II Peter

In Peter’s first epistle he wrote about dealing with persecution; in this one he deals with false teachers. He wants the church to mature, fight off these false teachers and remain watchful for the return of the Lord.

1:5 “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

Do you recall the fruit of the Spirit in Gal 5? Well, here are some virtues which we should be exhibiting in our everyday life as we mature as Christians. These virtues begin with faith and end in love.

1:13 “And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.”

Did you notice that Peter referred to his body as a tabernacle, and not a temple? What’s the difference between the two? The tabernacle was a portable structure that the Israelites could carry from place to place. It was temporary. Peter is saying that as long as he is in this temporary body, he will continue to remind them of things. How’s your tabernacle holding up? Mine is looking a bit ragged and faded. Later, in verse 15 he uses the word decease, to refer to his death. The Greek word is exodus. Someday we will all “exodus” our tabernacles; much like the Israelites exited Egypt.

1:16-17 “. . . we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory.”

Peter is referring to the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17) when the Shechinah Glory penetrated through His body. This enabled James, Peter and John to see the Glory of His Majesty. Jesus was always the Shechinah Glory, which is the visible manifestation of God’s presence. Normally the Shechinah Glory has a brightness about it, but the physical body of Jesus veiled the brightness of His Glory so that when the people saw Him, they simply saw another man.

2:1, 2 “But there were also false prophets among the people just as there will be false teachers among you. . . many will follow their shameful ways.”

2:4 “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment.”

Not all fallen angels are in gloomy dungeons, of course. These are the ones mentioned in Genesis 6, the ones who Jesus announced the defeat of Satan in I Peter 3:18.

3:3 “. . . in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this coming he promised?’”

False teachers have always plagued God’s people. Many will deny the second coming of Jesus. Just because misguided preachers have “set dates” for the return of Jesus and have been shown to be in error, the scoffers will deny that he is ever coming back.

3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise . . . He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Rom 11:25 says, “Israel has experienced a hardening in part UNTIL the full number of the Gentiles has come in.” One reason why God is patient is to allow as many who will repent, to do so. Then, just as when Noah had to shut up the Ark, Jesus will rapture the church. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, but if they insist, they will. It has been said that the door to hell has been locked from the inside.

3:10 “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”

I’ve never heard of a police report saying that a thief called a day ahead of time saying, “I will be by about 3 a.m. to rob your home.” Thieves come unannounced, so will Jesus come for his church.

3:12 “. . . That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

Rev 21 speaks of the same event. This world is going to endure a major rehabilitation and this new planet will be the “home of righteousness.” This is our ultimate destiny.

3:14 “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

The second coming is something that we should be eagerly anticipating. You might want to review the article in the Frequently Asked Question section, How Should we Live in Light of the Imminent Return of Jesus?

3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

We should be growing . . . in grace and knowledge. Getting saved is just the start of our journey. It has been said that the Christian life is like riding a bicycle. Unless you keep moving, you fall down. Keep pedaling.