Articles
2 Peter Overview
[Today we begin reading 2 Peter. It is a short book of 3 chapters. I would suggest that if you have time, read all three chapters each day for three days. ]
2 Peter Overview
2 Peter 3:11 — 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
Peter begins this second letter by explaining the great blessing we have because God has revealed himself, his Son, and his plan/purpose unto us. He has given us the privilege of knowing what lies before us, and the hope we have, not of this world but of living in the presence of God. Such revelation is not myth, but the word of God as holy men of God were carried along by the Holy Spirit (1:19-21). Such writings of men like Peter and Paul are Scriptures that provide us with our knowledge of Jesus and His will (3:16).
Thus Peter lays before us the essentials of godly character that should describe each of us (1:3-11). These are often called ‘Christian graces’ and are often dealt with as if you can add the ones you choose and ignore the ones that you find difficult. They are to be grouped and understood as the composite picture of the character of each of us. God’s people are people of faith, excellence, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. To such character building he instructs us to ‘make every effort’ and to be “all the more diligent” (vs. 5, 10).
The second chapter lays before us the ever-present danger of being misled and deceived by false teaching. Such began in the garden with Adam and Eve and such continues today. The face of the false teacher changes but it continues to be false. False is that which deviates from truth; and truth is what was revealed by Jesus through His chosen apostles and prophets. Peter spends the whole of chapter two discussing such false teachers.
The last chapter will lay before us the hope of a different world wherein dwells righteousness and wherein doesn’t dwell sin and ungodliness. It is this radical change in the whole of our living situation that has Peter asking “what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness”. Peter answers: “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace” (3:14). Peter ends the writings of his earthly life by admonishing believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity” (3:18).
Peter has lain before us what manner of people we OUGHT to be, the question is what manner of people ARE we? We need to make the necessary corrections.
Hugh DeLong
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