INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY: BOOK OF SECOND PETER
By Dennis Schmidt 12/2000
RETURN TO THE: BIBLE PAPERS HOME PAGE
This paper discusses the book of 2nd Peter. The central theme is a warning against corrupt teachers and scoffers. To counter this problem, an emphasis is placed on learning/applying the word of God. For more details on 2nd Peter 2 refer to the combination paper of Jude/2nd Peter 2. That paper compares the Jude scriptures and the 2nd Peter 2 scriptures. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.
SECOND PETER THEMES:
- WARNING AGAINST APOSTATES
- GROWTH IN GRACE & PEACE BY KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS THE CHRIST.
CHAPTER THEMES & ELEMENTS
BOOK STRUCTURE |
OUTLINE | CHAPTER(S) THEMES |
| Introduction: God's Divine Power | Faith Given | (1:1-4) Grow in grace & peace by knowledge God supplied us his divine nature & power (one-in-Christ) |
| Spiritual Growth | Faith Grows | (1:5-11) Grow from faith through steps to love. To make your calling & election sure. |
| Bible & Witness Assurance | Faith Examples | (1:12-21) Stand on faith by scriptures & apostle witness of Jesus life. |
| Expect From False Teach & God | Faith Deceived | (2:1-22) Warning against false prophets & teachers who pervert the truth. |
| Warning & Detection | Faith Tested | (3:1-7) God warns of end day scoffers & he will destroy earth with fire as he did with water. |
| No Time For God & Judgment | Faith Patience | (3:8-13) God is both patient & yet the day of the Lord judgment is near. |
| New = Old Testament | Faith Endures | (3:14-18) Paul's epistles equivalent to scripture - warning & growth by knowledge of Jesus our Lord. |
AUTHOR: Apostle Peter DATE: 67 AD FROM: Babylon/Rome TO: Elect in Asia Minor
PURPOSE:
- EXHORT TO GROW IN JESUS
- WARN OF FALSE TEACHERS & THEIR INFLUENCE.
KEY VERSES:
2 Peter 2:1 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
2 Peter 3:3-4 "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, {4} And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."
KEY WORD(S)/VERSES: [ truth ] (1, 2); [ prophecy ] (1, 2, 3); [ knowledge ] (1, 2, 3); [ promise ] (2, 3); [ destroyed ] (2, 3); [ reserved ] (2, 3)
OUTLINE FOR SECOND PETER:
I) SALUTATION & INTRODUCTIONS: {2 PETER 1:1-2}
II) CALLING & ELECTION SURE: {2 PETER 1:3-11}
A) DIVINE POWER: {2 PETER 1:3-4}
B) POWER GROWTH SERIES FOR YOUR LIFE: {2 PETER 1:5-7}
C) EFFECTIVE LIFE UNTO HEAVENLY KINGDOM: {2 PETER 1:8-11}
III) GOD'S WORD, EYE WITNESS, & PROPHETIC WORD: {2 PETER 1:12-21}
A) GOD'S WORD & EYEWITNESSES: {2 PETER 1:12-18}
B) PROPHETIC WORD: {2 PETER 1:19-21}
IV) FALSE TEACHERS: {2 PETER 2:1-22}
A) FALSE TEACHERS PREDICTED: {2 PETER 2:1-3}
B) JUDGMENT ASSURED: {2 PETER 2:4-9}
C) GODLY DELIVERED: {2 PETER 2:10-22}
V) JESUS RETURN: {2 PETER 3:1-18}
A) SCOFFERS QUESTION JESUS RETURN: {2 PETER 3:1-4}
B) THEIR PUNISHMENT: {2 PETER 3:5-10}
VI) LIVE A HOLY LIFE LOOKING FOR PROMISE OF JESUS RETURN: {2 PETER 3:11-18}
Jesus righteous produces fellowship; Christian knowledge produces grace; peace grows into divine power; to partakers in the divine nature. This is accomplished by: adding to our faith; with virtue; then knowledge, followed by temperance; producing patirnce; resulting in godliness; showing brotherly kindness; finally arriving at charity.
I) SALUTATION & INTRODUCTIONS: {2 PETER 1:1-2}
WHO: SIMON PETER APOSTLE TO WHOM: TO THEM THAT HAVE OBTAINED LIKE FAITH
2 Peter 1:1 "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of M Jesus M T Christ T, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of /\ God /\ and our T Saviour T M Jesus M T Christ T:"
Faith: Religious system and knowing God.
Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think <of himself> more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
2 Thessalonians 3:2 "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all <men> have not faith."
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Righteousness of God: True Gospel message.
See my papers: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.
See my papers: "Imputed/Reckoned/Counted Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY WORD: {2 PETER 1:2-3:18} KNOW/KNOWLEDGE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {1:2} Grace and peace are multiplied by knowledge of God
(2) {1:5} Knowledge is one step in Christian growth
(3) {1:8} Fruitful in knowledge
(4) {1:14} Knowledge bring action even unto death
(5) {1:16} To know the power & coming of Jesus makes our faith grow
(6) {2:9} Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation & reserve the unjust unto day of judgment
(7) {2:20} After knowing Jesus and again are entangled and overcome the latter end is worst than beginning
(8) {2:21} Better to have not known the way of righteousness to know and fall back makes it harder to return
(9) {3:3} Knowing we are in the last days that scoffers come saying all things continue as from the beginning
(10) {3:18} Continue to grow in knowledge of Jesus our Lord
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the [ knowledge ] of /\ God /\, and of M Jesus M our /\ Lord /\,"
Grace: Getting what we do not deserve as compared with mercy: not getting what we deserve.
See my papers: "Grace" for more information on this subject.
Peace: Hebrew word Shalom used for hello, good-bye & God bless you. Only God gives peace to ones spirit of forgiveness & restoration.
Knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord: 2nd Peter talks of knowledge in 2 Peter 1:3, 5, 8 and 2 Peter 3:18. To combat heresy Peter wants us to become knowledgeable of God found in the Bible.
Grace and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God & Jesus:
The Bible lists two ways to increase grace from God. To those who are humbled & those who grow in the knowledge of God which we get from the word of God and by revelation from God.
James 4:6 "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture <is> given by inspiration of God, and <is> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
II) CALLING & ELECTION SURE: {2 PETER 1:3-11}
A) DIVINE POWER: {2 PETER 1:3-4}
WHAT: HAS GIVEN UNTO US ALL THINGS THAT <PERTAIN> UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM
2 Peter 1:3 "According as /\ his /\ divine power hath given unto us all things that <pertain> unto life and godliness, through the [ knowledge ] of M him M that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
2 Peter 1:4 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
Given us.. all things.. unto life and godliness.. that called us to glory and virtue.. exceeding great and precious promises.. be partakers of divine nature:
The Christian shares in the life of Jesus by means of God dwelling in us and conforming us to his image. We share in Jesus life, godliness, glory, and virtue.
See my papers: "In Christ" for more information on this subject.
Partakers of the divine nature:
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man <be> in Christ, <he is> a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Restored to perfect man in God's image as was Adam.
Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
John 10:34-35 "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? {35} If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;"
Psalms 82:1 "A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods."
Psalms 82:6-7 "I have said, Ye <are> gods; and all of you <are> children of the most High. {7} But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes." gods could be for rulers and judges.
Ephesians 3:19 "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
Acts 17:28 "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
Glory:
Romans 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate <to be> conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." We are then next born brethren.
Hebrews 12:10 "For they verily for a few days chastened <us> after their own pleasure; but he for <our> profit, that <we> might be partakers of his holiness."
Colossians 3:3-4 "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. {4} When Christ, <who is> our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
2 Corinthians 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, <even> as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Precious promises:
Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
1 John 3:24 "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
B) POWER GROWTH SERIES FOR YOUR LIFE: {2 PETER 1:5-7}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST: {2 PETER 1:5-1:7} GROWTH SERIES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Faith {5} -> (2) Virtue {5} -> (3) Knowledge {5} -> (4) Temperance {6} -> (5) Patience {6} ->
(6) Godliness {6} -> (7) Brotherly Kindness {7} -> (8) Charity {7}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Peter 1:5 "And beside this, giving all diligence, (1) add to your faith (2) virtue; and to virtue (3) [ knowledge ];"
WAY: Power series: Faith --> Virtue --> Knowledge --> Temperance --> Patience --> Godliness --> Brotherly Kindness --> Charity --> fruitful --> Calling and election sure --> Never fall --> Kingdom.
Faith: Unquestioning belief, trust, & reliance on God's promises.
See my papers: "Faith" for more information on this subject.
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith <it is> impossible to please <him>: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and <that> he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because <he eateth> not of faith: for whatsoever <is> not of faith is sin."
Virtue: Moral - excellence, chastity, uprightness, & goodness.
Knowledge: Draw close to God to continue on power series.
2 Peter 1:6 "And to [ knowledge ] (4) temperance; and to temperance (5) patience; and to patience (6) godliness;"
Temperance: Self control, moderation (appetites) & self restraint.
Patience: Long suffering, endurance without murmuring or resenting.
Godliness: God like in life & conduct. Devout reverence for God.
2 Peter 1:7 "And to godliness (7) brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness (8) charity."
Brotherly kindness: Tenderness, affection, & generosity to others.
Charity: Love in action. Divine Love with all the above traits.
See my papers: "Love" for more information on this subject.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C) EFFECTIVE LIFE UNTO HEAVENLY KINGDOM: {2 PETER 1:8-11}
2 Peter 1:8 "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make <you that ye shall> neither <be> barren nor unfruitful in the [ knowledge ] of our /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M T Christ T." Abound = increasing measure
Neither <be> barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord:
If we grow through the power series we will be fruitful in Lord.
2 Peter 1:9 "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." Near sight/blind-lacks power series-forgotten new birth.
2 Peter 1:10 "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"
Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
James 2:17 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Diligence to make your calling and election sure:
If we grow through the power series we will confirm our calling and election by God and will never fall & expect entrance into kingdom.
See my papers: "Christian Growth" for more information on this subject.
2 Peter 1:11 "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our /\ Lord /\ and T Saviour T M Jesus M T Christ T."
Entrance into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus:
See my papers: "Kingdom of God & Heaven" for more information on this subject.
See my papers: "Jesus Two Comings as King" for more information on this subject.
Matthew 25:21 "His lord said unto him, Well done, <thou> good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
III) GOD'S WORD, EYE WITNESS, & PROPHETIC WORD: (1:12-21)
A) GOD'S WORD, EYE WITNESS: {2 PETER 1:12-18}
2 Peter 1:12 "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye [ know ] <them>, and be established in the present [ truth ]."
2 Peter 1:13 "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting <you> in remembrance;"
Tradition has Gospel of Mark as Peter's telling Mark about Jesus life. The gospel of Mark was often memorized by early believes.
WHEN: SHORTLY I MUST PUT OFF <this> MY TABERNACLE
2 Peter 1:14 "[ knowing ] that shortly I must put off <this> my tabernacle, even as our /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M
T Christ T hath showed me."
I must put off my tabernacle: His body
Peter like Paul knew that their life's work was near completion.
2 Timothy 4:6 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand." Paul's life ending revealed.
John 21:18-19 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry <thee> whither thou wouldest not. {19} This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me." Jesus telling Peter that he would be crucified.
2 Peter 1:15 "Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance."
2 Peter 1:16 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made [ known ] unto you the power and coming of our /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M T Christ T, but were eyewitnesses of M his M , majesty."
2 Peter 1:17 "For M he M received from /\ God /\ the /\ Father /\ honour and glory, when there came such a voice to M him M from the excellent /\ glory /\, This is /\ my /\ beloved M Son M, in whom /\ I am /\ well pleased."
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: This phrase about Jesus occurred late in Jesus ministry. He already had established himself.
The same phrase, was used at Jesus baptism, at the start of his ministry at his baptism (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-23). God sees Jesus and also our lives as a completed work which was successful. God can boast of Jesus & us.
2 Peter 1:18 "And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with M him M in the holy mount."
Transfiguration: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:1-9, Luke 9:28-36
B) PROPHETIC WORD: {2 PETER 1:19-21}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST: {2 PETER 1:19-2:1} PROPHECY
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {1:19} Sure word of prophecy
(2) {1:20} No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation
(3) {1:21} Prophecy of old times came not by will of man
(4) {1:21} Holy men of God spake moved by the Holy Ghost
(5) {2:1} False prophets teach damnable heresies
(6) {2:1} False prophet deny the Lord that bought them
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY WORD: {2 PETER 1:19-3:2} PROPHECY
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {1:19} We have a sure word of prophecy
(2) {1:20} No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation as God spoke it through Holy man
(3) {2:1} False prophets as teachers bring forth damnable lies.
(4) {3:2} Be mindful of the holy prophets words
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Peter 1:19 "We have also a more (1) sure word of [ prophecy ]; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" Prophecy also showed that Jesus is the Messiah.
WAY: A MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION BUT CAME OF HOLY MEN OF GOD MOVED BY THE SPIRIT.
Prophecy:
See my papers: "Jesus as Prophecy, Priest, & King" for more information on this subject.
Day star arise:
Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, <and> the bright and morning star."
2 Peter 1:20 "[ knowing ] this first, that (2) no [ prophecy ] of the scripture is of any private interpretation."
2 Peter 1:21 "For (3) the [ prophecy ] came not in old time by the will of man: (4) but holy men of /\ God /\ spake <as they were> moved by the /\ Holy Ghost /\."
Holy men of God spake.. moved by the Holy Ghost:
See my papers: "Triunity - Father, Son, & Holy Spirit" for more information on this subject.
See my papers: "God's Word/Bible/Scriptures" for more information on this subject.
See my papers: "Bible Study & Interpretation Guideline" for more information on this subject.
God was the source of the scripture & the human author actively spoke/wrote the words. The prophet was not a recorder. Yet what the author wrote came from God as if God was writing the words.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture <is> given by inspiration of God, and <is> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
1 Peter 1:10-11 "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace <that should come> unto you: {11} Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."
IV) FALSE TEACHERS: {2 PETER 2:1-22}
A) FALSE TEACHERS PREDICTED: {2 PETER 2:1-3}
WHAT: FALSE PROPHETS & TEACHERS BRING IN DAMNABLE HERESIES DENYING THE LORD
2 Peter 2:1 "But there were (5) false [ prophets ] also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, (6) even denying the /\ Lord /\ that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift [ destruction ]."
False teachers: Matthew 24:4-5,11; Acts 20:29-30; Galatians 1:6-9
Jude 4 "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Damnable heresies: Teachings leading to moral & spiritual decline.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY WORD: {2 PETER 1:12-2:22} TRUTH
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {1:12} Be established in the present truth
(2) {2:2} False prophets speak evil of the way of truth
(3) {2:22} Those that fall away find it hard to return
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WAY: MANY SHALL FOLLOW PERNICIOUS WAYS WHERE TRUTH SHALL BE EVIL SPOKEN OF
2 Peter 2:2 "And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of [ truth ] shall be evil spoken of."
The way of truth shall be evil spoken: These teachers and their followers are a bad example to the world of what Christ stands for.
2 Peter 2:3 "And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."
Judgment now of a long time linger not: Sovereign God uses man's natural selves & judge us. See also 2 Peter 3:3-8.
See my papers: "Judgments of Believer & Unbeliever" for more information on this subject.
B) JUDGMENT ASSURED: {2 PETER 2:4-9}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST: {2 PETER 2:4-7} GOD'S RESPONSE - PUNISHMENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {2:4} God spared not the angels that sinned but cast them to hell reserved for judgment
(2) {2:5} Spared not old world but Noah's family
(3) {2:6} Turned cities of Sodom & Gomorrah into ashes
(4) {2:7} Delivered just Lot vexed with filthy conversation of the wicked & reserved unjust to day of judgment
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Peter 2:4 "For if (1) /\ God /\ spared not the angels that sinned, but cast <them> down to hell, and delivered <them> into chains of darkness, to be [ reserved ] unto judgment;"
See my papers: "Jewish Bible Teachings on Heaven, Hell & Spirit Beings" for more information on this subject.
Jude 5 "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
Angels that sinned cast them down to hell:
Matthew 8:29-31 "And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? {31} So the devils besought him, saying, if thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine."
Matthew 25:41 "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" Hell is also darkness (no light of Jesus).
2 Peter 2:5 "And (2) spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth <person>, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly"
Spared not the old world, but saved Noah .. a preacher of righteousness:
See my papers: "Between Jesus Death & Resurrection What did He Accomplish?" for more information on this subject.
1 Peter 3:18-20 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: {19} By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; {20} Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."
[ TIME: ] AFTER
2 Peter 2:6 "And (3) turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned <them> with an overthrow, making <them> an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
Jude 1:7 "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."
2 Peter 2:7 "And (4) delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:"
Delivered just Lot:
Genesis 13:12-13 "...and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched <his> tent toward Sodom. {13} But the men of Sodom <were> wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Peter 2:8 "(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed <his> righteous soul from day to day with <their> unlawful deeds;)" Results of sinful man around, on the righteous man, could make him choose a worldly choice.
Unlawful deeds: Sensual lust and homosexual perversions.
Romans 1:24 "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:" See also Romans 1:25-32
2 Peter 2:9 "The /\ Lord /\ [ knoweth ] how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to [ reserved ] the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:"
C) GODLY DELIVERED: {2 PETER 2:10-22}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIST: {2 PETER 2:10-14} APOSTATE SINS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {2:10} Walk after the flesh
(2) {2:10} Lust of uncleanness
(3) {2:10} Despise government
(4) {2:10} Presumptuous are they
(5) {2:10} Self-willed
(6) {2:10} Not afraid to speak evil of dignities
(7) {2:12} Natural brute beasts
(8) {2:12} Speak evil of the things that they understand not
(9) {2:14} Having eyes full of adultery
(10) {2:14} They can not cease from sin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ TIME: ] AFTER
WHY: WALK AFTER THE FLESH IN THE LUST OF UNCLEANNESS, DESPISE GOVERNMENT ETC.
2 Peter 2:10 "But chiefly them that (1) walk after the flesh in the (2) lust of uncleanness, and (3) despise government. (4) Presumptuous <are they>, (5) selfwilled, (6) they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities."
Speaking evil of dignities:
See my papers: "The Christian Position on Civil Authority & Nonresistance" for more information on this subject.
2 Peter 2:11 "Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the /\ Lord /\."
Jude 9 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."
Angels bring not railing accusation against them:
Zechariah 3:1-2 "And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. {2} And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: <is> not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" Jesus (angel of the Lord) even shows respect to Satan.
2 Peter 2:12 "But these, as (7) natural brute beasts, made to be taken and [ destroyed ], (8) speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;"
Jude 10 "But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves."
Speak evil of the things that they understand not:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. {2} For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, {3} Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, {4} Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; {5} Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
[ TIME: ] WHILE
2 Peter 2:13 "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, <as> they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots <they are> and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;"
Love feasts of charity: Church meal & Lord's communion
See my papers: "Communion" for more information on this subject.
See my papers: "Love" for more information on this subject.
1 Corinthians 11:20-21 "When ye come together therefore into one place, <this> is not to eat the Lord's supper. {21} For in eating every one taketh before <other> his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken." The Lord's supper was given in conjunction with a feast meal or love feast. Just as Jesus gave it with the Passover meal which is a feast meal (Matthew 26:18-, Mark 14:13-).
2 Peter 2:14 "(9) Having eyes full of adultery, and (10) that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:"
Eyes full of adultery, and cannot cease from sin:
See my papers: "Unpardonable Sin" for more information on this subject.
Ephesians 2:1-3 "And you <hath he quickened>, who were dead in trespasses and sins: {2} Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: {3} Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
Matthew 25:41 "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" Results of being cursed and their sins.
Hebrews 6:4-6 "For <it is> impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, {5} And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, {6} If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put <him> to an open shame."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Peter 2:15 "Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam <the son> of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;"
Jude 1:11 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
Examples of Old Testament people whose sins are compared with these:
2 Peter 2:16 "But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the
[ prophet ]."
Balaam: Caused Israel to sin (idols/commit fornication) for greed.
Numbers 22:7,12-13,18,21-23,27-28,31 "And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak. {12} And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they <are> blessed. {13} And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you. {18} And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. {21} And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. {22} And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants <were> with him. {23} And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. {27} And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. {28} And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? {31} Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face." Balaam made good confession in verse 18, but God already gave Balaam his word and Balaam should not have asked again.
Numbers 24:1 "And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness."
Numbers 31:8,16 "And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; <namely>, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword. {16} Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD."
Revelation 2:14 "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY WORD: {2 PETER 2:4-3:7} RESERVED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {2:4} God cast angels that sinned into hell reserved for judgment
(2) {2:9} Lord to reserve the unjust to judgment day
(3) {2:17} Apostates to whom the mist of darkness is reserved
(4) {3:7} Heaven and earth are reserve for fire against the day of judgment
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Peter 2:17 "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is
[ reserved ] for ever."
Jude 1:12-13 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds <they are> without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; {13} Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."
Clouds without water: Representing Christians but their no fruits, signs, or deeds of a walking with Jesus.
See my papers: "Christian Growth" for more information on this subject.
Clouds carried with a tempest: No purpose in life.
Darkness forever: A picture of Hell - no love, no hope & no joy.
Matthew 8:12 "But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
WAY: THEY SPEAK GREAT SWELLING <WORDS> OF VANITY, THEY ALLURE THROUGH THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH, THEY THEMSELVES ARE THE SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION
2 Peter 2:18 "For when they speak great swelling <words> of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, <through much> wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error."
[ TIME: ] WHILE
2 Peter 2:19 "While they [ promise ] them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." False teachers allure through lust.
Whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage:
See my papers: "Questions & Answers on Law, Faith, & Liberty" for more information on this subject.
Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
2 Timothy 3:1-2,5 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. {2} For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, {5} Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
They have departed from the faith & have falling into apostate sin:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MISC: {2 PETER 2:20-22} SIN STEPS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APOSTATES LEADS TO THE UNPARDONABLE SIN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ TIME: ] AFTER
2 Peter 2:20 "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the [ knowledge ] of the Lord and T Saviour T M Jesus M T Christ T, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."
Escaped the pollution's of the world .. they are again entangled therein:
1 Timothy 4:1-2 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; {2} Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"
Hebrews 10:26-29 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, {27} But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. {28} He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: {29} Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"
[ TIME: ] AFTER
2 Peter 2:21 "For it had been better for them not to have [ known ] the way of righteousness, than, after they have [ known ] <it>, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."
Know the way of righteousness:
See my papers: "True Gospel of Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; {2} Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"
2 Peter 2:22 "But it is happened unto them according to the [ true ] proverb, The dog <is> turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."
V) JESUS RETURN: {3:1-18}
A) SCOFFERS QUESTION JESUS RETURN: {2 PETER3:1-4}
2 Peter 3:1 "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in <both> which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:"
Second epistle: First epistle is probably 1 Peter.
2 Peter 3:2 "That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy [ prophets ], and of the commandment of us the apostles of the /\ Lord /\ and T Saviour T:"
Apostles:
See my papers: "Apostles" for more information on this subject.
Peter places the Apostles & the prophets on equal bases.
Prophets: Presenting message: That God expects his people to live morally sound lives. They also proclaimed that Israel had a special relationship with God. They foretold the future.
See my papers: "Israel & Jewish People in God's Plan" for more information on this subject.
WHEN: THERE SHALL COME IN THE LAST DAYS SCOFFERS
2 Peter 3:3 "[ knowing ] this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,"
Last days: Church age is last days. Scoffers were in early church. Chapter 3 emphasis is on the return of Jesus. The scoffers must be in connection with Jesus return.
WHAT: WALKING AFTER THEIR LUSTS
2 Peter 3:4 "And saying, Where is the [ promise ] of /\ his /\ coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as <they were> from the beginning of the creation."
WAY: ALL THINGS CONTINUE AS <they were> FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION.
Where is the promise of His coming?:
See my papers: "Jesus Two Comings as King" for more information on this subject.
Scoffers believed that nature isn't subject to divine intervention.
They willing ignore the flood as also creation as divine activity.
THEIR PUNISHMENT {3:5-10}
2 Peter 3:5 "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of /\ God /\ the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:"
Earth standing out of the water and in the water: The account in Genesis 1:2 in which God made the earth to rise out of the waters.
See my papers: "God's Plan and Purpose for the Ages" for more information on this subject.
Genesis 1:2 "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness <was> upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
2 Peter 3:6 "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:"
Being overflowed with water: The flood in Noah's day.
Earth destroyed by water once. It will perish by fire next time.
2 Peter 3:7 "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, [ reserved ] unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." Perdition = destruction
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY WORD: {2 PETER 2:19-3:13} PROMISE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {2:19} Apostates promise liberty while they themselves are servants of corruption
(2) {3:4} Scoffers come saying where is the promise of His coming, as all things continue as from the beginning
(3) {3:9} The Lord is not slack with His promises & long-suffering to save many
(4) {3:13} We should look for a new heaven and earth of righteousness as God promised
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN: ONE DAY <IS> WITH THE LORD AS A 1,000 & A 1,000 YEARS AS DAY.
2 Peter 3:8 "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day <is> with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." God is in eternity. His promises are sure.
Thousand Years:
Psalms 90:4 "For a thousand years in thy sight <are but> as yesterday when it is past, and <as> a watch in the night."
2 Peter 3:9 "The /\ Lord /\ is not slack concerning his [ promise ], as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance: God's timing is allowing more people to repent.
2 Peter 3:10 "But the day of the /\ Lord /\ will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."
Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed <is> he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."
Day of the Lord: The return of Jesus and wrath of God on the earth.
B) LIVE A HOLY LIFE LOOKING FOR THE PROMISE OF JESUS RETURN: {2 PETER 3:11-18}
2 Peter 3:11 "<Seeing> then <that> all these things shall be dissolved, what manner <of persons> ought ye to be in <all> holy conversation and godliness,"
Since everything shall be destroyed, one's system of values and priorities should be centered on God.
Godliness: God like in life & conduct. Devout reverence for God.
2 Peter 3:12 "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of /\ God /\, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?"
The day of God: The same as the day of the Lord.
See my papers: "End Times Events - Day of the Lord" for more information on this subject.
2 Peter 3:13 "Nevertheless we, according to /\ his /\ [ promise ], look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
New heavens and a new earth:
Isaiah 66:22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain."
Revelation 21:1 "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."
2 Peter 3:14 "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
Peace, without spot, and blameless: Covered by the blood of Jesus.
Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
1 Peter 1:19 "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
Ephesians 5:26-27 "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, {27} That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
2 Peter 3:15 "And account <that> the longsuffering of our Lord <is> salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY WORD: {2 PETER 2:1-3:16} DESTRUCTION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) {2:1} Heresies bring swift destruction to apostates
(2) {2:12} Their boast of speaking evil of things they do not understand will lead to their being destroyed
(3) {3:16} Their unlearned and unstable use of the scriptures will result in their destruction
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHY: THEY ARE UNLEARNED & UNSTABLE WREST WITH SCRIPTURES FOR DESTRUCTION
2 Peter 3:16 "As also in all <his> epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as <they do> also the other scriptures, unto their own [ destruction ]." Wrest = misapply
Peter places Paul's epistles on the same level as Old Testament scriptures.
Hard to be understood.. unlearned and unstable wrest:
As the person reads and studies the scriptures, God will teach the person to understood & not misapplied Paul's writings.
[ CONCLUSION: ] THEREFORE
2 Peter 3:17 "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye [ know ]<these things> before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness."
2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, & <in> the [ knowledge ] of our /\ Lord /\ and T Saviour T M Jesus M T Christ T. To /\ him /\ <be> glory both now and for ever. Amen."
RETURN TO THE: BIBLE PAPERS HOME PAGE