The second letter written by the apostle Peter, known biblically as 2 Peter is a short book but never the less meaningful one. In tune with the writings of Jude, the half brother of Jesus, 2 Peter contains valuable teachings aimed at guiding the footsteps of the church scattered.
Written around 65 A.D. only a few years before Peter’s martyr death, Second Peter is believed to have been scribed by Simon Peter himself or someone different than Silvanus, the scribe used by the apostle Peter in his first epistle canonized in the new testament.
It is believe this letter was meant for Christians everywhere as the church grew beyond the regions of Asian Minor. Peter’s audience is described in the first verse as “those who have obtained the like preciousness faith” meaning anyone who has faith in Jesus Christ, shows reverence for God and, all those who allow the Holy Spirit to flow from within them.
“1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:1-2)
In this salutation Peter first identifies himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ. He then addresses his targeted readers wishing upon us abundant grace and peace through our relationship with God and Christ. It is important to note Peter’s salutation mentions blessings through the knowledge of God and Jesus rather than hopes for grace and peace in general.
Peter continues his praises for the Lord calling God’s power divine, glorifying and good, the very essence of Christ.
“3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)
Allowing us to stray from the lust of the world, the divine nature of God dwells within all those who believe in Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit Christians have the ability to immunize ourselves from the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. This of course does not mean believers are sinless, instead Peter describes the divine power that lays behind the nature of God which brings strength to faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Peter then invites us to strive toward increasing levels of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love describing these attributes as the root of a rich welcome to the kingdom of God.
“5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” (2 Peter 1:5-9)
To continually seek improvements as disciples of Jesus Christ means thoughtful believers will be ready when faced with challenges brought on by this life. By knowing God and His son Jesus, Christians set themselves apart from those who are blinded by a weak faith.
Peter writes that be nearsighted is to ignore the eternal rewards that await us in heaven. Anyone that focuses on that which is here and now is bound to forget about the concept of eternity.
“10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11)
Stirring up confidence in his readers Peter invites us to eagerly continue to walk the narrow path following in Jesus’ footsteps. Stating that those who seek the perfect ways of the Lord will never fall, Peter predicts an abundance of rewards to those who earnestly seek to please God through obedience, service and the desire to continually improve ourselves in the eyes and ways of our king.
Use this message to propel yourself forward as you strive for a better, mission minded servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Use challenges and trials as opportunities to improve yourself. Reach for increased levels of goodness, knowledge, perseverance, kindness and love as you take significant steps each and every day toward the the kingdom of God. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Peter,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through trials,
Allow us to recognize each challenge as an opportunity to improve ourselves,
Fill our hearts Lord with your love, your kindness, with your wisdom,
Guide us to abide by your word as we endure through battles against evil
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
