Peter knew, not only that he would be crucified like Jesus v.14Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:14 but also that there would be a serious departure from the truth after his death. He was concerned, therefore, to help the disciples remain in the truth in which they were established by reminding them of its vital elements,v.13,15Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:13,15 e.g. the return of Christ. The apostles had not followed cunningly devised fables when they had told the disciples of Christ’s return, for some of them had seen the vision of his coming.vs.16-18Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:16-18 Matthew 17:1-9Waiting for response for Matthew 17:1-9 They had been privileged to see Jesus in his future glory at his coming, yet Peter declared that the word of God in the scriptures is a greater assurance than this vision. We have seen neither Jesus nor visions of his glory in the kingdom of God, but we do have the word of God in our possession which is “a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that we take heed in your hearts”.v.19Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:19 Only God’s word can give us spiritual light until Christ, as the day star at dawn, arises to shine brightly in the political heavens.v.19Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:19 Unfortunately, most people do not treat the scriptures in this manner but view them as the private ideas of the writers.v.20Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:20 This is false. All scripture expresses God’s mind, and not the mind of men, for “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”.v.21Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:21 This must be the fundamental tenet of our faith for unless the scriptures are wholly inspired we cannot have complete confidence in any particular part of them. All scripture is the word of God, and those who read and understand it are able to speak with conviction concerning him and his purpose (see Mark 1:22).Waiting for response for Mark 1:22
Verses 1-12
Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:1-12Peter, in this second letter, reminded the disciples of the “exceeding great and precious promises” by which we “might become partakers of the divine nature”.v.4Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:4 By gaining knowledge of the only true God and his Son Jesus Christ v.2,Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:2 John 17:2-3Waiting for response for John 17:2-3 we can have the hope of eternal life. Lust, naturally present in us all, conceives sin which brings forth death James 1:15Waiting for response for James 1:15 but we can escape from the corruption that is in the world through lust v.4Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:4 and attain to everlasting life. Godliness is required, therefore the apostle exhorted the disciples to diligently build godly attributes upon their belief: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.vs.5-7Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:5-7 If we, having been purged from our old sins,v.9Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:9 develop these characteristics we will be fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.v.8Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:8 The apostle, therefore, exhorted the disciples to be diligent to make their calling and election sure,v.10Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:10 for if they did these things they would never fall (from grace),v.10Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:10 and an entrance would be ministered unto them abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.v.11Waiting for response for 2 Peter 1:11