Introduction
Around AD 65 the apostle Peter was imprisoned in Rome by the emperor Nero, and he realized that he would soon be executed. Since he was an eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus, he decided to write another letter to the believers he had written to before, confirming what they had been taught about Jesus. False teachers were proposing that, since Jesus hadn’t returned already, his return couldn’t be expected at all. Because they didn’t expect any future judgment, they were living immoral lives. (Peter likely learned about the threat of these teachers from a letter sent by Jude, a brother of Jesus, to warn believers against them. Peter’s letter echoes Jude’s, but in shorter form. See Jude.)
Peter answers the false teachers by stressing that he personally saw the glory and majesty of Jesus on the sacred mountain (see Mark 9:2-13). Everyone will see this glory when Jesus returns. In powerful imagery Peter describes the false teachers’ destructive effect on the community and the judgment that awaits them. In the final section of his letter, Peter explains that the Messiah’s return has been delayed because God wants everyone to repent. Our proper response is to live good lives filled with hope, since we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
2 Peter Chapter 1 (ESV) 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION：
Chapter at a Glance: God in His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. We are to make every effort to grow in spiritual virtues. Christian faith rest upon the testimonies of eyewitnesses. God’s prophetic words were spoken by men moved by the Holy Spirit.
An exercise bicycle helps us build stamina and slims thighs. But it does no good at all unless we put in our daily effort. Our relationship with God is something like this. The resource we need to live a God-pleasing life is always there for us. But to benefit from what God has provided, we have to put in the effort.
We are to make every effort to live a Christian life. We begin with faith, and we go on, and concentrate on developing the following Christian virtues: Good character (virtue), spiritual understanding (knowledge), alert discipline (self-control), passionate patience (steadfastness), reverent wonder (godliness), warm friendliness (brotherly affection), and generous love. If these qualities “are increasing”, they will keep us from “being ineffective or unfruitful”
Take time to ponder each character trait. Then think about those you are doing well in. Think about those you need to grow in.
Admit your need for God’s guidance and help in your growth in Him. Ask Him to help you grow in those areas where you recognize you need the most improvement.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
REFLECTION:
Chapter at a Glance: Elders in the church are to shepherd God’s people. All believers are to be humble and self-controlled and look confidently to God and resist the devil.
Recall times that you have been especially aware that God cares for you. Did you feel freer to “cast” your anxieties on God then or during other times when His love didn’t seem so close? What causes these differences in feeling?
It’s hard not to be anxious when we’re suffering. Leaving everything to God seems difficult indeed. But Peter said that suffering lasts only for a little while. God will restore you, and make you strong. And in His time, God will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you”. Whatever today’s pain, we have the promise of strength, and the prospect of glory – forever.
What anxieties do you still have? Read this passage again. Tell God your worries one by one and ask for His guidance and care.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
REFLECTION:
Chapter at a Glance: Christians are to live for the will of God. We are to love and serve each other, and Christians are to rejoice in suffering as we share Christ’s suffering.
Peter described the Roman world of his day as a society filled with violence, oppression, cruelty, the abuse of power, and sexual insanity (v3). Christians faced tremendous pressure from all sides. Living under such situations, how, for example, is it possible for Christians to maintain sexual purity in such a sexually overheated society? Peter encouraged them to live “no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (v2).
The more hostile the world is to us, the greater our need for support and encouragement. The antagonism of outsiders has the effect of bringing us closer and closer to others who think and feel as we do. Christian community is a close, warm and supportive fellowship where we can find encouragement and strength to get on with life in the grim outside world.
If you are missing the warmth of fellowship with other Christians, you lack something essential to your growth and well-being. If you are not a part of a cell group in the church, speak to the pastor, your SS teacher or members of the church.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what He wants to tell you. Then write down any thought and/or prayer in your spiritual journal.
