursue godly lives leads to poor spiritual vision and focus. (2 Peter 1:9)

2 Peter 1:9 NLT

9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

μυωπάζω: (a figurative extension of meaning of μυωπάζω ‘to be shortsighted,’ not occurring in the NT) to be extremely limited in one’s understanding—‘to fail to understand, to be restricted in understanding, to be shortsighted.’ τυφλός ἐστιν μυωπάζων ‘being so limited in understanding as to not realize’ or ‘… as to not comprehend

τυφλόςa, ή, όν: pertaining to being unable to see—‘unable to see, blind.’ εἶδεν ἄνθρωπον τυφλὸν ἐκ γενετῆς ‘he saw a man who had been born blind’ Jn 9:1.

λήθην = to not recall information and thus to lose sight of its significance—‘to forget, to not remember, to lose sight of, to ignore.’

καθαρισμοῦ= to cleanse from ritual contamination or impurity—‘to cleanse, to purify, purification.’

Illustration of focus determines vision (camera)

3. We must be actively pursue living to please God and keep our eye on the goal. (2 Peter 1:10-11)

2 Peter 1:10–11 NLT

10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

σπουδάσατε= to do something with intense effort and motivation—‘to work hard, to do one’s best, to endeavor.’

πταίσητέ = ‘to stumble,’ to fail to keep the law (of God)—‘to stumble, to err, to sin.’

a. Philippians 2:12

Philippians 2:12 NLT

12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

b. Matthew 25:21

Matthew 25:21 NLT

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

III. Peter’s Apostolic Reminder ( 2 Peter 1:12–21)

A. The Function of the Reminder: To Stir Them for Action ( 2 Peter 1:12–15)

2 Peter 1:12–15 NLT

12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, 15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.

B. The Truth of Jesus’ Coming Is Based on Eyewitness Testimony ( 2 Peter 1:16–18)

2 Peter 1:16–18 NLT

16 For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes 17 when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

C. The Truth of Jesus’ Coming Is Based on the Prophetic Word ( 2 Peter 1:19–21)

2 Peter 1:19–21 NLT

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

IV. The Arrival, Character, and Judgment of False Teachers ( 2 Peter 2:1–22)

A. The Impact of False Teachers ( 2 Peter 2:1–3)

2 Peter 2:1–3 NLT

1 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.

1. False teachers are not a new problem.

a. There were false prophets who misled Israel and Judah.

1) In the days of Ahab and Jehoshaphat

(1 Kings 22:1-6)

"5 Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.” 6 So the king of Israel summoned the prophets, about 400 of them, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I hold back?” They all replied, “Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory."

2) Paul warned about false teachers who would come.

(Acts 20:28-30) “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood*—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.* 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following."

b. False teachers are still a problem today.

(2 Timothy 4:2-4) " 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths."

2. False teachers teach destructive doctrines.

(Romans 16:17-18) "17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people."

3. False teachers cast a bad shadow on the gospel.

4. False teachers are motivated by fleshly desires.

5. False teachers will face judgement from God.

B. The Certain Judgment of the Ungodly and the Preservation of the Godly ( 2 Peter 2:4–10a)

2 Peter 2:4–10a NLT

4 For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. 5 And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood. 6 Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. 7 But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling.

1. God’s justice is consistent and unchanging. (vs. 4-6)

4 For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell (ταρταρώσας), in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held (τηρουμένους) until the day of judgment. 5 And God did not spare the ancient world (ἀρχαίου κόσμου)—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected (ἐφύλαξεν) Noah when he destroyed (κατακλυσμὸν) the world of ungodly people with a vast flood. 6 Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people.

(Malachi 3:6) “I am the Lord, and I do not change."

(Hebrews 13:8) "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

2. God will rescue His children from the trials of living in an ungodly culture. (vs. 7-9)

7 But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality (ἀσελγείᾳ ἀναστροφῆς) of the wicked people around him. 8 Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. 9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

3. God will judge the arrogance of wicked people. (vs. 9b-10)

9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted (μιασμοῦ) sexual desire (ἐπιθυμίᾳ), and who despise (καταφρονοῦντας) authority. These people are proud and arrogant (Τολμηταί, αὐθάδεις), daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling.

C. False Teachers Judged for Their Rebellion and Sensuality ( 2 Peter 2:10b–16)

2 Peter 2:10b–16 NLT

10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling. 11 But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings. 12 These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. 13 Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. 14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. 15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong. 16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.

1. False teachers demonstrate a lack of wisdom about Spiritual realities.

(2 Peter 2:10-11)

2 Peter 2:10–11 NLT

10 μάλιστα δὲ τοὺς ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ μιασμοῦ πορευομένους καὶ κυριότητος καταφρονοῦντας. Τολμηταί, αὐθάδεις, δόξας οὐ τρέμουσιν, βλασφημοῦντες,

11 ὅπου ἄγγελοι ἰσχύϊ καὶ δυνάμει μείζονες ὄντες οὐ φέρουσιν κατʼ αὐτῶν βλάσφημον κρίσιν.

“κυριότητος καταφρονοῦντας” = to have an attitude of utter contempt toward ruling authorities.

“Τολμηταί, αὐθάδεις” = to be stubbornly arrogant, rebellious.

“δόξας οὐ τρέμουσιν, βλασφημοῦντες” = to fearlessly show disrespect for heavenly powers/beings.

2. False teachers are ruled by their animal-like passions.

(2 Peter 2:12-14)

2 Peter 2:12–14 NLT

12 These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed. 13 Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. 14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse.

12 οὗτοι δέ, ὡς ἄλογα ζῷα γεγεννημένα φυσικὰ εἰς ἅλωσιν καὶ φθοράν, ἐν οἷς ἀγνοοῦσιν βλασφημοῦντες, ἐν τῇ φθορᾷ αὐτῶν καὶ φθαρήσονται,

13 ἀδικούμενοι μισθὸν ἀδικίας· ἡδονὴν ἡγούμενοι τὴν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ τρυφήν, σπίλοι καὶ μῶμοι ἐντρυφῶντες ἐν ταῖς ἀπάταις αὐτῶν συνευωχούμενοι ὑμῖν,

14 ὀφθαλμοὺς ἔχοντες μεστοὺς μοιχαλίδος καὶ ἀκαταπαύστους ἁμαρτίας, δελεάζοντες ψυχὰς ἀστηρίκτους, καρδίαν γεγυμνασμένην πλεονεξίας ἔχοντες, κατάρας τέκνα,

They are like “unthinking animals” (ἄλογα ζῷα) who live to fulfill their animalistic, instinctual desires.

They live only to fulfill their instinctual desires (γεγεννημένα φυσικὰ )

Their desires are never satisfied.

3. False teachers are living under the curse of judgment.

(2 Peter 2:13-16)

2 Peter 2:13–16 NLT

13 Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals. 14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse. 15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong. 16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.

15 καταλιπόντες εὐθεῖαν ὁδὸν ἐπλανήθησαν, ἐξακολουθήσαντες τῇ ὁδῷ τοῦ Βαλαὰμ τοῦ Βοσὸρ ὃς μισθὸν ἀδικίας ἠγάπησεν

16 ἔλεγξιν δὲ ἔσχεν ἰδίας παρανομίας· ὑποζύγιον ἄφωνον ἐν ἀνθρώπου φωνῇ φθεγξάμενον ἐκώλυσεν τὴν τοῦ προφήτου παραφρονίαν.

They live under the judgment of God.

(2 Peter 2:13 a, 14c)

2 Peter 2:13a NLT

2 Peter 2:14c NLT

14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse.

(Jude 4, 8-13)

Jude 4 NLT

4 I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude 8–13 NLT

8 In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. 9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) 10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. 11 What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. 12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.

They follow in the steps of Balaam - using deception for monetary gain. (2 Peter 2:15-16)

2 Peter 2:15–16 NLT

15 They have wandered off the right road and followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong. 16 But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.

D. The Adverse Impact of the False Teachers on Others ( 2 Peter 2:17–22)

2 Peter 2:17–22 NLT

17 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

1. False teachers provide only empty promises.

(2 Peter 2:17-18 a)

2 Peter 2:17–18a NLT

2. False teachers promote the fulfillment of sinful desires.

(2 Peter 2:18b-19)

2 Peter 2:18b–19 NLT

18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.

3. False teachers have rejected the truth of God for the lies of Satan.

(2 Peter 2:20-21)

2 Peter 2:20–21 NLT

20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life.

2 Peter 2:20–21 NLT

(1 Timothy 4:1-2) "Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead."

4. False teachers lead their followers into spiritual bondage.

(2 Peter 2:14)

2 Peter 2:14 NLT

14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their desire for sin is never satisfied. They lure unstable people into sin, and they are well trained in greed. They live under God’s curse.

V. Reminder: The Day of the Lord Will Come ( 2 Peter 3:1–18)

A. Scoffers Doubt the Coming Day ( 2 Peter 3:1–7)

2 Peter 3:1–7 NLT

1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. 3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

1- Peter’s purpose for writing is to stimulate his readers in wholesome thinking (εἰλικρινῆ διάνοιαν) by reminding them of some truths that they need to meditate upon. (2 Peter 3:1)

2 Peter 3:1 NLT

1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory.

a- εἰλικρινῆ = signifies “unalloyed, pure”; (a) it was used of unmixed substances; (b) in the NT it is used of moral and ethical “purity,” Phil. 1:10, “sincere”; so the rv in 2 Pet. 3:1 (kjv, “pure”). Some regard the etymological meaning as “tested by the sunlight” (Cremer).

b- διάνοιαν= the psychological faculty of understanding, reasoning, thinking, and deciding—‘mind.’

c- ὑπομνήσει= to cause to recall and to think about again—‘to remind, to cause to remember, to cause to think about again.

2- Peter wants to remind his readers about what the prophets and apostles of God have taught. (2 Peter 3:2)

2 Peter 3:2 NLT

2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles.

3- The reason that Peter is reminding his readers about these things is to counter the claims of scoffers who deny the second-coming of Christ. (2 Peter 3:3-4)

2 Peter 3:3–4 NLT

3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

4- Scoffers willingly overlook God’s truth in order to follow their own desires. (2 Peter 3:5-7)

2 Peter 3:5–7 NLT

5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens long ago by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

a. For this they wilfully forget (λανθανει γαρ αὐτους τουτο θελοντας [lanthanei gar autous touto thelontas]). Literally, “for this escapes them being willing.”

b. Just as believers have eternal life “reserved” for us (1 Peter 1:4), nonbelievers and the world system have judgment by fire “reserved” for them.

1 Peter 1:4 NLT

4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

B. The Lord’s Timing Is Different from Ours ( 2 Peter 3:8–10)

2 Peter 3:8–10 NLT

8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

1- God is not on our time table! (2 Peter 3:8)

2 Peter 3:8 NLT

8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.

a. Time means nothing to God.

b. Time does not have any bearing on God’s promises.

2- Delay on God’s part is a matter of grace being extended to us. (2 Peter 3:9)

2 Peter 3:9 NLT

9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

a. The reason for Christ’s delay in returning is to provide opportunity for nonbelievers to repent and turn to Jesus!

(Romans 2:4)

Romans 2:4 NLT

4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

3- Christ’s return and God’s judgment upon this world are certain. (2 Peter 3:10)

2 Peter 3:10 NLT

10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

a. Christ’s return is going to come at an unexpected time.

• “as a thief”= κλέπτης

(1 Thessalonians 5:2-4)

2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. 4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

C. Living Righteously because of the Future Day ( 2 Peter 3:11–18)

11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. 14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

1- Since the physical world and everything in it is going to be destroyed (λυομένων ), the believer’s focus is to be on living to please the Lord! (2 Peter 3:11)

2 Peter 3:11 NLT

11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live,

a. The world and everything in it will be destroyed by fire.

(2 Peter 3:10) " the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise (ῥοιζηδὸν παρελεύσονται), and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire (στοιχεῖα δὲ καυσούμενα λυθήσεται)..."

· ῥοιζηδὸν παρελεύσονται - To pass from existence with a loud noise like something passing swiftly through the air or the roar of flame of fire. (v. 10)

· στοιχεῖα δὲ καυσούμενα λυθήσεται - [all of] the materials comprising this world will be utterly destroyed [melted away] with an intense heat.(v. 10)

· λυομένων - to destroy or reduce something to ruin by tearing down or breaking to pieces—‘to destroy, to tear down, to break to pieces, to utterly destroy.(v. 11)

(Isaiah 34:4) " The heavens above will melt away and disappear like a rolled-up scroll. The stars will fall from the sky like withered leaves from a grapevine, or shriveled figs from a fig tree."

(Mal 4:1) "*The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all."

b. This is why the believer is to avoid making the pursuit of material goods the primary objective of life.

(Matthew 6:19-21)

"19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.

20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

2- Believers are to expectantly look forward to (προσδοκῶντας) the coming “day of the Lord” (σπεύδοντας τὴν παρουσίαν τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμέρας).

(2 Peter 3:12-13)

12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

(2 Peter 3:14)

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. [1]

προσδοκῶντας - to expect something to happen, whether good or bad—‘to expect, to anticipate, expectation.’[2]To look forward expectantly to something happening. (v. 12a, 13a, 14)

3- The believer is to strive to follow a godly lifestyle as we expectantly await His coming. (2 Peter 3:14-18).

(2 Peter 3:14–18)

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort (σπουδάσατε) to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless (ἄσπιλοι καὶ ἀμώμητοι) in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

a. Live lives that are marked by peace, purity and blamelessness. (vs. 14)

σπουδάσατε- to do something with intense effort and motivation—‘to work hard, to do one’s best, to endeavor.’[3]

ἄσπιλοι καὶ ἀμώμητοι - morally pure and blameless.

(1 John 2:28) "And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame."

(1 John 3:3) "And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure."

b. Carry out the mission of Christ while God gives time.

(vs. 15a) 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

(Romans 2:4) Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

c. Remain on guard against false teachers who twist scriptures.

(vs. 15b-17) "15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.

d. Seek to be in a continual growth mode spiritually.

(vs. 18)"Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen."

(Col 1:9-10) 9 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

* 4:1 Verses 4:1–6 are numbered 3:19–24 in Hebrew text.

[1] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 2 Pe 3:14.

[2] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 356.

[3] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 661.

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