Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1:1–11

Big Idea: Spiritual maturity is a process that requires intentional effort and is grounded in the knowledge of Christ, leading to fruitful living and assurance of salvation.

Introduction

The early believers were under constant pressure from two fronts. On the one front they were facing persecution from the culture. They were ridiculed and ostracized because of their faith and radically different lifestyles. They refused to take part in the pagan and immoral practices of the culture. The government was also hostile toward this new faith. In fact, when Rome burned, Nero spread rumors that it was the Christians that had caused the fire. Many believers lost their lives in Rome as sport for the pagan culture. The second front of opposition came from within the church. False teachers had begun to infiltrate the church. These teachers denied Jesus’ humanity, deity and second coming. They did so in order to advocate for freedom to satisfy sensual appetites and pleasure. They saw no reason not to partake in the pleasures of the culture. Peter and Jude both wrote letters to counter these false teachers. They wanted believers to remain firm and fixed in their faith in Jesus Christ.

There has been much debate about who wrote 2 Peter. Conservative interpreters affirm that the Apostle Peter wrote 2 Peter. The writer opens the letter by identifying himself as the Apostle Peter.

The Letter was most likely written shortly after his first letter (1 Peter). It was written sometime between A.D. 60 -68. Most likely written while he was in Rome.

The letter was probably written to the same group of believers that he wrote to in his first letter (1 Peter 1:1-2). Peter is writing to warn the believers of the false teachers that were infiltrating the church. These teachers were early Gnostics. They denied both the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. They rejected the Second Coming. Gnostics taught that salvation came through secret knowledge they could dispense. Peter and Jude both wrote against these teachers and their false teachings.

Peter wrote his second letter to warn believers of these false teachers. He wanted believers to know that they are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. They are to stand firm against false teachings and fulfill their calling as followers of Jesus.

This letter is relevant to modern day believers. We live in a culture that is attacking the true teachings of the Word of God. Never has there been a more pressing time for true believers to take a stand and fight the good fight against those who would seek to infiltrate the church with false teachings.

Opening Thoughts

Living in Florida I have seen the effects of hurricanes on homes. Some of those built close to the ocean shore are destroyed while those built inland on more solid soil are able to withstand the storm.

Jesus told the parable of two foundations (Matt 7:24-27). He showed us that what we build our lives on matters. If we genuinely want to have a healthy relationship with Himself and the Father you had to have a firm foundation. This means diligent and regular time studying God’s Word.

Peter opens his second letter reminding the readers that if they are going to withstand the persecution and false teaching that they are enduring from the culture they must have a firm foundation. That is going to require intentional effort and is grounded in the knowledge of Christ. This intentionality would lead them to fruitful living and assurance of salvation.

Foundation in Divine Power

2 Peter 1:1–4 ESV

¹ Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: ² May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. ³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, ⁴ by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Peter opens his second letter by identifying himself as the author, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He did so to establish his authority to address the false teachers. His declaration of being a servant (doulos) goes deeper than just a mere slave. In using doulos he is telling the readers that I am more than a slave, but I am a bond-servant bound by law to my master. Bondservants chose to stay and be bound to their master. Peter is declaring, by my choice I am a slave/servant of Jesus Christ.

Peters desire is that through the knowledge of God and of Jesus, we might have grace and peace. The grace that we receive from God is unearned and came as the result of Christ’s death on the cross. The divine power granted us was given through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Apart from a personal relationship with Jesus we are powerless to defend truth or defeat sin. The only way we can have a personal relationship with Jesus is by faith…that faith comes through the knowledge of scripture and the person of Jesus.

The accurate and complete knowledge of God and Jesus is not some secret or mystical knowledge. It is available to all mankind. Peter is writing against those who would teach falsely that the knowledge of God and Jesus is some secret or mystical knowledge that only a few can understand. Full knowledge of God/Jesus provides everything we need to build a foundation of faith. As we grow in our faith we become more like Jesus/God. Active obedience comes as we gain knowledge of God and of His will for our lives. Jesus tells what life is and then provides the knowledge need to live that life. As believers we are called to have a foundation built on Christ. We are called to live here on earth as Christ lived.

Cultivating Christ-like Character

2 Peter 1:5–7 ESV

⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Building a foundation is just the beginning, whether for a house or for faith. Peter encourages believers to live out their faith beyond mere profession. He outlines steps for living victoriously in Christ, starting with virtue and moral excellence. In a culture that often lacks absolute truth, it’s crucial to understand God’s teachings on morality.

Peter emphasizes gaining knowledge of God’s Word and practicing self-control, which leads to perseverance. This steadfastness helps us endure tough times, knowing God is in control. Walking in the Spirit ensures we’re not alone. Cultivating these values demonstrates to the world what it means to be a child of God, exemplifying brotherly affection and love. Prioritizing the needs of fellow believers over our desires is vital, especially under cultural pressure. Supporting each other strengthens us during trials, leading to victory through Jesus Christ.

While we may profess Christianity through accepting Christ’s salvation, it must be evident in our daily lives. Our faith needs to go beyond head knowledge, requiring active effort to embody our spiritual transformation (Phil 2:12-13; James 2:14-26).

Resulting in Fruitful Assurance

2 Peter 1:8–11ESV

⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter observes that embracing these qualities and nurturing their development in one’s life will produce positive outcomes. Conversely, if an individual neglects to cultivate these attributes, they may become ineffective and unproductive. The understanding of the Word of God might remain purely intellectual without impacting their daily actions..

James states that believers should not only listen to God’s word but also act upon it ( James 2:22 ). Biblical knowledge should extend beyond intellectual understanding, enhancing comprehension of salvation. Studying the Bible will lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of salvation.

Without these qualities, we risk losing sight of what grants us salvation and forgetting the bigger picture of redemption. Practicing them helps us defeat sin, endure trials, and serve others. Peter urges readers to be certain of their salvation and combat false teachings. Knowing the truth enables one to identify falsehoods.

As these qualities become a part of our lives we will begin to see changes and transformations in our lives. These changes will reassure us of our calling before God. The opposite is also true. If we are not seeing these changes in our lives and you are not concerned then you should wonder and question whether you are a true believer in Jesus Christ.

We must consider whether we merely listen to God’s Word or allow it to influence our daily lives. The Christian life is not static; rather, it is one of continuous growth and striving to emulate Christ each day. By earnestly seeking to know Jesus thus enhancing our faith, we ensure that our Christian journey remains fruitful and dynamic.

Application

Recognize that spiritual maturity doesn’t happen by chance. If you find yourself feeling stagnant in your faith, set aside specific time each day for personal study of the Word and prayer. Start small—perhaps 15 minutes daily—using a discipleship resource or Bible study guide. Focus on understanding the character of Christ and His teachings. This intentional effort not only deepens your knowledge but also cultivates the fruit of the Spirit in your life, leading to transformative changes that reflect Christ’s love in your interactions.

Discussion Questions

1. Peter speaks about the power of Christ in 2 Peter 1:1–11. Why is this an important starting point? What does Christ’s power do for believers?

2. How does Peter’s encouragement to pursue goodness and knowledge reflect the nature of Christian discipleship?

3. If salvation is assured to the true believer, then why do so many Christians lack assurance? How does an unfruitful life aggravate these feelings of doubt?

4. Can you summarize the steps Peter outlines for growing in faith? How do they build on one another?

5. What are some specific steps you can take this week to nurture virtues like self-control and perseverance as mentioned in Peter’s letter?

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