2 Peter 1:1-11 (Study 1)

Transcription

1 2 Peter 1:1-11 (Study 1) Opener: What is our motivation for Christ-like behaviour? Applying our Tools: Getting the immediate context What came before? N/A Are there any O.T. Allusions? Nothing significant Applying our Tools: Exegesis - Breaking up the Passage (What does the text say)? Repeated words? Repeated phrases? Linking Words? (Narrative or Argument)? Contrasts? Tense? Through, goodness, knowledge, calling Knowledge of God and Jesus // Knowledge of him who V1-4 statement V5-11 for, for, if, but, therefore (reason) Contrast of that which is good leading to life & godliness Vs that which is unproductive resulting in failure. Not helpful for breaks Content / Subject changes? Ref: Subject: 1-2 Peters introduction 3-4 God 5-8 What we must do 9 What will happen if we don t What will happen if we do Applying our Tools: Exegesis What are your breaks? 1:1-4 The elect are given everything they need to live godly lives. 1:5-8 Because you have everything for life & godliness, strive to grow in your knowledge of God. 1:9-11 Not growing in Christlikeness indicates you ve forgotten your salvation, so make your election sure Applying our Tools: Exegesis What is your big idea? 1:1 11 Having been given everything to live godly lives, the elect must grow in Christlikeness.

2 First Section (1:1-4) 1:1-4 What is the repeated word? Complete the table on your worksheet. Through See table below What you ve been given Through How is it given A precious Faith. through the righteousness of God Grace & Peace. through The knowledge of God and Jesus Life & Godliness. through The knowledge of him (God) Great & Precious Promises. through The above things Participation in the divine nature & escape from worldly corruption & evil desires. through The above things 1:1-4 What do we have through the righteousness of God? - So is there anything we can do to increase our faith? What do we have through our knowledge of God and of Jesus - So is there anything we can do to increase our knowledge of God and Jesus? Verse 3 says those who are called have been given everything for life and godliness. What does this mean in your own words A Precious faith No because it is from God (not of ourselves) Grace and peace, life and godliness Read our Bibles, listen to sermons, pray Called means it was God s work, not ours Life = now and eternally Godliness means we are called to live like Jesus Having been given everything to live godly lives, the elect must grow in Christlikeness. 1:1-4 HEAD: What is the implication if I am not growing in godliness? HEART: How do I take encouragement from this passage? HANDS: If I have peace (1:2) why am I still prone to worry? I have forgotten my salvation my election is not sure! IMPORTANT Ensure your people know that salvation cannot be lost! EVERYTHING we need for now (godliness) and for eternity (life) (1:3) I m not believing the promises A thorough understanding of the Old Testament shows a God who has been faithful to his promises for all eternity

3 Second Section (1:5-8) 1:5-8 Why must we make an effort to add to our faith? - John Calvin said we Christians are justified by faith alone (Sola Fide) is 2 Peter wrong? Answer To keep from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus (1:8) - We don t do these things for salvation we do them because we are saved! NOTE: to help people to the answer point them to verse 5 (for this very reason ) 1:5-8 How does goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness & love help me to keep from being unproductive in my knowledge of him? Possible Answers. These are all qualities of Jesus These are all godly qualities (we are to be godly) It demonstrates a firm conviction that we have received faith! - If I am doing these things then I am participating in God s nature. 1:5-8 HEAD: What could be possible bad motivations for our good works? HEART: In which of the listed areas am I lacking increasing growth? HANDS: Which area am I going to work on this week and how? Possible Answers It may be that we are striving to be God? It may be that we are not convinced of our salvation It may be that we feel guilty over some past misdemeanor It may be that I am people pleasing or attempting to boost self-esteem Many Christians are merely coasting there is no real attempt to grow in godliness. 1) Encourage people to get into prayer / the Bible as a priority. 2) As a secondary, advise your people to take up a book like you can change by Tim Chester, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges or A fight to the death by Wayne Mack. Press for a specific area and details of how they will do it follow up the following week.

4 Second Section (1:9-11) 1:9-11 If a person is not living a godly life what is the implication? What is the implication for that person (v10, 11) Answer He has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his sin! (v9) His calling and election is not sure (v10). You will fail to enter the eternal kingdom! 1:9-11 Is it possible for the elect to fall short of entering the eternal kingdom of Christ? So what does v10 mean make your calling and election sure? Possible Answers. It is impossible for the elect to fail to do so would mean that God is not in control of those whom he has called... - It means that you should consider if you are truly saved. The saved person is given everything he needs (knowledge of the Gospel & the Spirit) to assist him in living a godly life. Look at your life does it represent a person who is secure in the knowledge of salvation through faith 1:9-11 HEAD: The Bible says If you repent of your sins and accept Jesus death as the payment you should have made for them, you will receive eternal life. How often do you reflect on this fact? HEART: Why is it important that Christians hear the Gospel as much as non-christians HANDS: Are you able to articulate the Gospel in less than 5 minutes? Possible Answers Have you forgotten? Because we need to be constantly reminded Encourage your group to learn the Gospel, as a reminder to themselves as well as an evangelism tool.

5 2 Peter 1:12-21 (Study 2) Opener: Who is at fault if false teachers lead people astray? Applying our Tools: Getting the immediate context What came before? Are there any O.T. Allusions? Having been given everything to live godly lives, the elect must grow in Christlikeness. Nothing significant Applying our Tools: Exegesis - Breaking up the Passage (What does the text say)? Repeated words? Repeated phrases? Linking Words? (Narrative or Argument)? Contrasts? Know/established/truth, memory/remember/remind, heard/voice/prophets, majesty/glory, No Shows an argument, but doesn t really help with structure break-down. Contrast between the Apostles & those who saw themselves as prophets Tense? Present 16-19a Past 19b-21 Present Content / Subject changes? Ref: Subject: I (Peter) 16 We (the Apostles) 17 Jesus 18-19a We (the Apostles) 19b-21 You/Your (the listener) Applying our Tools: Exegesis What are your breaks? 1:12-15 Paul reminds them of the truth because he is dying 1:16-19a 1:19b-21 True prophets hear God, follow and glorify Jesus! Through his Holy Spirit Applying our Tools: Exegesis What is your big idea? 1:12-21 True prophets listen to God and through his Spirit. glorify Jesus.

6 First Section (1:12-15) 1:12-15 What is the implication of the so? It means the argument continues from the previous study. What was the previous argument? What is Peter s urgency (v13 & 14)? That Christians have been given everything to live godly lives. He is going to die What are these things (v12 & v15)? It is what came before (1:1-11) but also what follows (1:16-18 : that the apostles were eye-witnesses to Jesus transfiguration. (i.e. v12 is looking back into the text, whilst v15 is looking forwards into the text. 1:12-15 What are the implications of Peter s dying for those left behind? - They may be shocked at his sudden & violent death (at the hands of the Romans). - They may waver from the faith, forget his teaching! 1:12-15 HEAD: What is Peter s attitude towards death? (i.e. what is his biggest concern in v12 to v15) HEART: Peter describes the biblical truth as something to be reminded of why do we need to be constantly reminded? HANDS: We can remind ourselves of such truths through listening to sermons & in Bible study, why must we do both? - His concern remains with them - See the OT, and how quickly Israel forgot, by nature we are forgetful! - Sermon is passive, BS is active (Job of the teacher is to hold us accountable in our application, the preacher is unable to do that for everyone)!

7 Second Section (1:16-19a) 1:16-19a v16 Who is the we? v16 Who are those who invent clever stories? v16 Who or what do the False Prophets follow? v17 Who receives the glory, and from whom does it come? v18 Who were the Apostles with on the mountain? (Mark 9:2-8) v18 Who speaks to them? v19 What impact does the transfiguration have on the Apostles, particularly with regard to the Old Testament? Answer The Apostles False Prophets Their own clever stories Christ From God himself Jesus, Moses, Elijah & God himself God himself It made their faith more certain - what they had heard through the OT prophets was confirmed 1:16-19a What s the difference between the Apostles & the False Prophets of v16 Possible Answers. They actually met Jesus / God. They follow and glorify Christ. They listen to God and to the OT prophets. 1:5-8 HEAD: Who received the glory due (v17)? Why should we be wary of a prophet who is adored? HEART: Why is it important to know the Old Testament? HANDS: If we re not currently reading the Old Testament, what would be a good book to read now? Possible Answers Jesus He should point to Jesus s glory not his own! Because it points to Jesus all the way through and in so doing demonstrates God s faithfulness to his people. And so it will make our own faith more certain. Genesis or Exodus are good places to start

8 Third Section (1:19b-21) 1:19b-21 What is the it of v19a? Where does true prophecy originate? Answer The it is the word of the prophets. Prophecy originates from God / The Holy Spirit 1:19b-21 We are to pay attention to the word of the prophets just as we would pay attention to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawn and the morning star rises in your hearts (v19) - What s the plain meaning of this verse i.e. what is it like when a light shines in a dark place. - What s the metaphorical meaning? Possible Answers. - If we were locked in a darkened room, and somebody lit a candle, we couldn t help but look at the light (the light shines brighter in a dark place). - the light (the word) / the morning star = Jesus returning {we are to focus on the word until Jesus returns}. 1:19b-21 HEAD: Why can we trust scripture Both the Old Testament & the NT? HEART: Do I view scripture as a light in the darkness, or as a daily task I d rather avoid? HANDS: How can I be certain that a prophet (or teacher) is preaching the word of God or if he is preaching his own will? Possible Answers - The Bible is the Sprit inspired word of God. - The Bible story is one narrative about God s salvation for mankind told throughout history. - The NT is filled with eye-witness accounts. - Jesus constantly referred to the OT as truth. (this is not an exhaustive list). - Acknowledge everyone s struggle to get into the Bible! But also notice how we are so encouraged when we do search God s word. Whenever you listen to a sermon ask yourself? - Is the preacher taking me through the biblical text, or did he merely use it as a jump-off point to his pet subject? - Did the preacher get his application from the text itself? - Is the preacher giving glory to Jesus, or drawing glory to himself?

9 2 Peter 2:1-22 (Study 3) Opener: Are Christians free to behave just as they like? Applying our Tools: Getting the immediate context What came before? Are there any O.T. Allusions? True prophets listen to God and through his Spirit. glorify Jesus. (2:2) Deut. 13:1 (2:3) Deut. 32:35 Lots of verses on OT judgement (v5 to 10) Applying our Tools: Exegesis - Breaking up the Passage (What does the text say)? Repeated words? Repeated phrases? Linking Words? (Narrative or Argument)? Contrasts? Tense? False, destruction, righteous/lawless, angels, slander, greed, wicked, depraved no Lots of but, if, for indicates an argument with lots of alternatives Treatment of the godly v s the ungodly Not helpful in breaking up the passage Content / Subject changes? Ref: Subject: 1-3 False prophets/teachers 4-9 God s judgement on the godly v s the ungodly False prophets/teachers (the ungodly) What they teach enslaves Applying our Tools: Exegesis What are your breaks? 2:1-3 There will be false teachers that deny Jesus and mislead many 2:4-9 Yet God will judge justly 2:10-17 They are evil 2:18-22 They offer a freedom they themselves don t have! Applying our Tools: Exegesis What is your big idea? 1:12-21 False teachers are evil, denying Christ and offering false freedom, but will be judged.

10 First Section (2:1-3) There will be false teachers that deny Jesus and mislead many 2:1-3 What are the attributes of a false teacher? They are secretive (v1) They deny Jesus salvation (v1) They are under God s judgement (v1, v3) They are shameful, disreputable liars (v1) They are greedy, exploitative liars (v3) 2:1-3 Read Rev. 2:14 Balaam is a false prophet what did he do to Israel What do the false teachers of today do? (Think of popular heretical teaching today, e.g. Prosperity Gospel, Jehovah s Witness etc.) He put stumbling blocks in their way He lead them into sin enticing them away from God. It looks like truth But is actually a stumbling block Causing people to follow other gods (e.g. the god of works, or the god of money) 2:1-3 HEAD: In what ways does the prosperity gospel deny Jesus salvation? HEART: When I share the gospel, do I make it more palatable (do I soften it) Is what I am saying still truth? HANDS: Do I know the gospel, am I able to retell it faithfully? - Prosperity gospel denies that we must pick up our cross and follow Jesus rather it says that the true believer will be blessed if (s)he just has enough faith! Jesus mostly promises suffering in this life, in order to gain the blessings in eternity If we don t warn people of the cost of following Jesus we are not giving the whole story. If we tell people the life of the Christian is pure blessing, it will be a shock when a new believer encounters suffering If you cannot, sit with a friend and write it down together, then learn it

11 Second Section (2:4-9) Yet God will judge justly 2:4-9 (See Jude 1:4-7) (v6) who is judged? Go back to 2 Peter: Why are the angels not immediately destroyed (v4)? Why are the cities of Sodom & Gomorrah immediately destroyed (v6)? Angels who sinned (v6). Cities of Sodom & Gomorrah (v6) but Lot is saved (v6) They are to be held over for judgement 1) To be an example to everyone of God s judgement on sin. 2) They were a distress to lot, tormenting his soul by their lawless deeds. 2:4-9 v9 We see in this section that sometimes God is patient before judging what is the reasoning behind it? 1) God is patient, wanting all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), 2) but sometimes judgement will come early because the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials. 2:4-9 HEAD: What does this passage say about our friends & family who don t know Christ? HEART: Sometimes the wicked seem to prosper, how does this passage encourage you? HANDS: What s the implication of this passage for our evangelism? Judgement is actually hanging over their heads! The wicked will be judged, even if we can t see it happening here and now (see Psalm 2). We sometimes don t want to rock the boat, but if we aren t telling friends and family the gospel we aren t doing them any favours!

12 Third Section (2:10-17) They are evil 2:10-17 How are those who are pending judgement described? (v10-15, 17) What will happen to them (v13) Corrupt desires, sinful natured, despising authority, bold, arrogant, blasphemous, slanderous, accusing. Brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born for destruction. Carousers, blots, blemishes, revelers, adulterers, sinners, seducers, greedy, they have wandered off! They are springs without water & mists driven by a storm. They ll be paid back harm for harm for what they ve done! 2:10-17 How do we know that the people described are false prophets? (A) From what came in the text before (1:16, 21, 2:1, 3) (B) 2:14, they seduce the unstable, and 2:15 they are compared to the prophet Balaam. 2:10-17 HEAD: v14 says the false teachers are able to seduce the unstable. Is it possible for a Christian to be seduced away from the faith? HEART: Are you discerning about what your read and listen to in your quiet time? Once saved always saved But perhaps the person may be lured away from the faith for a time (living a life a depravity that brings shame) But if they are the elect they will come back! Encourage your group to talk about their favourite authors HANDS: How will you protect yourself from the lies of those who appear spiritual but who in fact teach a false gospel (i..e. salvation of works, or promises of prosperity in this life)?

13 Fourth Section (2:18-22) They offer a freedom they themselves don t have! 2:18-22 How do false teachers operate (v18-19) - They mouth empty, boastful words (i.e. they promote themselves rather than God! - They appeal to our lustful desires and sinful human nature (i.e. they appeal to our worldly desires rather than to our spiritual need.) - They promise freedom (i.e. there is no rebuke) in their teaching. Who are they targeting (v18)? What is the result (v21) Believers (those who have barely escaped as differentiated from non-believers [i.e. those who live in error]. It would have been better for them never to have known God s ways than to turn their backs on him! They have been cleaned up, only to return to their sin! 2:18-22 v18 indicates that it would be better that they had never been saved! Why? [Imagine a Christian rescued from alcoholism, but who returns to it] What is life like? Bear in mind salvation is not in question here rather life-style. Day-to-day Relationships are strained with loved ones because of the effects of the sin (money, anger, guilt etc.) Spiritual.. Relationship with God is effected because the alcoholic s heart is focused on his idol (drink) and himself (desire for drink) rather than glorifying God and what he has done in his life the assurance of salvation is far off. 2:18-22 HEAD: Can I live a sinful life and still be saved? HEART: What sin are you struggling with at the moment Does it feel like you have no control over it? - 2 Peter 2 tells us yes we can, but it is a miserable existence, lacking assurance as well as being a bad witness! - You may not feel like sharing with the whole group but please get together with somebody you trust and tell them about it, encourage each other to repent and hold each other accountable. HANDS: Continuing from the suggestion above (Heart) Come up with a plan to throw off the sin that is seeking to enslave you, and put on the righteousness of Christ.

14 2 Peter 3:1-18 (Study 4) Opener: What is your expectation for this life (i.e. being in the world)? Applying our Tools: Getting the immediate context What came before? Are there any O.T. Allusions? False teachers are evil, denying Christ and offering false freedom, but will be judged. (3:9) Isa 30:18 the Lord waits to be gracious to you. Applying our Tools: Exegesis - Breaking up the Passage (What does the text say)? Repeated words? Repeated phrases? Linking Words? (Narrative or Argument)? Contrasts? Tense? Reminder/recall/forget, scoffers, water/earth/heaven, destruction/judgement, patience No But, but, so therefore, but it s an argument. Structure is: 1-10 Statements on the nature of things. 11 what kind of people should you be? 12 Answer people who live holy & godly lives 12b-16 Reason 17 Conclusion Not really Not helpful in determining breaks Content / Subject changes? Ref: Subject: 1-3 What the reader must understand 4-7 What the scoffers will say 8-14 What the reader must do Paul s letters What the reader must understand and do Applying our Tools: Exegesis What are your breaks? 1-9 False teachers denying Christ were always be around, but judgement will come! And when Jesus does return they will be destroyed Being aware of these facts, live holy lives and secure your faith Applying our Tools: Exegesis What is your big idea? 3:1-18 You know there the false teachers who deny Christ, will be judged and destroyed so don t be misled, live holy lives and secure your faith.

15 First Section (3:1-9) False teachers denying Christ were always be around, but judgement will come! 3:1-9 Who are the scoffers (v4) People who deny Jesus return What s the implication for a person who doesn t have Jesus return on his mind? (v3-4). What is the words Paul wants them to recall (v2). {I.e. What does the whole Bible point to?} What does God s word have the power to do? (v5, v6) Why is God still waiting to judge the earth? (v9) That it is all about the here and now rather than judgement and eternity The Gospel of Jesus Christ To create (v5) And to destroy (v6) He is patiently waiting for many to repent 3:1-9 The theme of 1 Peter is persevering in the face of suffering, how does this theme tie in with 2 Peter? When we are suffering we wonder if God is really with us there is sometimes a false perception that being a Christian means that God always blesses us with good! This is never a promise of the New Testament 3:1-9 HEAD: Is there a disconnect between my belief in Jesus return and how I live my life? HEART: Do you consider that the God of love, the creator of heaven earth is patiently waiting to destroy the earth What will happen to your friends and family? HANDS: Investigate the promises given to Abraham (Genesis) and see how they are fulfilled in Christ.

16 Second Section (3:10-13) Being aware of these facts, live holy lives and secure your faith 3:10-13 How is Judgement Day described (v10)? Sudden and unexpected The heavens will disappear and the earth will be destroyed by fire. How are Christians to view this day (v12)? How are Christians to behave in light of this knowledge (v11-12) Why? (v13) To look forward to it! They are to live holy & godly lives (v11) They are to speed its coming (v12) Because God has promises that Judgement ushers in a new heaven & earth 3:10-13 What will be missing from the new creation? Why is it so important? Sin and sinful people it means that we will live in peace & harmony 3:10-13 HEAD: Describe the new creation a place where there is no sin HEART: Are you fearful of Judgement Day, explain why or why not HANDS: If we really believed Jesus was returning today, what would we do differently?

17 Third Section (3:14-18) Being aware of these facts, live holy lives and secure your faith 3:14-18 What are the two alternatives at Judgement Day? (v7 & v15). The false teachers were teaching from Paul s letters why is this so dangerous? (v16) How are Christians to protect themselves from this type of false teaching? Judgement leads to either destruction or to salvation. Because a twisted truth is harder to spot than an outright lie! We are to be aware and on our guard against it (v17) We are to grow in our faith & knowledge of Jesus (v18) 3:14-18 v17 cannot mean that we will fall from grace (i.e. lose our salvation), so what does it mean? (Remember we hold fast to the doctrine of once saved, always saved). The mature Christian is secure in his/her hopes of salvation (Heb. 11:1). When we are not sure of the Gospel our hope can waver leading us to doubt, or to despair (Eph. 4:14). So salvation is not at risk, but our journey there will not be a pleasant one! 3:14-18 HEAD: How secure are you in your faith? What do you think will happen on Judgement Day? HEART: v14 What does it mean to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him? HANDS: How can I know what is preached at my church is truth? NOTE: important to see that Jesus took our judgement on the cross (there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8). We are to look forward to Judgement Day, not to be apprehensive! (v14). NOTE: important that we see that this doesn t mean we are perfect! But at least we are trying our very hardest to be perfect (making every effort)! Know how to read your Bible, and follow as you are taught Listen with a questioning ear