day of the Lord (3:10ff) when God will set things right. Much of the letter is devoted to combating heresy.

Transcription

1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview November 11, 2012 Living with Truth Background: 2 Peter 1:1-21 Lesson: 2 Peter 1:3-4, Motivation: The clinical description of death is cessation of growth. When an organism ceases to grow it dies. Christians must never become content in resting on past laurels; we must ever be diligent in pursuing maturity in Christ. Examination: I. Define Your Experience (1-11) A. Background (1-2) 1. Date: AD. Note in 3:1, Peter assumes they are acquainted with his first letter. 2. Theme: By the time this letter was circulated, persecution had become more widespread under Nero. Peter reminds his readers of the day of the Lord (3:10ff) when God will set things right. Much of the letter is devoted to combating heresy. B. God s Work in the Lives of Christians (3-4) Peter addresses the book in verse one to those who have obtained a faith of equal privilege with ours In these verses he elaborates 1 / 10

2 on this precious faith. 1. The Product Grace and peace (2) These two important products of the Christian life are also mentioned in Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:3; II Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2, 6:23-24; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; I Thessalonians 1:2; II Thessalonians 1:2; I Timothy 1:2, II Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 3; I Peter 1:2; II John 3, and Revelation 1:4. We are saved by grace, but are also to live in His grace by faith (Galatians 3:3). Peace is listed as a Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Notice that these are multiplied by our increased knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2. The Power His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness (3) Jesus claimed to possess all power (Matt. 28:18). Unfortunately, many Christians do not recognize His power. They seek significance and security everywhere but in Christ. Failure to recognize Jesus as our source for all things that pertain to life is reflected in prayerlessness, inattention to the Bible, compromise, disinterest in spiritual things, worry, lack of fellowship with other believers and inconsistency in all things spiritual. Failure to believe in miracles leads us to never asking for them. 3. The Practice godliness goodness - Peter s kind of faith leads to a changed life. When we experience God s power we reflect in our actions the very best that He has to offer. People will be reminded of God in our walk and talk. 4. The Promises has given us very great and precious promises (4) The Bible is full of promises that God makes to His people. a. The Promises are based on God s glory and goodness. b. The Promises are boundless: very great and precious. 2 / 10

3 c. The Promises are blueprints: that through them 5. The Partakers you may share in the divine nature (4) How does man touch divinity? Buddha taught an eightfold path. Joseph Smith allegedly received instructions on golden tablets. But the New Testament teaches that the only way to achieve divinity is through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). As we increasingly learn to trust His promises, we are conformed to His likeness (Rom. 8:29). 6. The Pardon escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires (4) Much of 2 Peter seems to be aimed at combating the teachings of gnosticism. (Col. 1:19, 2:9, 2:18; I Tim. 2:5) Although the heresy wasn t fully developed at this time, the roots came out of Greek thought: 1) one was set free by knowing, and 2) matter is evil and spirit is good. This line of reasoning spawned the Stoics who denied desires of the flesh and Epicureans who indulged in desires of the flesh (after all, if matter is evil anyway, what does indulgence matter?) Gnostics had a major problem with the concept of incarnation, God in flesh (John 1:14). Peter uses knowledge in two of the three verses. However, this knowledge is not hidden, available only to a privileged few. The knowledge of which he writes is embodied in Jesus Christ who deals with the evil desires of the flesh by forgiving us (Acts 5:31), pardoning us from sin (Isa. 55:7; Col. 2:14) and granting us power over worldly desires (Gal. 2:20; I Pet. 2:24). C. Admonition to Develop Christian Qualities (5-7) Share in the divine nature begins at salvation but requires every effort to continue toward the described goal: 1. Faith - In this context faith refers to an initial experience required of all Christians that involves a transfer of trust from ourselves to Jesus Christ alone. Faith and repentance are two aspects of the initial conversion experience. 2. Goodness - This has also been understood as moral courage. The quality is an excellence and productivity in one s spiritual life that is shown by the courage of one s 3 / 10

4 convictions. True faith in God leads to an outward change in lifestyle. 3. Knowledge - The Gnostics were a cult based on hidden knowledge. Peter uses the same word here (gnosis) but uses it in the sense of practical knowledge. This is the ability to apply God s Word to practical situations. 4. Self-Control - Paul lists several of these qualities including self-control as a part of the Fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23). Self-control refers to a mastery (not an absence of) passions. Decisions are made, not by emotion or desire, but rather of the basis of God s will. 5. Endurance - This is variously translated patience, perseverance, steadfastness, fortitude, and patient endurance. It is pictured in John Bunyan s Pilgrim s Progress ; the Christian beset with trials who continues toward his/her goal. 6. Godliness - this practical word for religious is translated in Latin as pietas which we transliterate piety. It actually combines many of the proceeding traits and describes a person who puts God s will and purpose in his/her life above all else (Matt. 6:33). 7. Brotherly Affection - This word is philadelphia and involves kindness. There must be a sense of community among God s people that goes beyond obligation. Some become so devoted to the Christian disciplines that they become proud of their religiosity; in its uglier form, this behavior becomes judgmental and harsh. Peter is reminding us that near the apex of Christian maturity is a quality called being nice. 8. Love - Just as Paul teaches in I Corinthians 13, so Peter reminds us here: An unselfish love must always be our goal and benchmark for evaluation. This agape love is the love God has for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) and the love we are to have for every Christian (Matt. 25:40). D. Results of Developing Christian Qualities (8-11) 4 / 10

5 Peter has described a ladder of Christian maturity, each step building upon the previous, each rung leading us closer to the ideal of Jesus. Several applications are apparent: 1. The Christian life is a journey of faith, not just one event. If these qualities are yours (8) 2. The Christian life is designed to move us closer to Christ s ideal. they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (8) 3. The Christian life builds quality upon quality. It s tough to move from point A to point H without going through points B-G. the person who lacks these things. (9) 4. The Christian life has inter-dependent qualities. For instance, from day 1 we are to exhibit brotherly affection and servant-like love. However, these qualities will be deepened and will become consistent as we understand qualities like self-control and perseverance. Lack of these qualities is evidence of an unsaved or backslidden condition is blind and shortsighted. (9) 5. The Christian life sustains growth through dependence upon God s Holy Spirit make every effort to confirm your calling and election. (10) 6. The Christian life will not be fully achieved until we go to heaven For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you. (11) One seminar gives out buttons expressing this concept: PBPGIFWMY (Please be patient, God isn t finished with me yet). 5 / 10

6 II. Defer to Eyewitness Testimony (12-18) A. Recalled And I will also make every effort that you may be able to recall these things at any time after my departure. In verses 13-15, Peter provides the rationale behind the need for a written gospel. As the first hand witnesses died (John 21:18-19), Believers needed access to God s Word at any time. B. Revealed we were eyewitnesses (16) 1. Doubts we did not follow cleverly contrived myths (16) Mystery religions were very popular among the Gentiles in the First Century. These mystery religions involved long stories about mythical gods, some of who died and rose again. As the eyewitnesses of Jesus began to be martyred and Peter saw his own death at hand, he wanted to reassure the saints that the story of Jesus was fact and not fable. 2. Declaration When we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, instead we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (16) Whereas the mystery religions were based on concealed knowledge, Peter shared knowledge revealed by God who bestowed glory and honor on Jesus. 3. Divine Proof And we heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with Him on the holy mountain (18) As each day passed with no Second Coming persecution continuing to increase, belief in Jesus might have begun to wane in some places. The question, How did you know? was probably asked of Peter with some frequency. Rather than turn to the resurrection, as Paul did (I Cor. 15:12-19), Peter remembers the Transfiguration event (Matt. 16:28, 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36). Jesus was not simply a man who taught good things; He was divine as evidenced by Peter s sight and hearing. III. Depend on Inspired Scripture (19-21) 6 / 10

7 A. Inspiration we have the prophetic word strongly confirmed (19) Personal experience does not supersede God s revealed Word in Scripture. Peter s wonderment at God s revealed glory is not the final proof. In scripture we have The more prophetic Word (alternate translation). There are over 300 prophecies concerning the Messiah in the Old Testament. Peter obviously sees the fulfillment of all these in Jesus Christ. B. Illumination a lamp shining in a dismal place the day dawns the morning star rises in your hearts The reference to light is very common in the New Testament. Jesus calls Himself light of the world (John 8:12); Christians are called the Children of light (Luke 16:8); people are said to stumble for lack of light (John 11:10); the gospel is called light (II Cor. 4:4-6); God is the Father of lights (James 1:17); and of course John 1 reveals the importance of the light of the gospel. Peter writes that God s Word penetrates the darkness now; but at the Second Coming of Jesus, all would be revealed. (I Cor. 13:12). C. Infallibility No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (20) We often speak of Scripture as God s Word; but what does that mean? 1. God s Word is Authentic - We often refer to Paul s letters or John s gospel; what we mean is God s Word delivered through Paul or John. Though using a human agency, God so worked that the resultant product is His truth. 2. God s Word is Accurate one s own interpretation refers both to the author and the reader. The writers of the Scriptures did not offer their private opinions but were inspired to author God s truth. As we read the Scripture we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to truth and then be bound to live it. (John 16:13) The Baptist Faith and Message says of the Bible, It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. (p. 19) Herschel Hobbs goes on to write: At the Los Angeles Convention some expected an explosion over the nature of Scripture. Hoping to prevent this, I made a motion that we reaffirm our acceptance of the / 10

8 Baptist Faith and Message, including all 17 articles. When it came up for discussion, I quoted 2 Tim. 3:16, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16, NIV). I then noted that some held that that which is Scripture is inspired, but that all the Bible is not Scripture. But I noted that Paul did not say that. The Greek word for all with the definite article means people or things as a group. Without the definite article, it means every single part of the whole. Since Paul did not use the definite article, he said, Every single part of the whole of Scripture is God-breathed. Then I added, A God of truth does not breathe error. (p. 21) 3. God s Word is Authoritative - one s own interpretation can also refer to the recipient of Scriptures. A reader is not free to interpret Scripture as he/she sees fit. Researcher George Barna exclusively polled Christians who called themselves born-again. The surprising results showed that two-thirds of them don t believe there is any such thing as absolute truth. In addition, 45% say that Jesus Christ committed sins! ( What in the World! vol. 23, No. 5, 1998, p.2) (Heb. 4:15, 7:27; I John 3:5; I Peter 1:19) 4. God s Word is Affirmed because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (21) (cf. Isa. 1:2; Jeremiah 1:4; I Cor. 2:10-13; Gal. 1:12; 2 Tim. 3:16) Hobbs continues: Furthermore, the unity of the Bible attests its inspiration. The Bible has one central theme: God s redemptive purpose. It has one central figure: Christ. It has one central goal: God supreme in a redeemed universe. The Bible was written over a period of approximately 1,500 years in various places stretching all the way from Babylon to Rome. The human authors (numbering forty or more) included a variety of men in many stations of life - kings, peasants, poets, herdsmen, fishermen, scientists, farmers, priests, pastors, tentmakers, and governors. Among its themes are such content matter as philosophy, poetry, prophecy, theology, history, science, and sociology. Not one of 8 / 10

9 the writers knew that he was writing a part of the Holy Bible. Probably many had no knowledge of what others had written. Yet when under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the various books were gathered together, they told one complete story. Neither Testament is complete without the other. (Baptist Faith and Message, p. 23) Application: 1. God s Word is authenticated by eyewitness accounts. 2. God s Word is authenticated by fulfilled prophecy. 3. God s Word is authenticated by the Holy Spirit s confirmation in lives. Explore the Bible Leader Pack Item 17: Poster: Lesson Outline Illustrator: p. 62 Simon Peter: Eyewitness to the Majesty Notes: **You may access David s Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: g Dates 2012: 11/11 Parent Commitment; 11/11 - Christmas Store Collection day; 11/11 Parent Commitment; 11/12-16 FBA Book Fair; 11/14 9 / 10

10 Midlink ends; 11/18 Rite of Passage: Parenting; 11/22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday, church offices closed; 11/25 Thanksgiving Sunday, no LBS; 11/28 High 5 Choir Practice; 11/30 Recreate Date Night; 12/1 Christmas Faith Center; 12/2 Wacky Tacky Christmas Party; 12/6-9 Celebration; 12/10 - FBA Fine Arts Festival; 12/15 Candy Cane Lane; 12/23 Christmas Weekend, no LBS; 12/24 Candlelight 4:00 & 6:00; 12/24-25 Christmas Holidays, church offices closed; 12/30 Normal schedule with LBS; 12/31 Summit NYE party. 10 / 10