II Peter – “Life, Godliness & Precious Promises”
“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 8 (Conclusion)
Text: II Peter 3:14b-18
Date: 2/25/18
Intro:
Last week we finished up by talking about “keeping our eyes forward”. As we do, there is a word in the closing passage to frame our mindset. It’s something I’ve been thinking about all week with the passing of Rev. Billy Graham. It’s the term “steadfast” or “stability”. It’s a word that could be added to the many complimentary terms regarding his life. For us, we are called to be “steady” in Christ-steadfast and stable:
Read 14b-18
The first part of verse 14 sets up the premise of peace in Christ, and he then mentions being “without spot and blameless”. When there is a proactive posture toward sin, there is a deep sense of tranquility toward life. In other words, when we’re quick to go to prayer and be reconciled to God daily, we sleep well at night…which sets up 15-18.
I. In Peace-Consider (v.15)
A. The Patience of the Lord
- He desires people to be saved (3:9)
- He desires even the “rascals and bad apples” to be saved
B. The full counsel of the Word
- Paul’s writings were already considered scripture (same original word used to reference what we call the Old Testament.
- We should always consult/consider the full context of the scripture (Peter was basically saying, “Don’t just take my word alone for it.”)
C. Unstable people believe AND share twisted doctrine
I. In Peace-Beware (v.17)
Re-read verse 17
A. Your own steadfastness
- I Corinthians 15:58
- Hebrew 6:19
- I Peter 5:8-9
- Acts 2:42
- Colossians 2:5-10
B. Beware who/what influence you
- “being led away” (v.17), there’s a subtleness about it
- The enemy doesn’t want to be noticed, that’s the point-beware!
III. Actions that are Diligent
Re-read verse 18
A. Grow in grace
- II Peter “Grace and peace” multiplied
- Jesus embodied Grace and Truth (John 1:14)
B. Grow in knowledge
- Knowledge of Christ
- Freedom through the knowledge of Christ
C. Daily assessment of both (balance)
IV. Conclusion
“To Him be the glory” is the closing words (v.18) of Peter’s letter. Steadfastness, steadiness, and stability are all words that describe a disciple committed to serving the Lord consistently. Colossians 3:23 gives guidance that we are to give our best “as to the Lord not men”. We are to keep our eyes on Jesus as He keeps His watchful eye over us!
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“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 7
Text: II Peter 3:10-14
Date: 2/18/18
Intro:
Last time we concluded with a two-point challenge:
- Pray forward – bold prayers, serious prayers (with fasting even)
- Think forward – how can I (and our church) influence others with the gospel and disciple-making
This week, we’re adding the third challenge. Peter mentions “The Day of the Lord”, and in consideration of it, we are to:
- Look forward – keep our eyes focused straight ahead like a soldier at the position of attention (not letting distractions or challenge more our eyes off center)
(personal story of boot camp and the subject of “eyes forward”)
Read verses 10-14
I. A Focus That’s Centered (v.10)
A. Single point (v.10) – Hebrews 12:2
- On Christ – the Author and Finisher of our faith
- Listen and single out His voice from the noise and confusion
B. Look past the immediate – (like looking past a drill instructor at an imaginary point beyond as He’s in your face)
II. Passions that are Right (v. 11-12)
A. The audacious challenge of “ought” (v.11) – read I John 2:3-6
B. The steady call of the world (I John 2:15-17
It’s been said, these three things in I John are:
- Passions
- Possessions
- Position
Re-read verses 13-14
III. Actions that are Diligent
A. Proactive toward heaven’s agenda (v.13)
- “Righteousness” – by default when God appears, sinfulness will melt away
- Be about “right-ness” publicly and privately
B. Proactive toward peace (v.14)
- Peace in us – John 16:33
- Peace with others – Romans 12:18
- Peace for others – Romans 5:1
IV. Conclusion
“Looking forward” means to keep our eyes focused on Christ.
Questions:
- What distracts you from “eyes on Christ”?
- What steals your “passion for Christ”?
- What unsettles your “peace in Christ”?
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“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 6
Text: II Peter 3:1-9
Date: 2/11/18
Intro:
“Perspective” – I’ve seen the stage version of “Beauty and the Beast” twice. The second was more interesting, but less entertaining. The reason was, the angle of our seats was higher, so I inadvertently saw the stage hands moving props and working the “wolves” that the Beast fought off.
In a similar fashion, at this point in Peter’s second letter, he gives some perspective from a different angle.
Let’s take a look-read verses 1-2
Remember,
I. Who We Are
A. We are loved (v.1 & 8)
(Being made in the image of God means something!)
B. We are encouraged to think (v.13 – stir up your minds)
C. We are possessors of precious truth
- The Prophets
- Jesus’ first-person teaching
- The Apostles’ teaching
Next, read verses 3-7
II. What We Face
(scoffers and mockers – a closer look)
A. They have self-serving motives (v.18) – “their own lusts”
- Remember the motive behind those trying to cast doubt
- Remember the motive behind gathering followers
B. They ask sarcastic, prideful questions (v.4) “Where is His coming?”
C. They refuse to accept the truth (v.5-7) – they’re invested in the lies
Read verses 8-9
III. What’s Important
A. Time doesn’t affect God the way it does us
- For us-it affects everything (we are emotionally and physically tied to linear time)
- For God- He is not subject to linear time, He created it for us. He doesn’t get nostalgic, anxious, bored, etc.
B. God hasn’t changed His mind regarding right and wrong
(He is not slack v.9)
- His standards aren’t any less
- He is just as aware of injustice
- He rewards in His time and His way
C. It also shows His patience with us and others (v.9) – “longsuffering”
- That is, He is patient toward His own people to “get-it-right”
- He desires all who are willing to repent and be saved
IV. Conclusion
- Perspective – remember who you are in Christ – Peter was reminding them to stop and consider the bigger picture and look forward
- Pray forward – bold prayers, serious prayers (with fasting even)
- Think forward – how can I (and our church) influence others with the gospel and disciple-making
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“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 5
Text: II Peter 2:12-22
Date: 2/4/18
Intro:
In verses 4-11, we looked at the “if/then” maxim. It’s based on the nature of God (which is consistent).
Today, I want to look at the nature of false teachers:
- Throughout scripture, the one teaching the word of God is pictured as one who should have a “shepherd’s heart”
- However, a shepherd desires the best for the sheep
- Not so, with false teachers
Let’s take a look-read verses 12-22
I. The Character of False Teachers
A. They’ve traded their dignified position (as made in the image of God) for an animal-like position (v.12)
(Being made in the image of God means something!)
B. They are proud of their “progressive” interpretation of the truth (v.13)
- They are earthly minded (Phil. 3:17-21)
- To be progressive assumes something needs to be left behind/changed
- Instead of leaving behind Bible violating/detestable things, they embrace them and leave behind the truth of the scripture
C. They are opportunists – looking for unstable souls
- The vulnerable (emotionally at risk)
- The trusting (young or inexperienced)
- The foolish (those driven by fleshly appetites)
II. The Offers of False Teachers
(choices have consequences)
A. A message that lacks substance (v.18) – “swelling words”
B. A message lacking nourishment (v.17 – “wells without water”
C. A message lacking salvation (v.19) – “promise of liberty, but”
- The most tragic of all
- Many will take their listeners, readers, and viewers to the brink of salvation, but never tell them the gospel and articulate how to be saved!
III. The Answer to False Teachers
A. Simplicity – (child-like faith. Not sophistication, 2 Cor. 11:3, Rom. 16:19)
B. Scripture-based anchor points – for example, the significance of:
- Gen. ch.1
- John ch.1
- John ch.3
- Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9
- I Corinthians 15:52
C. Jesus as our Pattern
- For whoever we allow to influence us
- For living (Am I striving to personally be more like Jesus every day?)
IV. Conclusion
Questions:
- Do the ones influencing me spiritually reflect Christ? Do they help me be more like Christ?
- Am I striving to personally be more like Jesus every day?
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“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 4
Text: II Peter 2:4-11
Date: 1/28/18
Intro:
As we continue to read about the threat of false teachers and their doctrine, it would be good to consider “faith” itself for a moment.
- Read Hebrews 11:1-3
- It’s the difference between the confidence of the sun coming up tomorrow versus the potential weather (predicted or otherwise). There are absolute reasons to be sure the earth will still be turning, and the sun will “rise” in the east.
- Peter’s use of the if/then maxim
- Peter cited 3 historical events
Read verses 4-11
Today, three “if/then” statements:
I. If God knew what He was doing in the past, then He knows what He’s doing now
A. He was acutely aware of:
- The angels and their sin
- The world that was surrounding Noah/Noah’s righteousness
- The culture that surrounded Lot/Lot’s vexed soul over their depravity
B. The Ark was improbable – Noah’s message was unbelievable beforehand
C. The event of Babel was unique – a change of language (God’s genius)
II. If there was no escaping judgement in the past, then there’s no escaping it now
A. The offenses
- Fleshly lusts
- Arrogant attitudes
- Blasphemous speech
B. The finality
- The angels (bound in the deepest part of Hell-tartarus)
- The world/flood (total destruction/no going back)
- Sodom/Gomorrah (reduced to ashes, no recovery)
(The judgement of God is still real and forth-coming. The sacrifice of Jesus is the only way for a us to avoid God’s wrath on sin, which is the Good News!)
III. If deliverance for the righteous was complete in the past, then it will be complete now
A. In His time – He decides when to help/rescue/deliver His own
B. In His way – He decides the unique method of help/rescue/deliverance of His own
C. According to His consistent character – He never changes and He will always act within His own righteous nature, (not according to our expectations, but according to the surety of His Person)
D. The Righteous are the ones delivered – We are declared righteous because of faith as Abraham was (Gen. 15:6) through faith is Jesus (Hebrews 11)
IV. Conclusion
Question – What type of “if/then” statements do you live by?
- Sometimes we get focused on “weather type” questions, when we should be focusing on the “sun rising” questions.
- There are many things about the life of faith/scripture to be sure about
- If…Then!
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“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 3
Text: II Peter 2:1-3
Date: 1/21/18
Intro:
In a world filled with competing ideas, Peter is beginning to describe the peddlers of false teaching (ideas have consequences).
Read verses 1-3
The Reality (v.1-2)
A. Certainty of their presence – OT Times, NT Times, now (v.1)
B. Certainty of their influence – many will follow (v.2) they will succeed to a point
II. The Method
A. Deception is the approach (secretly) (v.1)
B. There will be questions of Jesus’ full divinity and authority (v.1)
- Satan in the garden (Has God said…)
- Questions around whether Jesus is the only way to heaven
- Questions about interpretations regarding sin
C. Practice destructive ways (sensual) (v.2)
- They are “appetite” driven (not Holy Spirit driven)
- They devise systems of belief that are appetite friendly
D. Blaspheme the truth (scorn)
- They simply reject or ignore what they don’t like
- They don’t accept what makes them feel uncomfortable
III. The Motive (v.3)
A. Greed for money
B. Greed for power
C. It’s all part of a strong desire to possess
IV. The Offer
(Deceptive words – “logos plastos” – Peter uses a word that we derive the modern word plastic from. It originally meant to form, or counterfeit.)
A. Their words are crafted to appear authentic, but aren’t
B. Like plastic, their words cannot withstand fire (heat and pressure of life and the truth)
V. Conclusion
Our diligence:
A. Take time to examine what is being said, written, preached, tweeted, posted, etc. by “testing the spirits” (I John 4:1)
B. Consider the full counsel of the Word when considering ideas…always (2 Timothy 3:16)
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“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 2
Text: II Peter 1:12-21
Date: 1/14/18
Intro: “Coaching up”
- Peter’s “half-time speech
- Settle down and execute
Read verses 12-21
I. Remember What You’re Established In (v.12)
(the present truth)
A. Truth about things that were – it’s important to connect the dots of the past
B. Truth about things that are – with the truth of God’s Word, we can properly interpret the world us
C. Truth about things that will be – the future has certain, final points (personal and global)
II. Remember Who Established You
Re-read 16-19a
A. Majestic Son of God (v.16)
B. Powerful Son of God (v.16)
C. Returning Son of God (Rev. 22:16)
III. Remember How to Handle the Light (Word)
- God’s Word is “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105
- We are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)
As we handle the light, remember:
A. One Author – The Holy Spirit – it’s all authoritative
B. An inter-connected revelation – full counsel and within context
C. Timeless in its truths – not to be conformed to cultural shifts (Romans 12:1-2)
IV. Conclusion
- Remember what you’re established in
- Remember Who established you
- Remember how to be a light in a dark world
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“Life, Godliness & Precious Promises” – Part 1
Text: II Peter 1:1-11
Date: 1/7/18
Intro: “A Quick Reference Guide” (Devices and Gadgets)
- Peter’s second letter
- End of his life
- Different style (not Sylvanus “Silas”)
Read verses 1-11
- Peter uses both names (“owning” the old name of “Simon”, and proud of the Jesus-given name of “Peter”)
- Knowledge is “epignosis” (heart knowledge)
Regarding the “Quick Reference Guide”:
I. What’s Included (v.3-4)
- His divine power (v.3) – it’s God power, not ours
- All things (v.3) – the “accessory kit” is included
- Precious promises (v.4) – scripture is full of promises
- His divine nature (v.4) – His divine nature is different than the world
II. What to do (5-7)
Re-read 5-7
A. Be Proactive – being a disciple is not passive or lazy
B. Be focused
- Virtue – Moral excellence, internal standards
- Knowledge – practical information
- Self-control – boundaries
- Perseverance – patience, kindly pressing on
- Godliness – proper attitude toward God
- Brotherly Kindness – genuine fellowship and a kindred spirit
- Love – “agape”, previous items set-up real love (last on the list)
III. What’s the Results (v.8-9)
A. You will not be unfruitful – assumption is that you want to be fruitful, as opposed to selling the reader on the idea or benefits
B. You will be unfruitful – shortsighted, lack is on the person not God
IV. Conclusion (v.10-11)
Re-read 10-11
Question – Check the list, what’s strong? What’s weak? What’s lacking?
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