Standard Jet DBnb` Ugr@?~1y0̝cßFNa7H(r,`5{6߱nC53Uy[/|*|T~Rrf_Љ$g'DeFx -bT4.0dv Y S  Y   Y Y  Y Y  Y  Y  Y   Y u Y o Y n Y z Y 2lY  Y  z Y  pY ConnectDatabaseDateCreateDateUpdate FlagsForeignNameIdLvLvExtraLvModule LvPropName OwnerParentIdRmtInfoLongRmtInfoShortTypeniYYIdParentIdName        OYS Y Y Y  Y 2ACMFInheritableObjectIdSID  AtYObjectId YSY  Y Y Y  Y  Y Y  Y AttributeExpressionFlagLvExtra Name1 Name2ObjectId Order Y"ObjectIdAttribute -YSY Y Y  Y  Y  Y  Y  Y ccolumn grbiticolumnszColumnszObject$szReferencedColumn$szReferencedObjectszRelationship   YYYszObject$szReferencedObjectszRelationshipYv1b N  : k & W  C t/  @@X  @@OJmJLJkQkiQ^JmYdbkWYfkmJL^Qk`kvkJMQk`kvkdL[QMmk`kvkhoQiYQk`kvkiQ^JmYdbkWYfkmdfYMbdmQk`kvkOL  @~  @ @$ $ $ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$      d k f  =L@(=L@Topic Notes@%DDD88888886 @8=L@8=L@MSysRelationshipsDDDDDDDDDDB 8=L@8=L@MSysQueries88888888886 8=L@8=L@MSysACEs22222222220 8=L@8=L@MSysObjects88888888886 8=L@8=L@MSysDb.........., 8=L@8=L@Relationships<<<<<<<<<<: 8=L@8=L@Databases44444444442 8=L@8=L@Tables.........., jY N Y Y d YID TitleComments"#YYIDPrimaryKeyHv1b LVAL<{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deftab1304{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green128\blue0;\red51\green102\blue102;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\sb60\sa60\qc\cf1\lang1033\kerning28\b\f0\fs20 Standing on the Promises: \line\pard\sb400\sa60\qc A Study of 2 Peter\par \pard\sb100\sa100\kerning0 by Robert Deffinbaugh \line deffinbaugh@bible.org\~ \line Biblical Studies Press\line\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.bible.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf2 www.bible.org}}}\cf1\f0\fs20\line 1995\b0\par Robert Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. in 1971. Bob is a teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. \par Unless otherwise noted, Scripture is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE\'ae, Copyright \'a9 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.\~\par Contents\~\par \pard\tqr\tldot\tx9360 Preface\line Lesson 1 Second Peter Is Not Second Class\line Lesson 2 The Gospel According to Peter\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_1:1-4\cf1\ulnone )\line Lesson 3 The Pursuit of Christian Character\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_1:5-7\cf1\ulnone )\line Lesson 4 A Secured Faith that\~ Keeps the Saints from Stumbling\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_1:8-11\cf1\ulnone )\line Lesson 5 Peter\rquote s Readiness to Remind\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_1:12-21\cf1\ulnone )\line Lesson 6 False Teachers\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_2:1-3\cf1\ulnone )\line Lesson 7 The Certainty of Deliverance and Destruction\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_2:3\cf1\ulnone b-10a)\line Lessons 8&9 The Teachers\rquote Hall of Shame\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_2:10-22\cf1\ulnone )\line Lessons 10-12 Scoffers, the Second Coming, and Scripture\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_3:1-13\cf1\ulnone )\line Lessons 13&14 Peter and Paul\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_3:14-16\cf1\ulnone )\line Lesson 1LVAL5 Scripture Twisters\~ (\cf3\ul 2Pe_3:14-18\cf1\ulnone )\par \pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\kerning28\b\f1 Preface\cf4\f0\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf1\lang1033\kerning0\b0 Our Lord not only rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their false doctrine and for leading people astray, He warned us about such prophets and teachers (see \cf3\ul Mat_7:13-29\cf1\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Mat_23:1-37\cf1\ulnone ; \cf3\ul Mat_24:11\cf1\ulnone ; etc.). As the apostle Peter saw the day of his own death drawing near, he also warned of those false teachers who would arise, seeking to turn men and women from the faith. Second Peter begins with an exhortation to spiritual growth, and an affirmation of the reliability and authority of the Scriptures, as recorded by the apostles through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (chapter 1). He then goes on to warn us of false prophets, and to assure us of the certainty that God is able to \ldblquote rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment\rdblquote (\cf3\ul 2Pe_2:1-9\cf1\ulnone ). Peter describes not only the doctrinal deviations of the false teachers, but the tell-tale signs of spiritual deadness which is evident in their values and lifestyles (\cf3\ul 2Pe_2:10-22\cf1\ulnone ). \par As Peter warns us of the error which the false teachers disseminate concerning the end times, correcting these errors and exhorting us to stand fast until the coming of our Lord, as we \ldblquote grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ\rdblquote (\cf3\ul 2Pe_3:1-18\cf1\ulnone ). Peter\rquote s last words are vitally important words for these \ldblquote last days\rdblquote in which we live. Let us hear and heed them as we study this great epistle. \par The material in these sermons is available without charge for your personal study and to assist you in living, teaching and preaching God\rquote s Word.\rdblquote\par \pard\sb60\sa60\f1\page\pard\sb100\sa100\qc\b\scaps\f0 Trademark and Copyright InformLVALation\b0\scaps0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\scaps Copyright \'a9 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. and the authors. All rights reserved. For free usage information, please read the BSF Website Copyright Statement for fair use statements. \scaps0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\qc\b\scaps Electronic Access to this Material\b0\scaps0\par \scaps This Material is available for use on the internet via an agreement with the Biblical Studies Foundation, a non-Profit Foundation at:\line\cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.bible.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf2 www.bible.org}}}\cf1\scaps0\f0\fs20\par \pard\sb100\sa100\scaps Biblical Studies copyrighted by individual authors and the Biblical studies Press are not shareware or public domain and may not be duplicated without permission.\scaps0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\qc\b\scaps BSF Website Copyright Statement\b0\scaps0\par \pard\sb100\sa100\scaps From our website at \cf0{\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "www.bible.org"}}{\fldrslt{\ul\cf2 www.bible.org}}}\cf1\f0\fs20 , you may download the information and print it for yourself and others as long as you give it away and do not charge for it. In this case, free means free. It cannot be bundled with anything sold, nor can you charge for shipping, handling, or anything. It is provided for personal study or for use in preparation of sermons, Sunday school classes, or other non-commercial study. This release does not apply to other media than paper printed distribution. \scaps0\par \scaps For Free distribution of more than 100 copies, you must obtain written permission and comply with reasonable guidelines of content control and include currently valid BSP copyright and organizational acknowledgments. \scaps0\par \scaps For permission, inquire by E-Mail to \ldblquote head@bible.org\rdblquote or call 800/575-2425.\scaps0\par \~\par Formatted for e-Sword by David Cox\line\pard Copyright \'a92008 Biblical Studies Press, reprinted with permission from {\field{\*\fldinst{HYPERLINK "file:///C:\\\\Documents%20and%20Settings\\\\David\\\\ConfiBLVALRguraci\'f3n%20local\\\\Archivos%20temporales%20de%20Internet\\\\FrontPageTempDir\\\\www.bible.org" }}{\fldrslt{\cf2\ul www.bible.org}}}\cf1\ulnone\f0\fs20 for free redistribution.\par \lang2058\f2\fs22\par }   @Z p  ' Y  03b Conclusion=." 15 Scripture Twisters (2Pe_3:14-18)S=ZN 13&14 Peter and Paul (2Pe_3:14-16)=XL 10-12 Scoffers, Second Coming,&ScriptureF=dX 08&9 The Teachers Hall of Shame (2Pe_2:10-22)p=pd07 The Certainty of Deliverance and Destructiond that the door of the Church should be opened wide to the Gentiles. There James says, \lquote Symeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name\rquote (\cf1\ul Act_15:14\cf3\ulnone ). In this letter which begins with greetings to the Gentiles who have been granted by the grace of God privileges of equal citizenship in the kingdom with the Jews and with the apostles Peter is called by the name of Symeon; and the only other time he is called by that name is when he is the principal instrument whereby that privilege is granted.\rdblquote Barclay, p. 292.\par \super\f0 [23]\nosupersub\f1 The term Peter uses for \ldblquote life\rdblquote here is found 134 times in the New Testament in the King James Version. Of these 134 occurrences, hardly more than a half dozen speak of \ldblquote life\rdblquote in terms of physical, earthly life. Almost always they speak of \ldblquote life\rdblquote in its fullest sense--eternal life in Jesus Christ. And so Peter is here assuring us that the gospel is the promise of all that we need for true \ldblquote life,\rdblquote life in Christ. The following verses emphasize the eternal or spiritual dimensions of true life which comes from God by faith: \cf1\ul Luk_12:15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Luk_21:16-18\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_5:24-26\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_5:39-40\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:27\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:33\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:35\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:54\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:63\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_6:68\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_8:12\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_10:10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_11:25\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_12:25\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_12:50\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_21:30\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_2:28\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_3:15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_5:20\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_4:10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gal_6:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_4:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_3:4\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_4:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_1:1\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Tit_1:2\cf3\ulnoneLVAL, ; \cf1\ul Tit_3:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jas_1:12\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_1:1\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_1:2\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_3:14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_3:15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_5:11\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_5:12\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_5:13\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_5:16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_5:29\cf3\ulnone ; Jude 21; \cf1\ul Rev_2:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_3:5\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_13:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_17:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_20:12\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_20:15\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_22:1\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_22:2\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_22:14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_22:17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rev_22:19\cf3\ulnone .\par \super\f0 [24]\nosupersub\f1 See \cf1\ul 1Ti_3:6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_4:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_4:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_6:3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_6:5\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_6:6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_6:11\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_3:5\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Tit_1:1\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:11\cf3\ulnone .\par \pard\kerning28\f3\fs22\par } LVAL<@{\rtf1\ansi\deff0\deftab1304{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\froman\fprq2\fcharset2 Symbol;}{\f3\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red51\green102\blue102;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}{\s2 heading 2;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\lang3082\kerning28\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 3: The Pursuit of Christian Character \line (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:5-7\cf0\ulnone )\cf2\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf3\lang1033\kerning0\b0 1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. \par 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. \par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Introduction\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 I have heard some incredible promises in my lifetime, just as you probably have also. Most often advertising promises far more than it delivers. But the promises of our text are completely reliable. Indeed, the benefits of heeding Peter\rquote s words, and the consequences of neglecting them, are great:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 8 For if these qualities are yoursLVALA and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:8-11\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Heeding Peter\rquote s words keep us from being useless and unfruitful in our relationship with Jesus Christ (verse 8) and enables us to live in the present in light of our past conversion and our hope for the future (verse 9). Doing as Peter instructs can keep us from stumbling and assure us a triumphant entry into the kingdom of our Lord. Conversely, neglecting Peter\rquote s instruction diminishes our perception and confidence in the salvation God has provided and sets us up for a fall.\par Peter\rquote s own words should convince us to pay careful attention, for the benefits pertain to our past, our present walk, and our future hope. May we approach our text with a deep sense of its importance and an open and willing heart eager to hear and heed what God\rquote s Spirit has revealed.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Observations\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 In preparation for a more detailed study of Peter\rquote s words, we must stand back and look at the big picture to understand the context for our further study. Note these observations about our text.\par \b (1) Peter is writing to those who are saved about their sanctification, and not to the unsaved about their salvation.\i \b0\i0 Peter does not challenge his readers to work hard in order to be saved, but to strive diligently because they are saved (see verse 1).\par \b (2) Peter calls for diligent, disciplined, lLVALBife-long effort on the part of the Christian \b0 (verse 5a). This is a discipleship text which requires discipline and self-denial. It is a challenge to every Christian for all the days of their lives. No Christian ever works his way through this text to move on to other pursuits. \par \b (3) The Christian\rquote s efforts are based on the sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of His provisions \b0 (verses 1-4). Peter has already laid the foundation for the Christian\rquote s exertion. In verses 1-4, Peter emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. Salvation has been accomplished by God, through Christ, apart from human works or merit. Peter also stresses the sufficiency of God\rquote s provisions for our salvation and sanctification. God has provided all that is necessary for life and godliness (verse 3).\par \b (4) Verses 5-7 contain a list of character qualities for which God has made provision and for which every Christian should strive.\b0 This is not a list of imperatives, duties, or activities. Peter is not writing about \ldblquote how to,\rdblquote but about the kind of person the Christian should strive to become.\par \b (5) The character qualities we are to pursue are also the character traits of God.\b0 Peter has written in verse 4 that God has provided for us to become \ldblquote partakers of the divine nature.\rdblquote These character qualities he then lists are the particular character qualities of God which should also be evident in our lives.\par \b (6) Peter gives us a list unlike any other list in the Scriptures.\b0 In \cf1\ul Gal_5:22-23\cf3\ulnone , Paul lists the \ldblquote fruit of the Spirit.\rdblquote\b \cf1\ul\b0 1Ti_6:11\cf3\ulnone has yet another list of godly qualities the Christian should pursue. None of the New Testament lists are exactly alike, which suggests that Peter has given us a selected list and that there are other character qualities to pursue. It also implies Peter\rquote s list was compiled for a particular reason. I believe this list of qualLVALCities was chosen because of the false teachers who will seek to distort the truth of the Scriptures and seek to seduce men to follow them. If the character qualities of verses 5-7 are also the attributes of God, they are in dramatic contrast to the character of the false teachers and their followers.\par \b (7) A purposeful order and relationship is evident in this list of character qualities.\b0 This list of character qualities is not presented in a way that suggests a random order. Each quality builds upon the qualities before it. The sequence of qualities begins with faith and ends with love. These qualities are similar to the ingredients in a cake recipe where all ingredients are needed, but they should be added in the proper order.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Characteristics of a Growing Christian\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033 (1) Faith.\b0 The first characteristic of the growing Christian has a uniqueness to it\emdash the Christian is not instructed to\i supply\i0 faith. Faith is a given, something upon which the Christian builds. According to Peter, faith is given, for the readers of this epistle are those who \ldblquote have received a faith of the same kind as ours\rdblquote\b \b0 (verse 1). Faith is something we have received, not something we are to supply\emdash because faith is a gift from God (see \cf1\ul Rom_8:28-30\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_1:3-6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_2:8\cf3\ulnone ). \par Faith begins as saving faith and then becomes the faith without which it is impossible to please God (\cf1\ul Heb_11:6\cf3\ulnone ); whatever does not originate through faith is sin (\cf1\ul Rom_14:23\cf3\ulnone ). Our faith is based upon the revealed word of God (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:4\cf3\ulnone ; see \cf1\ul Rom_10:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_10:17\cf3\ulnone ). Our faith is tested, proven, and strengthened by the trials and adversity God allows to come into our life (\cf1\ul 1Pe_1:6-7\cf3\ulnone ). Faith is not only the basis for belief but also the bLVALDasis for our behavior (see Hebrews 11).\par Our Lord Himself is the object and the source of our faith; Christ is also the model for our faith. It is easier to think of the Lord Jesus as the object of faith than to think of Him exercising faith. But His faith was exercised when He submitted to the will of the Father by taking on human flesh and suffering and dying at the hands of sinful men:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 23 And while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but \b kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously\b0 (\cf1\ul 1Pe_2:23\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj If you have not come to a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, you cannot possibly pursue the course Peter prescribes in our text. To enter into that \ldblquote faith,\rdblquote which is of the same kind as the apostles (verse 1a), you must know God through Jesus Christ and find the righteousness you desperately lack in none other than Jesus Christ (verse 1b). Knowing Him brings grace and peace (verse 2). Only by His power are we granted everything necessary for life and godliness (verse 3). The basis of our salvation is the work of Christ, and the basis for our future hope is the promises of God. All we need to know about these is recorded in God\rquote s Word (verse 4a). Trusting in God\rquote s provisions, as revealed in God\rquote s Word, makes us partakers of the divine nature and delivers us from the corruption of fleshly lusts (verse 4b). Taking on the divine nature does not happen quickly; it happens by the process of sanctification (verses 5-11). While this sanctification is individual, it also takes place through the body of Christ, the church (\cf1\ul Eph_4:11-16\cf3\ulnone ). The process of sanctification is completed not in this life, but when we are with Him in glory (\cf1\ul Php_3:8-14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_5:10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:13\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Jo_3:1-3\cf3\ulnone ).\par \b (2) Moral Excellence.\b0 Of all the virLVALEtues listed by Peter in our text, this is by far the most difficult virtue to grasp. Two problems have troubled me in my study of this quality. First, the precise meaning of the term rendered \ldblquote moral excellence\rdblquote\b \b0 by the New American Standard Bible. The difficulty in defining the word Peter uses here can be inferred from the various ways it is translated:\par \pard\sb100\sa100\f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote virtue\rdblquote\emdash KJV, NEB, Berkeley\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote resolution\rdblquote\emdash Moffatt\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote goodness\rdblquote\emdash Goodspeed, Jerusalem Bible\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote moral character\rdblquote\emdash Williams\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote manliness\rdblquote\emdash Helen Montgomery\emdash The Centenary Translation\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote Noble character\rdblquote\emdash Weymouth\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote real goodness of life\rdblquote\emdash Phillips\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The second problem is that \ldblquote moral excellence\rdblquote precedes \ldblquote knowledge.\rdblquote One would think \ldblquote knowledge\rdblquote would be a necessary prerequisite to \ldblquote moral excellence,\rdblquote rather than the reverse. \par The key to resolving these two problems seems to be found in the usage of this term in the Greek Translation of the Old Testament in the texts below:\par \pard\sb100\sa100\f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote I am the LORD, that is My name; \par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1 I will not give My glory to another, \par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1 Nor My\i praise\i0 to graven images\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Isa_42:8\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1 Let them give glory to the LORD, \par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1 And declare His\i praise\i0 in the coastlands (\cf1\ul Isa_42:12\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1\ldblquote The peoLVALFple whom I formed for Myself, \par \f2\'b7\f0\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ \f1 Will declare My\i praise\i0\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Isa_43:21\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\super\f0 [25]\nosupersub\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj When we compare these Old Testament uses of Peter\rquote s term with all the New Testament occurrences of this same term, the meaning begins to come into focus:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any\i excellence\i0 and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things (\cf1\ul Php_4:8\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God\rquote s] OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the\i excellencies\i0 of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (\cf1\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 3 Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and\i excellence\i0 (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:3\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The King James Version of \ldblquote virtue\rdblquote\b \b0 most often refers to a characteristic or quality of God. In the Isaiah texts, it is that for which God is praised or praiseworthy. In \cf1\ul Isa_42:8\cf3\ulnone and \cf1\ul Isa_42:12\cf3\ulnone , it is an expression poetically paralleled with the glory of God. God\rquote s glory is His virtue, His excellencies, for which He is worthy of praise. No wonder Paul will instruct the Philippian saints to set their minds on that which is both \ldblquote excellent\rdblquote\b \b0 and \ldblquote worthy of praise\rdblquote\b \b0 (\cf1\ul Php_4:8\cf3\ulnone ).\par If His excellencies are God\rquote s very nature, His glory for which men should praise Him, then our condition as unbelievers is exactly the opposite:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 23 For allLVALG have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (\cf1\ul Rom_3:23\cf3\ulnone ). \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Man in his sinful state refuses to give glory to God, deifying himself instead:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper (\cf1\ul Rom_1:18-28\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj God revealed His nature, His divine power and glory to sinful men, but they refused to give glory to Him. Instead of worshipping God their Creator, they worshippedLVALH created things. Instead of believing the truth, they believed a lie. As a consequence of their sin, God gave them over to a depraved mind so they could no longer grasp the truth. Apart from divine grace and intervention, sinful men were hopelessly lost.\par The good news: God did act. He sought out sinful men and gave them faith in His Son. He enabled them to become partakers of His divine nature (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:4\cf3\ulnone ). Since a part of this nature is His \ldblquote own glory and excellence\rdblquote\b \b0 (verse 3), it is little wonder this should become a part of our character as well. The \ldblquote moral excellence\rdblquote\b \b0 we are to \ldblquote add\rdblquote to our faith is the excellence of God\rquote s nature, which He makes available to us in Christ. We are to \ldblquote add\rdblquote it to our faith by acknowledging it as good, as desirable, as worthy of praise, and as that which we wish to emulate in our own lives.\par But why does excellence precede knowledge? I think we can understand this in light of Romans 1. Sinful men rejected the glory of God and established their own glory. As a result, they were darkened in their minds, unable to grasp divine revelation and truth. As a result of our salvation, we are now able to recognize the excellencies of our Lord and regard His excellencies as worthy of praise, embracing them as qualities we desire in our own life. When we embrace these virtues, we are then able to grasp the knowledge which comes next in the list of virtues. The apostle Paul puts it this way:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 17 This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you diLVALId not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (\cf1\ul Eph_4:17-25\cf3\ulnone ; see also \cf1\ul Eph_1:13-23\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj To embrace the excellencies of God is to strive after them and then to express them in our lives to the glory and praise of God:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God\rquote s] OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the\i excellencies\i0 of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (\cf1\ul 1Pe_2:9\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Embracing and pursuing the excellencies of God means having the spirit of mind which exalts the Word of God and explores the Word for the knowledge of Him who saved us. Thus we see how \ldblquote\b virtue\rdblquote \b0 or \ldblquote\b excellence\rdblquote \b0 precedes\b \ldblquote knowledge.\rdblquote\b0\par \pard\sb100\sa100 17 \ldblquote If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or [whether] I speak from Myself\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Joh_7:17\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj In summation, the excellence or virtue of God is God\rquote s glorious nature, which is our ultimate good we should pursue as the goal of our character to the praise and glory of God. Doing so produces a mindset receptive to the knowledge of God revealed through the Scriptures.\par \ldblquote Excellence\rdblquote is greatly emphasized these days in the secular culture and also in the church. I must say with deep regret that none of the excellence sought after today is that of which Peter spLVALJeaks in our text. The \ldblquote excellence\rdblquote often sought by Christians concerns numbers and worldly standards and appearances rather than the moral character which emulates the excellencies of our Lord to His praise and glory. But this is not a new problem. This same mindset characterized the saints of old, causing King Lemuel to write about the \ldblquote\b virtuous woman\rdblquote \b0 in \cf1\ul Pro_31:10-31\cf3\ulnone , where he contrasted the worldly standard of physical beauty with the moral excellence\super\f0 [26]\nosupersub\f1 of godly character:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 29 \ldblquote Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.\rdblquote 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, [But] a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised (\cf1\ul Pro_31:29-30\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\b (3) Knowledge.\b0 In our former state as unbelievers, we were not knowledgeable; we were ignorant:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts [which were yours] in your ignorance (\cf1\ul 1Pe_1:14\cf3\ulnone ; see \cf1\ul Eph_4:17-18\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The solution to our ignorance is having our minds transformed with the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, knowledge which comes from the Scriptures (see \cf1\ul Joh_17:17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_12:1-2\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_4:17-24\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_1:9-11\cf3\ulnone ) and is communicated through the Holy Spirit (\cf1\ul 1Co_2:6-16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_1:17\cf3\ulnone ).\par This is a doctrinal knowledge, a knowledge revealed in Scripture with clear biblical support. While it must be a doctrinal knowledge revealed in Scripture, it is also an experiential knowledge of God. This experience is not divorced from Scripture; rather, it is the experiencing of Scripture. The writer to the Hebrews puts it this way:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elemenLVALKtary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes [only] of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil (\cf1\ul Heb_5:12-14\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Paul writes:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 9 For this reason also, since the day we heard [of it], we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (\cf1\ul Col_1:9-12\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj This \ldblquote\b knowledge\rdblquote \b0 must also be understood as contrasting and contradicting the false knowledge of the false teachers who would undermine both the truth and the faith of the saints if they could:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep\'85 17 These are springs without water, and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones wLVALLho live in error, 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. (\cf1\ul 2Pe_2:1-3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:17-19\cf3\ulnone ).\par 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but 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. Amen (\cf1\ul 2Pe_3:14-18\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The knowledge of God is essential to our growth in Christian character and our ability to recognize and avoid those who teach what is false.\par \b (4) Self-control.\b0 William Barclay informs us that the term rendered\b \ldblquote self-control\rdblquote \b0 means literally \ldblquote to take a grip of oneself.\rdblquote\super\f0 [27]\nosupersub\f1 Self-control is the opposite of self-indulgence. As unbelievers, we are dominated by our physical appetites, enslaved as we are to them:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 1 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts [which were yours] in your ignorance (\cf1\ul 1Pe_1:14\cf3\ulnone ).\par 1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging tLVALMhe desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest (\cf1\ul Eph_2:1-3\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj But we have been delivered from our bondage to the flesh:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone [as] slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (\cf1\ul Rom_6:15-18\cf3\ulnone ; see \cf1\ul Rom_8:12-13\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Living a godly life requires us to master the flesh and make it our servant, rather than our master:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but [only] one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then [do it] to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified (\cf1\ul 1Co_9:24-27\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Sin uses the flesh to keep us in bondage (\cf1\ul Rom_7:14-21\cf3\ulnone ). Satan and the world encourage us to live according to the flesh. But being a child of God requires that we live no longer for the flesh or in the power of the flesh. Our flesh still has a strong attraction, as Paul\rquote s words in Romans 7 and our own experience make painfully clear. Only by God\rquote s grace can we overrule fleshly lusts, and because of His provisions, we must diligently strive toLVALN do so. The prompting of the flesh must be brought under control, and we are to heed the prompting of the Spirit of God, as He speaks through the Word of God (see \cf1\ul Rom_8:1-8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_2:1-16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_3:16-17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_4:6\cf3\ulnone ). \par False teachers appeal to fleshly lusts. They gather a following by proclaiming a gospel which indulges the flesh rather than crucifying it:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.\'85 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, 11 whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; \'85 18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 1LVALO9 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved (\cf1\ul 2Pe_2:1-3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:9-14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:18-19\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Such false teaching is not uncommon in the pulpit today. The \ldblquote good-life gospeleers\rdblquote offer a different gospel than the apostles. Rather than proclaim a gospel which involves suffering and self-denial, they proclaim a \ldblquote better\rdblquote gospel of self-indulgence and success in life. They promise that those who possess enough faith can escape suffering and adversity and be guaranteed peace and prosperity. They promise that when one gives a little, one may be assured of receiving much more in return. These rewards are not looked for in heaven as much as on earth, now.\par The gospel of the apostles was very different:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 24 But some days later, Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him [speak] about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, \ldblquote Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will summon you\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Act_24:24-25\cf3\ulnone ).\par 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 Envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (\cf1\ul Gal_5:19-23\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Let us not dilute the gospel to make it attractive to men by appealing to their fleshly lusts. We must procLVALPlaim the message of the gospel in its fulness and its simplicity, knowing that only through the Spirit of God are men enabled to grasp the truth of the gospel and quickened to do so (\cf1\ul 1Co_2:1-5\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_2:14-16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_2:14-17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_3:1-11\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_4:1-15\cf3\ulnone ).\par \b (5) Perseverance.\super\b0\f0 [28]\nosupersub\f1 \ldblquote\b Faith\rdblquote \b0 brings us into relationship with God through Jesus Christ. \ldblquote\b Moral excellence\rdblquote \b0 seeks the character of God as the standard and goal for our own character. \ldblquote\b Knowledge\rdblquote \b0 describes what God is like, and what we should be like as well. \ldblquote\b Self-control\rdblquote \b0 enables us to curb our physical passions and to make our bodies servants of the will of God. The next character trait\emdash\b\ldblquote perseverance\rdblquote\b0\emdash enables us to persist in our pursuit of godly character, even when we suffer for doing so.\par If self-control has to do with physical pleasures, perseverance has to do with pain. Our natural tendency is to pursue pleasure and flee from pain. The gospel calls for us to identify with Christ, which includes identifying with Him in His suffering:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls (\cf1\ul 1Pe_2:21-25\cf3\ulnone ).\par 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my shLVALQare on behalf of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ\rquote s afflictions. 25 Of [this church] I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the [preaching of] the word of God, 26 [that is,] the mystery which has been hidden from the [past] ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (\cf1\ul Col_1:24-27\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Perseverance is the frame of mind and character which persists in doing what is right even though doing so may produce difficulties, suffering, and sorrows. Perseverance is the commitment to suffer in the short term in order to experience glory for eternity. Perseverance was exemplified by our Lord:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart (\cf1\ul Heb_12:1-3\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Perseverance also includes patience. In the light of eternity, suffering is light and momentary (see \cf1\ul 2Co_4:17\cf3\ulnone ), but when our Lord\rquote s tarrying seems to be endless, we desperately need patience to persist in the stewardship God has given to each of us. The false teachers point out that our Lord has not returned as proof that He will not. They urge men to live for the moment and to pursue fleshly pleasures, doubting the reality of a day of judgment or evLVALRen our Lord\rquote s return as told in Scripture (\cf1\ul 2Pe_3:1\cf3\ulnone ff.). Knowing that in God\rquote s economy one day is as 1, 000 years, and 1, 000 years is like a day, we must patiently persist in doing what is right, looking for our eternal rewards when He returns.\par \b (6) Godliness.\b0 The terms Peter employs here for \ldblquote\b godliness\rdblquote \b0 are infrequently used in the New Testament.\super\f0 [29]\nosupersub\f1 This may be because the same expression was the most common word for religion in the pagan culture of Peter\rquote s day.\super\f0 [30]\nosupersub\f1 Godliness refers to practical religion, or, perhaps we should say, practiced religion. Godliness is the religion we practice in our day-to-day walk. It is \'85\~\par \pard\sb100\sa100\ldblquote\'85 the attitude of reverence which seeks to please God in all things. It desires a right relation with both God and men. Godliness brings the sanctifying presence of God into all the experiences of life.\'85 This characteristic distinguishes the true believer from the ungodly false teachers (\cf1\ul 2Pe_2:5-22\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:7\cf3\ulnone ).\rdblquote\super\f0 [31]\nosupersub\f1 \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The Old Testament Law related true faith to the daily aspects of living. The New Testament does the same:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 14 \ldblquote Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows\rquote houses, even while for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you shall receive greater condemnation.\'85 23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_23:14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_23:23\cf3\ulnone ).\par 27 This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of [our] God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, [and] to keep oneLVALSself unstained by the world (\cf1\ul Jas_1:27\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj We were once \ldblquote ungodly\rdblquote as unbelievers, ripe for the judgment of God (see \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:7\cf3\ulnone ). Now that we have come to newness of life in Christ, we must put off our old way of life and put on the new:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts [which were yours] in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all [your] behavior; 16 because it is written, \ldblquote YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY\rdblquote (\cf1\ul 1Pe_1:14-16\cf3\ulnone ).\par 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, [and] abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its [evil] practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him (\cf1\ul Col_3:8-10\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\b (7) Brotherly kindness\super\f0 [32]\nosupersub\b0\f1 (Greek:\i Philadelphia\super\b\f0 [33]\nosupersub\b0\i0\f1 ). \ldblquote\b Brotherly kindness\rdblquote \b0 is the love saints should have for one another as fellow-believers. It is a love based in part on what we share in common with the One we love. There is a certain element of reciprocity involved, for ideally we should be a blessing to our brother in Christ, and he should be a blessing to us.\par This love, based on a shared relationship with Christ, can be sensed immediately even though two saints may never have met before. I well remember my first trip to India. Having arrived without anyone to meet me at the airport, I was very much alone. After a long train ride, I joined a group of Indian believers who were complete strangers. As we rode to our destination in an old van, we began to sing some of the hymns of the faith. A deep sense of brotherly love was evident as we found a bond of love in Christ.\par This dLVALToes not mean that brotherly love is a snap, that it is automatic. If it were, Peter would not have found it necessary to command us to pursue it with diligence, not only in his second epistle but also in his first:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere\i love of the brethren\i0 , fervently love one another from the heart, (\cf1\ul 1Pe_1:22\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\super\f0 [34]\nosupersub\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Sin not only alienates men from God, it also alienates them from one another. Thus, when men come to faith in Christ, they are united with Him and also with their fellow believers. This union of believers with one another crosses every barrier, racial or social:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 11 Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called \ldblquote Uncircumcision\rdblquote by the so-called \ldblquote Circumcision,\rdblquote [which is] performed in the flesh by human hands\emdash 12 [remember] that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both [groups into] one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, [which is] the Law of commandments [contained] in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, [thus] establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity (\cf1\ul Eph_2:11-16\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj While God has removed the barrier between fellow-believers, this is something we must strive to practice and to preserve. It is a humanly impossible task for which God has provided the means to accomplish. As believers, we must diligently strive to practicLVALUe brotherly kindness by employing these means.\par \b (8) Love.\super\f0 [35]\nosupersub\b0\f1 This love is \ldblquote\i agape\i0 love,\rdblquote which might be called the highest love. It is also the capstone of all the virtues the Christian should pursue. Michael Green shows its uniqueness:\par \pard\sb100\sa100\ldblquote In friendship (\i philia\i0 ) the partners seek mutual solace; in sexual love (\i eros\i0 ) mutual satisfaction. In both cases these feelings are aroused because of what the loved one is. With\i agape\i0 it is the reverse. God\rquote s\i agape\i0 is evoked not by what we are, but by what he is. It has its origin in the agent, not in the object ...\i This agape might be defined as a deliberate desire for the highest good of the one loved, which shows itself in sacrificial action for that person\rquote s good\i0 . That is what God did for us (\cf1\ul Joh_3:16\cf3\ulnone ). That is what he wants us to do (\cf1\ul 1Jo_3:16\cf3\ulnone ). That is what he is prepared to achieve in us (\cf1\ul Rom_5:5\cf3\ulnone ). Thus the Spirit of the God who is love is freely given to us, in order to reproduce in us that same quality.\rdblquote\super\f0 [36]\nosupersub\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj While \ldblquote Phileo love\rdblquote is directed toward fellow-believers, \ldblquote Agape love\rdblquote is universal in scope. It is a love which applies both to believers and to unbelievers:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also [do] for you (\cf1\ul 1Th_3:12\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Agape love is not prompted by what the other person is or does, but by a love rooted in what God is. It is the love of God which flows through us.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 19 We love, because He first loved us (\cf1\ul 1Jo_4:19\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Paul speaks of this love as the greatest of the Christian virtues (\cf1\ul 1Co_13:13\cf3\ulnone ).\par As we love others we mani\ LVALl fest the perfections of God to men:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 43 \ldblquote You have heard that it was said, \lquote YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, and hate your enemy.\rquote 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you 45 in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on [the] evil and [the] good, and sends rain on [the] righteous and [the] unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more [than others]? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_5:43-48\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\sb100\sa100\sl240\slmult0\lang3082\kerning28\f3\fs22\par } LVAL<W{\rtf1\ansi\deff0\deftab1304{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red51\green102\blue102;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}{\s2 heading 2;}{\s3 heading 3;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\lang3082\kerning28\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 4: A Secured Faith that \line Keeps the Saints from Stumbling \line (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:8-11\cf0\ulnone )\cf2\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf3\lang1033\kerning0\b0 1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. \par 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. \par 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance intLVALXo the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Introduction\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 One of my seminary professors announced to our class that he would be gone for a week. An excellent golfer, he had been invited to speak to a group of believers who were golf professionals. I asked if he planned to preach a \ldblquote golf\rdblquote theme similar to Billy Sunday who used to preach with a \ldblquote baseball\rdblquote theme. If so, I suggested his title might be, \ldblquote Where will you be at the last hole?\rdblquote I was rewarded with a chuckle from this southern gentleman, who pondered a moment before saying, \ldblquote If you think of any more titles like that before I leave, give me a call.\rdblquote\par A \ldblquote golf title\rdblquote for the \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:8-11\cf3\ulnone text which we are considering in this message might be, \ldblquote How to avoid the sand traps of the Christian life.\rdblquote In the first four verses of his epistle, Peter lays a foundation for what follows by reminding his Christian readers of the sufficiency of the resources which our sovereign God has provided for our salvation and for our sanctification:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:1-4\cf3\ulnone ). \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj In these versesLVALY, Peter sets out the goal of our salvation and its means. Through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, we have been given faith in Him, resulting in a salvation which destines us to become like Christ. Having escaped the corruption which is in the world through lust, we are now destined to become partakers of the divine nature (see also \cf1\ul Rom_8:28-29\cf3\ulnone ). The means by which God works in and through us is His Word,\b \b0\ldblquote His precious and magnificent promises\rdblquote\b \b0 (verse 4).\par In verses 5-7, Peter explains the method by which we work out our faith and strive toward Christlikeness. Beginning with faith, Peter sets out eight character qualities for which the believer should diligently strive:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj These verses go much further than a mere explanation of the steps to Christian maturity\emdash they exhort us to exert ourselves in the pursuit of holiness. Contrary to the views of some (certainly not most Calvinists), the sovereignty of God is no excuse for laziness or inactivity. Indeed, inactivity is one of the evils from which we are to be delivered (see verse 8). The sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of His provisions are the basis for our diligent pursuit of Christian character as laid out in verses 5-7. \par What a wonderful incentive to godly living we find in verses 1-7. God has saved us from our sins through the righteousness of His Son. He has purposed for us to be conformed to the image of His Son. He has made every provision for us, as we strive by His grace, to attain the divine qualities of verses 5-7. Now, in verses 8-11, Peter provides even further motivation for us to appLVALZly all diligence in supplying what God requires of us and produces in us. \par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 The Structure of Our Text\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 Our text falls into two main parts. Verses 8 and 9 outline the negative benefits of pursuing holiness as previously described in verses 5-7. Verses 10 and 11 are another exhortation to believers to pursue holiness, with a two-fold assurance: those who do so will never stumble (verse 10), and those who do so will have an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (verse 11).\par \pard\keepn\s3\sb120\sa60\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Assumptions\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 Looking at our text more broadly will help before we begin a detailed study of verses 8-11. \par \b (1) This text is a battlefield.\b0 No one can approach this text with a neutral frame of mind. Each of us has our own preferences and presuppositions based upon our desires, our experiences, our previous exposure to teaching, our own personal study, and our own theological persuasions. In days gone by, the teaching of John Calvin influenced the way some interpret this text. In more recent times, the so-called \ldblquote Hodges/MacArthur Controversy\rdblquote has tended to polarize Christians into opposing sides, and this text is viewed as critical by both. \par In studying this text over the past several weeks, I have been painfully aware that I have friends on both sides of this debate. I love and respect my friends on both sides. I feared that in my exposition of this text, I would side with one group and alienate the other. My apprehension has now increased as I came to the conclusion that I can side with neither position, and thus I may offend all.\par If we cannot set aside our biases, at least we should acknowledge them, and pray that God may, through His Spirit, use this text to reshape our theology rather than allow our theology (or just plain prejudice) to warp our inteLVAL[rpretation of this text.\par \b (2) Peter assumes his readers are saved.\b0 While every audience of believers may include some who are lost, Peter writes to this group of saints as if they were true believers. Consider these statements in verses 1-12:\par \pard\sb100\sa100\ldblquote\'85 to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, \'85\~\rdblquote (v. 1).\par \ldblquote \'85 in your faith supply\'85\~\rdblquote (verse 5).\par \ldblquote having forgotten his purification from his former sins\rdblquote (verse 9).\par \ldblquote Therefore, brethren, \'85\~\rdblquote (verse 10). \par \ldblquote\'85 to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and have been established in the truth which is present with you\rdblquote (verse 12).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj In our text, Peter is not seeking to create doubt in the minds of his readers about whether they are saved. Rather, he is writing to them as though they were saved.\par \b (3) In these verses, Peter does not teach that a person must work to earn or obtain their salvation.\b0 Verses 1-4 emphasize that we have been saved solely on the basis of the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. We in no way contribute to our salvation through our own efforts or works. Verses 5-7 call upon every Christian to diligently strive to supply the virtues which the grace of God makes possible for the saint. We do not work to be saved; we work because we have been saved. A living faith works (see James 2). But that faith has been received (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:1\cf3\ulnone ).\par \b (4) The list of dangers Peter enumerates does not include \ldblquote losing one\rquote s salvation.\rdblquote\i \b0\i0 Just as Peter, nor any other biblical author, does not teach that one is saved by works, neither does he teach that one stays saved by works. All things are\i of\i0 Him,\i through\i0 Him, and\i to\i0 Him (\cf1\ul Rom_11:36\cf3\ulnone ). We possess nothing spiritually which we have not received from God (\cf1\ul 1Co_4:7\cf3\ulLVAL\none ). Our salvation is certain because He is faithful and does not change, and no one shall pluck us from His hand (see \cf1\ul Jas_1:17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Php_1:6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_10:27-30\cf3\ulnone ). \par \b (5) The list of dangers Peter enumerates in this text does not include \ldblquote doubting one\rquote s faith.\rdblquote\i \b0\i0 In the current faith/works debate, both sides seem to agree that \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:8-11\cf3\ulnone is about assurance. Those who emphasize faith insist that the believer\rquote s assurance is to be found in God, in His sovereignty, and in the sufficiency of His provisions. Those who stress the necessity for works (as an evidence of faith) insist that there is some measure of assurance to be gained by obedience and fruitfulness. As we see God at work in our lives, we are more confident that our faith is alive and well, they say. I see a measure of truth in both positions, but I do not see Peter emphasizing assurance in this text. It is not assurance that is so prominent, but what we attain (an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God, verse 11) and what we avoid (uselessness, unfruitfulness, blindness, short-sightedness, forgetfulness, stumbling). \par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 The Benefits of Pursuing Holiness\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 In \cf1\ul 1Pe_1:13-21\cf3\ulnone , Peter exhorted the saints to leave behind their former manner of thinking and conducting themselves and to pursue holiness, because God is holy (see especially verses 14-16). In that text, Peter did not spell out how holiness was to be pursued to the degree that he now does in \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:1-11\cf3\ulnone . Here Peter informs us that the goal is to \ldblquote become partakers of the divine nature\rdblquote\emdash becoming conformed to the image of Christ (see also \cf1\ul Rom_8:28-30\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Eph_4:13\cf3\ulnone ). The basis for this is found in the redemptive work God has accomplished in Christ and the provision of His Word. LVAL]The means by which this is accomplished is our diligent pursuit of holiness, as we depend upon God and His provisions for our growth and maturity. \par All of this has been spelled out in verses 1-7. Now, in verses 8-11, Peter enumerates some of the personal benefits the Christian gains from the pursuit of holiness. These benefits are described both negatively and positively. Peter begins with the negative benefits in verses 8-9 and then urges us to \ldblquote\b be all the more diligent to make our calling and election sure,\rdblquote \b0 with the assurance that\b \ldblquote as long as you practice these things,\rdblquote \b0 you will never stumble, and you will have an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 The Benefits of Being Blessed By What We Avoid\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 Salvation brings with it two-fold blessings. We are blessed by what we gain just as we are blessed by what we escape or leave behind. For example, we are blessed by being justified, declared righteous through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We are also blessed by what we leave behind or escape: our sins are forgiven and forgotten. Those who are saved gain entrance into heaven; we are likewise blessed by escaping the horrors of hell. In Peter\rquote s words, we not only \ldblquote\b become partakers of the divine nature,\rdblquote \b0 we also \ldblquote\b escape the corruption that is in the world by lust\rdblquote \b0 (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:4\cf3\ulnone ). Let us consider those blessings which Peter lists that we experience by escaping evil and its consequences.\par \b (1) The blessing of avoiding uselessness and unfruitfulness (verse 8).\b0 The term rendered \ldblquote\b useless\rdblquote \b0 may also mean \ldblquote idle.\rdblquote An \ldblquote idle\rdblquote person is unproductive and thus useless. One who is not diligently pursuing holiness, as Peter describes in verses 5-7, is idle and useless. One who diliLVAL^gently pursues holiness is being useful.\par The \ldblquote\b useless\rdblquote \b0 or \ldblquote idle\rdblquote saint may not immediately appear to be either idle or useless. He or she may be very busy. They might be called \ldblquote hard-working\rdblquote or even a \ldblquote workaholic\rdblquote by their peers. The sluggard of the Book of Proverbs also works hard at what he likes, but he is idle with regard to those things that are demanding or disgusting to him. The one who pursues holiness is neither idle nor useless with regard to spiritual attitudes and actions.\par Our Lord had some very harsh words for those who are lazy and idle. Consider His words to this steward:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 24 \ldblquote And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, \lquote Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no [seed.] 25 And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground; see, you have what is yours.\rquote 26 But his master answered and said to him,\i \lquote You wicked, lazy slave\i0 , you knew that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I scattered no [seed.] 27 Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my [money] back with interest. 28 Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.\rquote 29 For to everyone who has shall [more] be given, and he shall have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 And cast out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_25:24-30\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj This slave did not make use of what the master had given him. He was idle and unprofitable, and his punishment was severe.\super\f0 [37]\nosupersub\f1\par I understand the term \ldblquote\b unfruitful\rdblquote \b0 to be a synonym of \ldblquote idleLVAL_\rdblquote or \ldblquote useless,\rdblquote further explaining what Peter meant by the first term. To be idle is to be unprofitable or unfruitful. Fruitfulness has always been regarded as characteristic of the saint and unfruitfulness a condition to be avoided (see \cf1\ul Psa_1:3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_3:7-10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_7:17-19\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Mat_13:23\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:1-8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Gal_5:22-23\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Php_1:11\cf3\ulnone ). Our Lord\rquote s cursing of the barren fig tree is indicative of His displeasure toward those who are unfruitful (see \cf1\ul Mat_21:19-22\cf3\ulnone ).\super\f0 [38]\nosupersub\f1\par \b (2) The blessing of avoiding blindness and short-sightedness (verse 9).\b0 Those who are not saved are blind to spiritual truth:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (\cf1\ul 2Co_4:3-4\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The Christian\rquote s spiritual eyes are opened so that spiritual truth can be seen. The Christian is divinely enabled to \ldblquote see\rdblquote the \ldblquote unseen:\rdblquote\par \pard\sb100\sa100 14 \ldblquote And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, \lquote YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; 15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES LEST THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM.\rquote But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_13:14-16\cf3\ulnone ).\par 17 \ldblquote\lquote Delivering you from the [Jewish] people and from the Gentiles, to whom I LVAL`am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me\rquote\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Act_26:17-18\cf3\ulnone ).\par 1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (\cf1\ul Heb_11:1\cf3\ulnone ; see also \cf1\ul Heb_12:1-2\cf3\ulnone ).\par 8 And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory (\cf1\ul 1Pe_1:8\cf3\ulnone ).\par 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (\cf1\ul 2Co_4:16-18\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Spiritual sight is divinely given at the time of one\rquote s conversion, and spiritual illumination continues to take place through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (see \cf1\ul 1Co_2:6-16\cf3\ulnone ).\par As we have seen above, the \ldblquote eye\rdblquote is used of more than merely physical sight. The \ldblquote eye\rdblquote is used to refer to one\rquote s perception and desires:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 15 \ldblquote\lquote Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?\rquote\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_20:15\cf3\ulnone ).\par 34 \ldblquote The lamp of your body is your eye; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness (\cf1\ul Luk_11:34\cf3\ulnone NAS).\par 14 Having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souLVALals, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children (\cf1\ul 2Pe_2:14\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The key to understanding Peter\rquote s words regarding blindness may well be found in this text in Matthew: \par \pard\sb100\sa100 10 And the disciples came and said to Him, \ldblquote Why do You speak to them in parables?\rdblquote 11 And He answered and said to them, \ldblquote To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12 For whoever has, to him shall [more] be given, and he shall have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, \lquote YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; 15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES LEST THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM. \lquote 16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 For truly I say to you, that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see [it]; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear [it]\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_13:10-17\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj According to Jesus\rquote words here, the ability to continue to \ldblquote see\rdblquote as he should is dependent upon his response to what he has already \ldblquote seen.\rdblquote To fail to appropriate previous revelation makes one increasingly blind to spiritual realities. Practicing the truth one has received causes one to possess that truth and prepares them for \ldblquote seeing\rdblquote further truths.\par This is what Peter teaches inLVALb our text. The pursuit of verses 5-7 is putting into \ldblquote practice\rdblquote\b \b0 the knowledge God has provided, a knowledge sufficient for \ldblquote life and godliness.\rdblquote\b \b0 To fail to pursue holiness is to become increasingly blind. Spiritual blindness manifests itself as short-sightedness.\super\f0 [39]\nosupersub\f1 Instead of\b \b0\ldblquote fixing our hope\rdblquote\b \b0 on the spiritual and eternal certainties which God has promised and provided for us, we see only in the present. No wonder this generation has been called the \ldblquote now generation.\rdblquote It is a sad statement of the spiritual blindness of our age, a blindness which has resulted from ignoring the truths of the Word of God. The pursuit of holiness keeps us from impaired spiritual vision.\par \b (3) The blessing of avoiding forgetfulness concerning our purification from our sins of the past (verse 9).\b0 We have a neighbor who suffers from Alzheimers disease. She does not remember who anyone is, including her husband. Perhaps even worse, she does not remember who she is. Forgetfulness is a terrible ailment. I think we would almost rather be offended by someone, especially our mate, than be forgotten by them.\par In one sense, Christians are to forget the past. We should not be haunted by guilt, for those sins which have been forgiven. We are not to rest upon the laurels of past achievements but \ldblquote press on for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus\rdblquote\b \b0 (\cf1\ul Php_3:13-14\cf3\ulnone ). But we should never forget what we once were apart from Christ, and what we have now become, in Christ (see \cf1\ul Eph_2:11-22\cf3\ulnone ). We are to rejoice in our redemption. We are to be constantly filled with gratitude. We are to remember that our sins have been forgiven. \par Paul never forgot who he was and what God had done in his life, forgiving him of his sins and trans-forming him from a persecutor of the church to a preacher of the gospel:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 12 I thank ChrLVALcist Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service; 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are [found] in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost[of all.] 16 And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (\cf1\ul 1Ti_1:12-17\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj This message is being written on my computer which has several forms of \ldblquote memory.\rdblquote One form is known as \ldblquote ram\rdblquote\emdash random access memory. This memory must be \ldblquote refreshed\rdblquote literally millions and millions of times, or it will be lost. When the power to the computer is turned off (or goes off in a thunderstorm), all \ldblquote ram\rdblquote memory is lost in a fraction of a second. \par Our memory of spiritual things is just about as volatile and short-lived. This is why we are reminded so often in the Bible. How many times did Jesus repeat the same truths to His disciples? How many times in the Scriptures are we admonished not to forget what God has said and done? How many times are we encouraged to remember the great spiritual truths of the Bible? \par Peter\rquote s words indicate to us that the pursuit of holiness, as described in verses 5-7, is a divinely appointed means of keeping our memories refreshed, of preventing forgetfulness. When we cease to strive after holiness, we become forgetful of our forgiveness from our sins. A kind of spiritual Alzheimers disease seLVALdts in, and we become a different person than we once were when our spiritual memories were intact.\par How does the pursuit of holiness refresh our memory? I think Paul tells us in Colossians 2:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted [and now] being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, [and] overflowing with gratitude (\cf1\ul Col_2:6-7\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The spiritual life should be pursued in the same way we were saved. Salvation is the way of the cross. Sanctification is likewise the way of the cross (see \cf1\ul 1Pe_1:17-21\cf3\ulnone ). Thus, we must \ldblquote take up our cross daily\rdblquote if we are to be our Lord\rquote s disciples. To pursue holiness is to walk in the way of the cross, to die to self and to live out the life of Christ (see \cf1\ul Rom_6:2-11\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_2:18-25\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_3:15-22\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_4:1-2\cf3\ulnone ).\par False teachers take forgetfulness to the extreme. They not only forget the Master and His redeeming work on Calvary, they deny Him (see \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:1\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_2:20-22\cf3\ulnone ). But the individual of our \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:8-11\cf3\ulnone text is not one who doubts his salvation; he is one who so carelessly lives his life he does not even remember it. He goes about his daily life as though he were not saved, not a new creation, not a possessor of eternal life. His life thus becomes one centered about this world and what it has to offer (see \cf1\ul 1Ti_4:10\cf3\ulnone ). Christians in this condition are indistinguishable from unbelievers, so far as their attitudes and actions can be judged by others.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Peter\rquote s Exhortation and Assurances \line (1:10-11)\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 With his introductory word \ldblquote therefore,\rdblquote\b \b0 Peter indicates that verses 10-LVALe11 flow out of the verses which precede them. The Christian not only seeks godliness, he shuns ungodliness (compare \cf1\ul Rom_12:9\cf3\ulnone ). The Christian should therefore delight in Peter\rquote s words in verses 8 and 9. We should all find the promise of avoiding uselessness and unfruitfulness, blindness or short-sightedness, and forgetfulness a great encouragement to the pursuit of holiness.\par Peter\rquote s exhortation is now put before the reader:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 10a \'85 be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you\'85\~\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj I must admit I am not excited about the way the translators of the NASB have rendered this exhortation. Consider the ways other translations have rendered this text:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 Wherefore then rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure (KJV).\par Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure (NIV).\par All the more then, my friends, exert yourselves to clinch God\rquote s choice and calling of you (NEB).\par Brothers, you have been called and chosen: work all the harder to justify it (Jerusalem Bible).\par Set your minds, then, on endorsing by your conduct the fact that God has called and chosen you (J.B. Phillips).\par Exert yourselves the more then, brothers, to confirm your calling and election (Berkeley).\par So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen (Living Bible).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj To properly interpret verse 10, we must do several things.\i First,\i0 we must locate every biblical passage which employs the terms rendered\b \ldblquote\b0 make certain about\rdblquote\b \b0 in the NASB. From all these texts and various uses of these terms, we must decide what the options are for translating this term. We must consider these options in the light of biblical theology. Finally, from the immediate context of verse 10, along with the broader context of LVALfthe previous verses, we must decide which of these options best conveys Peter\rquote s meaning here.\par The term Peter uses in verse 10, rendered \ldblquote make certain about,\rdblquote\b \b0 is also found in \cf1\ul Rom_4:16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_1:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_2:2\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_3:6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_3:14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_6:19\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_9:17\cf3\ulnone ; and \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:19\cf3\ulnone .\par One of the most critical texts is \cf1\ul Rom_4:16\cf3\ulnone :\par \pard\sb100\sa100 16 For this reason [it is] by faith, that [it might be] in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be\i certain\i0 to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (\cf1\ul Rom_4:16\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj In this text, Paul not only employs the term \ldblquote certain,\rdblquote\b \b0 he also uses it in such a way that we can tell what Peter cannot mean where he employs the same term. Paul writes that God has designed \ldblquote\b it\rdblquote \b0 (justification) to occur \ldblquote by faith,\rdblquote\b \b0 so that\b \ldblquote\b0 the promise\rdblquote\b \b0 (of justification or salvation) might be certain. In the context, Paul instructs us that if salvation were by our works, it would not be certain because it would depend on us. Justification by faith makes the promise of salvation\emdash of the forgiveness of sins (see verses 7-8)\emdash certain. We can therefore hardly suppose that Peter is now saying the opposite, namely, that we make our election and calling certain by our works, by working hard at the pursuit of holiness.\par Now let us consider the other passages where the adjective\super\f0 [40]\nosupersub\f1 \ldblquote firm\rdblquote\b \b0 or \ldblquote certain\rdblquote\b \b0 is employed:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 7 And our hope for you is\i firmly grounded\i0 [\ldblquote stedfast,\rdblquote KJV], knowingLVALg that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are [sharers] of our comfort (\cf1\ul 2Co_1:7\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved\i unalterable\i0 [\ldblquote stedfast,\rdblquote KJV], and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense (\cf1\ul Heb_2:2\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 6 But Christ [was faithful] as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope\i firm\i0 until the end (\cf1\ul Heb_3:6\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance\i firm\i0 [\ldblquote stedfast,\rdblquote KJV] until the end (\cf1\ul Heb_3:14\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a [hope] both sure and\i steadfast\i0 and one which enters within the veil (\cf1\ul Heb_6:19\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 17 For a covenant is valid [only] when men are dead, for it is never\i in force\i0 while the one who made it lives (\cf1\ul Heb_9:17\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par 19 And [so] we have the prophetic word [made] more\i sure\i0 , to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:19\cf3\ulnone , emphasis mine).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj From all the uses of this term in the Bible, it seems the expression refers either to setting something in motion\emdash to activate or fix something securely\emdash so it cannot be moved. A will is not activated\emdash set in motion\emdash until the death of the one who made the will (\cf1\ul Heb_9:17\cf3\ulnone ). Christ set in motion the promises of the Old Testament prophets in such a way that they cannot be stopped (see \cf1\ul Rom_4:16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_15:8\cf3\ulnone ). Paul\rquote s hope for the Corinthians was firm; it was unshakable (\cf1\ul 2Co_1:7\cf3\ulnone ). The prophetic word has been made sure by the miracuLVALhlous display of power which accompanied its origins (see \cf1\ul Mar_16:20\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_2:2\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_2:3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:19\cf3\ulnone ) and thus we see that God\rquote s promises are a solid foundation, something we can trust as sure and certain. Just as God does not change (see \cf1\ul Jas_1:17\cf3\ulnone ), neither does His Word. We have \ldblquote an anchor of the soul\rdblquote\b \b0 (\cf1\ul Heb_6:19\cf3\ulnone ) which cannot be moved.\i We are therefore held fast and secure. \i0\par Peter is not urging us to \ldblquote make certain about\rdblquote\b \b0 our election and calling. Our election and calling are from God, and they are not reversible (see \cf1\ul Rom_8:29-30\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_11:29\cf3\ulnone ). On the one hand, the God who has called us will confirm us to the end:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 4 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who shall also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (\cf1\ul 1Co_1:4-8\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj On the other hand, we are not to be passive in our salvation and sanctification. We must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive the salvation God has provided through Him (see \cf1\ul Joh_6:28-29\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_2:38\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_16:31\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_10:8-15\cf3\ulnone ). Likewise, while faith is a gift from God (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:1\cf3\ulnone ), we must add to our faith through the provisions God has given to us (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:3-7\cf3\ulnone ).\par I believe the exhortation in verse 10 is but an intensified repetition of that given in verses 5-7:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 5a Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in yourLVALi faith supply \'85 (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:5\cf3\ulnone a).\par 10a Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure \'85 (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:10\cf3\ulnone a).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj We are to continually strive to grow in our faith and in the godly qualities Peter spells out in verses 5-7. As we do so, we confirm, or establish, that which God began and which He is committed to establish in and through us. To make our calling and election sure is to make it stable. It is to set our lives on a course that cannot, and will not, be changed or moved away from the faith. It is to become so solid and stable that we will not be moved, especially by those who come to us with another gospel:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 13 Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. 14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all [aspects] into Him, who is the head, [even] Christ (\cf1\ul Eph_4:13-15\cf3\ulnone ).\par 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted [and now] being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, [and] overflowing with gratitude. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ (\cf1\ul Col_2:6-8\cf3\ulnone ).\par 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not [in] vain in the Lord (\cf1\ul 1Co_15:58\cf3\ulnone ).\par 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel (\LVALjcf1\ul Gal_1:6\cf3\ulnone ).\par 6 But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind (\cf1\ul Jas_1:6\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Peter buttresses his exhortation to pursue holiness by summing up the benefits in two contrasting promises. On the one hand, the pursuit of holiness gives us a stability, a steadfastness which keeps us from stumbling. Since Peter is writing to Christians here, I do not believe he is referring to a \ldblquote fatal fall\rdblquote which results in the loss of one\rquote s salvation. I believe he is speaking of the kind of stumbling which results in being useless and unfruitful, but not complete destruction.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 24 When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand (\cf1\ul Psa_37:24\cf3\ulnone ).\par 14 The LORD sustains all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down (\cf1\ul Psa_145:14\cf3\ulnone ).\par 16 For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in [time of] calamity (\cf1\ul Pro_24:16\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The term \ldblquote stumble\rdblquote\b \b0 is used elsewhere in \cf1\ul Rom_11:11\cf3\ulnone and \cf1\ul Jas_2:10\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Jas_3:2\cf3\ulnone (twice). In these texts \ldblquote stumble\rdblquote\b \b0 seems to mean \ldblquote to sin.\rdblquote\super\f0 [41]\nosupersub\f1 Peter surely knew what it meant to \ldblquote stumble.\rdblquote And so do we. But sinning is not inevitable. It is avoidable, by the pursuit of godliness in the power and provisions of God. When we cease to grow in Christian character and conduct, we set ourselves up for a fall.\par If our diligence to make our calling and election sure keeps us from stumbling, it also promises us something very positive\emdash it promises us an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 11 For in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord aLVALknd Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:11\cf3\ulnone ). \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The Bible teaches that some Christians will enter into God\rquote s kingdom by the proverbial \ldblquote skin of their teeth:\rdblquote\par \pard\sb100\sa100 12 Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man\rquote s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is [to be] revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man\rquote s work. 14 If any man\rquote s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man\rquote s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire (\cf1\ul 1Co_3:12-15\cf3\ulnone ).\par 5 [I have decided] to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (\cf1\ul 1Co_5:5\cf3\ulnone ).\par 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep (\cf1\ul 1Co_11:28-30\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj It is certainly possible for a Christian to live in such a way that God removes him from this life (\cf1\ul 1Co_5:5\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_11:28-30\cf3\ulnone ). I do not think one would expect a \ldblquote Well done, good and faithful servant!\rdblquote upon his arrival in the presence of God. He will be saved, yet as by fire (\cf1\ul 1Co_3:15\cf3\ulnone ). For the Christian who pursues holiness, there is a far better entrance into the kingdom of God. It is an entrance we eagerly anticipate (see \cf1\ul Php_1:19-23\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Php_3:14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_5:6-10\cf3\ulnone ). It is an entrance abundantly supplied to us. This is the reward of diligently seeking to confirm our calling andLVALl election.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Conclusion\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 While God has ordained that we will be conformed to the image of His son (\cf1\ul Rom_8:28-30\cf3\ulnone ), we are to be actively involved in this process. There is a sense in which the growth process involves the entire body of believers. Paul speaks of this corporate growth in \cf1\ul Eph_4:11-16\cf3\ulnone and elsewhere in relation to the concept of spiritual gifts. But there is also a sense in which spiritual growth is a life-long personal endeavor, to be strenuously engaged in by every individual believer. This is what Peter urges us to do in our text.\par Each individual believer is to pursue holiness, actively striving to manifest the \ldblquote divine nature\rdblquote\b \b0 in his or her life, not only because this is our destiny but because it is our duty. And we are to actively do so not only because of what it promises but also because of what it prevents.\par The dangers Peter speaks of here are very real dangers for the Christian. Who should know better than Peter himself? These things can and do happen to Christians. They do happen when we fail to pursue holiness, as urged in verses 5-7. When we pursue spiritual growth through God\rquote s provisions, we begin to manifest the \ldblquote divine nature\rdblquote\b \b0 of God. When we cease to grow, we stumble, and we become hardly distinguishable from the false teachers described later, or even rank pagans.\par The promises of God are just as certain as the warnings and threats of the Word. The threats or the promises of Scripture are \ldblquote made sure\rdblquote by our acting, either in obedience to the commands or in disobedience. Our actions activate the promises or the threats. We avoid the sandtraps of life, as outlined here by Peter, by pursuing holiness\emdash the characteristics of God which He has purposed to be ours. We may possess the promises by making use of what God has provided:\par \pard\sLVALmb100\sa100 24 And He was saying to them, \ldblquote Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it shall be measured to you; and more shall be given you besides. 25 For whoever has, to him shall [more] be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.\rdblquote (Mark 4 NAS)\par 11 Concerning him we have much to say, and [it is] hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes [only] of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil (\cf1\ul Heb_5:11-14\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj This text does not focus on doubt, but on faith and the proper aspirations and fears faith instills within the Christian. We are to remember what we once were and the redemption we have received in Christ. But we are not to be content with what we are now in Christ. We are to press on to a greater and more intimate knowledge of Christ and to a more complete obedience to His will and His Word. \par Our motivation should be to become more like our Master and to fulfill the task for which we were chosen and called. Our confidence is in Him, in His character and His provisions for our growth, godliness, and final salvation. We labor and strive, not to earn our salvation but to demonstrate the salvation God has accomplished in Christ. Our dread should be in falling short of what God\rquote s provisions have enabled us to become.\par This text from the pen of Peter has caused me to think differently about what Paul has written to us in 1 Corinthians 10:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyonLVALnd what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it (\cf1\ul 1Co_10:13\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj I have always thought the \ldblquote way of escape\rdblquote\b \b0 was not evident until the time of crisis, and the escape was by some kind of divine intervention. Such \ldblquote escapes\rdblquote do take place occasionally, but we should not seek to force them by leaping from the pinnacle of some temple, as Satan sought to tempt our Lord, thereby forcing the Father to come to His rescue (see \cf1\ul Mat_4:5-7\cf3\ulnone ). I have heard Christians say, \ldblquote If God doesn\rquote t want me to do this, He will stop me.\rdblquote The problem is that what they are doing is biblically wrong. They should turn from sin rather than expect God to rescue them from it.\par Peter\rquote s words, found in \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:5-11\cf3\ulnone , are God\rquote s \ldblquote way of escape.\rdblquote\b \b0 We do not have to enter into temptation. We should desire to stay as far from temptation as possible (see \cf1\ul Mat_6:13\cf3\ulnone ). The pursuit of godly character\emdash the pursuit of holiness\emdash as Peter has described it in these first 11 verses of his second epistle, is God\rquote s primary means of escape. Growth in godliness keeps us from sin.\par I would like to ask you two simple questions as we conclude this text.\i \i0\par \i First,\i0 have you been born again? If you have not been born again, then you do not have life in Jesus Christ, and thus you cannot expect to grow spiritually. Peter is writing to those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. If you have not yet trusted in Him for the forgiveness of your sins, then there is no need for you to think about growth. Peter urges us to add to the faith which God has given to us (verse 5). I urge you to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved from your sins.\par \i Second,\i0 I must ask you who are Christians, are you really growing? ChristianiLVALoty is not like civil service\emdash the more time you spend, the better it is assumed you are at your job and thus the more you can expect to be paid. Christians do not grow automatically. Growth and maturity are not merely matters of time. No, spiritual growth and maturity are matters of disciplined, diligent effort, of discipleship. If you are not growing in Christian character, then you are becoming blind and forgetful and unfruitful. You are setting yourself up for a fall. Each of us should take these words of Peter to heart, and seek to obey them by God\rquote s grace and to His glory. \par Let these qualities be ours and increase so that we may be useful and fruitful, not blind or short sighted, forgetting our purification from former sins, but making certain of His calling and choosing, for as long as we \i practice\i0 these things we will never stumble, and in this way, our entrance into the eternal kingdom will be supplied to us. To God be the glory, great things He has done!\par \pard\lang3082\f2\fs22 ------------------\par \pard\fi720\sa60\qj\super\f0\fs20 [38]\nosupersub\f1 Once again, as with the \ldblquote wicked, lazy slave\rdblquote in \cf1\ul Mat_25:24-30\cf3\ulnone , I understand the fig tree to represent the unbelieving Jews of Israel. They made profession of holiness, but they surely did not manifest its fruits, and thus they were worthy of divine wrath.\par \super\f0 [39]\nosupersub\f1 I understand \ldblquote blindness\rdblquote or \ldblquote short-sightedness\rdblquote to be virtually synonymous terms. To be spiritually blind is to see only physically and only in terms of this life. We do not view this life in the light of eternity. Next Peter will show that we not only fail to see ahead, we also forget the forgiveness of sins we have experienced in the past.\par \super\f0 [40]\nosupersub\f1 The verb form of this term is found in \cf1\ul Mar_16:20\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Rom_15:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_1:6\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_1:8\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 2Co_1:21\cf LVAL 3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Col_2:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_2:3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_13:9\cf3\ulnone .\par \super\f0 [41]\nosupersub\f1 \ldblquote Literally the verb means \lquote stumble\rquote , \lquote trip\rquote , and so comes to mean \lquote sin\rquote (so Jas. 2:10; 3:2).\rdblquote J. N. D. Kelly, \i The Epistles of Peter and of Jude\i0 (New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1969), p. 309.\par \pard\f2\fs22\par } LVAL<q{\rtf1\ansi\deff0\deftab1304{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red51\green102\blue102;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}{\s2 heading 2;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\lang3082\kerning28\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 5: Peter\rquote s Readiness to Remind \line (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:12-21\cf0\ulnone )\cf2\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf3\lang1033\kerning0\b0 12 Therefore, I shall always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you may be able to call these things to mind. \par 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, \ldblquote This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased\rdblquote\emdash 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. \par 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one\rquote s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. \par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Introduction\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\LVALrcf3\lang1033\b0 I never cease to be amazed at the tabloid headlines each time I pass the check out stands at the grocery store. They are unbelievable. Recent headlines reported that Abraham Lincoln had been resuscitated for nearly a minute. Headlines claiming that Elvis Presley is still alive or a woman had a baby with a monkey\rquote s head rival other sensational headlines. The stories are so ludicrous no one believes them. We know better than to suppose such journalism should be taken seriously.\par Biblical revelation is similar but dramatically different from tabloid truth. Biblical revelation may seem similar in that it too may be hard to believe. We read of God\rquote s miraculous intervention in the lives of men, of promises of forgiveness of sins and eternal life in the presence of God\emdash all which seem too good to be true. Yet Biblical truth is radically different from tabloid truth because it is always true\emdash in the past, in the present, and in the future. Biblical truth is the basis for life and godliness; it is meant to be believed and acted upon by faith.\par The apostles were convinced of the adequacy and authority of the Scriptures, including the Scriptures which came through their hands under the inspiration and control of the Holy Spirit. As our Lord approached the end of His earthly ministry, He began to emphasize the crucial role of the Scriptures (see \cf1\ul Joh_14:25-26\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_15:7\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_16:12-14\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_16:25-26\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Joh_17:17\cf3\ulnone ). As Peter and Paul approached the day of their departure, they too began to emphasize the importance of the Scriptures to those whom they would leave behind (see \cf1\ul Act_20:25-32\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_3:14-17\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Ti_4:2\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_1:22\cf3\ulnone\endash 2:2; \cf1\ul 2Pe_1:12-21\cf3\ulnone ). \par In our text, Peter writes of his eminent death and his determination to remind them of the things recorded in the Scriptures. He LVALsspeaks plainly of the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures and their importance as God\rquote s final revelation. Let us remember that the text we are reading is a part of that inspired revelation, given through the apostles, for our edification. \par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 An Overview of 2 Peter 1\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033 Verses 12-21\b0 naturally flow from what Peter has written in verses 1-11. In verses 1-4, Peter has informed us that from His divine nature (power, glory, excellence, righteousness), God has provided all that is necessary for life and godliness (faith, grace, peace, knowledge, His precious promises), enabling us to escape from the corruption that is in the world through lust and to become partakers of the divine nature. In brief, God has provided\i everything\i0 we need for salvation and sanctification.\par In \b verses 5-7\b0 , Peter calls for Christians to pursue the path of discipleship. We are to appropriate these divine provisions by diligently and energetically pursuing holiness (faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love). The things for which God has made provision, we are to make our pursuit.\par In \b verses 8-11,\b0 Peter speaks of the benefits of the pursuit of holiness, as provided for by God (verses 1-4) and as pursued by the Christian (verses 5-7). As children of God, the pursuit of holiness assures us of avoiding what we should dread\emdash uselessness and unfruitfulness, blindness and short-sightedness, forgetfulness of our former cleansing from sin and stumbling. The pursuit of holiness assures us of attaining what we greatly desire as saints\emdash an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Peter\rquote s Readiness to Remind \line (1:12-15)\cf2\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf3\lang1033\b0 12 Therefore, I shall always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, LVALtand have been established in the truth which is present with you. 13 And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you may be able to call these things to mind. \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj It is clear in verses 12-15 that Peter is intent on reminding his readers. He sets out to remind them of what they already knew and embraced as the truth. It is impossible to \ldblquote remind\rdblquote someone of what they never knew. He seeks to remind them of truths which they continue to embrace as the truth, and he reminds them of the things he has already written in verses 1-11.\super\f0 [42]\nosupersub\f1 \par Peter\rquote s commitment to remind his readers is not a passing fancy nor a fad. He is committed to \ldblquote always remind them\rdblquote (verse 12). It is clear from his words that he intends his reminding to persevere. He will continue to remind them as long as he has breath. He will do so with his dying breath. \par In fact, Peter will even seek to remind his readers after he has drawn his last breath. Peter knows the day of his departure is near (verse 14) as our Lord indicated to him (\cf1\ul Joh_21:18-23\cf3\ulnone ). As he writes, he seems aware that he is being used of God to pen Scripture and that his words will be used of God until the Lord Jesus returns to remind saints who have not yet been born. Writing this epistle greatly prolongs Peter\rquote s ministry of reminding.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 The Reasons for Peter\rquote s \line Commitment to Remind His Readers \line (1:16-19)\cf2\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf3\lang1033\b0 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor aLVALund glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, \ldblquote This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased\rdblquote\emdash 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Peter reminds us of those things vital to our spiritual lives, to our escape from the corruption that is in the world through lust, and to manifesting the evidences of the divine nature in our lives. His reminders are the \ldblquote truth\rdblquote (verse 12) which gives us \ldblquote true knowledge\rdblquote\b \b0 (verses 3, 8) of God. More importantly, these truths are God\rquote s truth, truth from God (verse 21) and also truth which has been communicated by the Spirit of God (verses 20-21), through the Son of God and witnessed to by the Father (verses 16-19).\par This \ldblquote truth\rdblquote has not been conjured up in Peter\rquote s mind but is \ldblquote truth\rdblquote which has come from God. It is apostolic truth which God communicated through all of His inspired apostles\emdash not just Peter (note the \ldblquote we\rdblquote\super\f0 [43]\nosupersub\f1 in verses 16, 18, 19). It is the \ldblquote truth\rdblquote our Lord spoke to the disciples of which the Spirit reminded them:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 25 \ldblquote These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Joh_14:25-26\cf3\ulnone ).\par 3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders andLVALv by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will (\cf1\ul Heb_2:3-4\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj There are \ldblquote false apostles\rdblquote (see \cf1\ul 2Co_11:13\cf3\ulnone ) who claim to speak for God but who are merely espousing \ldblquote cleverly devised tales\rdblquote (\cf1\ul 2Pe_1:16\cf3\ulnone ). Peter contrasts these tales with the Scriptures God revealed through His apostles. To demonstrate the certainty (\ldblquote more sure\rdblquote ) of the Scriptures revealed through the apostles, Peter turns to the transfiguration of our Lord which he, along with James and John (see \cf1\ul Mat_17:12\cf3\ulnone ), witnessed.\par Like the Old Testament prophets, Peter and the other apostles wrote of the \ldblquote power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ\rdblquote (verse 16). The apostles revealed that which was consistent with the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets, but their writings were also \ldblquote eye witness\rdblquote accounts. The apostles did write of things they heard from our Lord, but they also wrote as witnesses of what they saw. At the transfiguration, they witnessed the \ldblquote power and glory of our Lord\rquote s coming.\rdblquote Jesus Himself indicated they would:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 27 \ldblquote For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and WILL THEN RECOMPENSE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. 28 Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mat_16:27-28\cf3\ulnone ).\par 38 \ldblquote For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.\rdblquote 9:1 And He was saying to them, \ldblquote Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it hLVALwas come with power\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Mar_8:38\cf3\ulnone\endash 9:1).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj At the transfiguration of Jesus, this is exactly what Peter and his two fellow-apostles saw:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 2 And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; 3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus (\cf1\ul Mar_9:2-4\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj It is also what Paul saw:\super\f0 [44]\nosupersub\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100 6 \ldblquote And it came about that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7 and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, \lquote Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?\rquote 8 And I answered, \lquote Who art Thou, Lord?\rquote And He said to me, \lquote I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.\rquote 9 And those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, \lquote What shall I do, Lord?\rquote And the Lord said to me, \lquote Arise and go on into Damascus; and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do\rquote\rdblquote (\cf1\ul Act_22:6-10\cf3\ulnone ; see also \cf1\ul Act_9:1-9\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Act_26:12-18\cf3\ulnone ; compare \cf1\ul Act_1:21-22\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_9:1\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Co_15:1-11\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj All of the apostles witnessed the glory and power of the Lord Jesus, the glory we too shall see when He comes to reign on the earth. The apostles were not \ldblquote whistling in the wind;\rdblquote they actually witnessed the things of which they write. \par And so it is that the apostles, (\ldblquote we,\rdblquote verse 19) have a \ldblquote tLVALxhe prophetic word made more sure.\rdblquote I used to think the \ldblquote we\rdblquote here referred to \ldblquote we saints,\rdblquote but this does not seem to be the case. Peter asserts that they, the apostles (in contrast to false teachers), have a more sure word from God, a word to which \ldblquote we\rdblquote (\ldblquote you,\rdblquote verse 19) do well to heed. These apostles \ldblquote saw the light,\rdblquote the light, as it were, of the glory and power of our Lord. When we take heed to the Scriptures God has revealed through them, we have all the \ldblquote light\rdblquote we need. And this light will be sufficient for whatever period of time it takes for God\rquote s purposes to be fulfilled and His kingdom to be established on this earth. We need no other \ldblquote light,\rdblquote particularly not the false \ldblquote light\rdblquote of \ldblquote cleverly devised tales.\rdblquote\b \b0 Peter\rquote s words here strongly imply that the canon of Scripture is closed and that no further \ldblquote prophecies\rdblquote will be given.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 The Danger of Polluting Prophecy \line (1:20-21)\cf2\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf3\lang1033\b0 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one\rquote s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. \par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The Scriptures are God\rquote s \ldblquote light\rdblquote for men. Peter has already warned us about trusting in the \ldblquote cleverly devised tales\rdblquote of men, as opposed to the \ldblquote more sure\rdblquote\b \b0 prophecies of the Word of God. While some may lead men astray by other \ldblquote revelations\rdblquote than the Word of God, it is also possible for men to teach falsehood by distorting the Scriptures. This is the danger Peter addresses in verses 20 and 21. He will again speak of the distortion of prophecy in relation to Paul\rquote s eLVALypistles in chapter 3:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord [to be] salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all [his] letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as [they do] also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction (\cf1\ul 2Pe_3:14-16\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The Constitution of the United States of America has been radically \ldblquote rewritten,\rdblquote not by the writing of a new constitution per se but by a radical interpretation of the old. The same thing happens to the Scriptures when men with twisted minds try to grapple with the \ldblquote straight and narrow\rdblquote of God\rquote s Word. At times, the distortion of divine truth may be unwitting since the unbelieving cannot and will not receive divine truth (see 1 Corinthians 2). But some actually distort the Scriptures deliberately. Peter warns his readers against such twisting of Scripture.\par If the Scriptures are to be interpreted correctly, they must be interpreted consistent with their origin and nature. Two essential elements of biblical interpretation are addressed in these verses.\par \b (1) Biblical interpretation is not a \ldblquote private\rdblquote matter.\b0 That which attracts some people to certain interpretations is the very uniqueness of the interpretation. Peter warns us that uniqueness should serve as a red flag rather than an attraction. Think of it. How was biblical prophecy revealed? It has been revealed through a diverse group of men over a number of centuries. Peter has already indicated (\cf1\ul 1Pe_1:10-12\cf3\ulnone ) that these prophets did not even fully understand their own writings. If God\rquote s prophetic Word was revealed to a number of men, then how can its inteLVALzrpretation be \ldblquote private property,\rdblquote the exclusive possession of one man? Biblical prophecy is \ldblquote hard to understand\rdblquote\b \b0 (\cf1\ul 2Pe_3:16\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul 1Pe_1:10-12\cf3\ulnone ). There are many things over which Bible students disagree. We should be most confident about those matters with which a large number of saints agree, not just the saints of our age but those who have grappled with the Scriptures over the centuries of the history of the church. I would much rather embrace the interpretation for which godly men suffered and died than the new and novel interpretations which give men prominence and prosperity.\par \b (2) Biblical interpretation can only be achieved through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.\b0 Prophets did not originate prophecy; they were instruments of the Holy Spirit who used them to speak from God. Prophecy does not begin with man\rquote s will but with God\rquote s will. Thus, the interpretation of prophecy must not be subject to man\rquote s will. Conversely, man\rquote s will must be subject to the Scriptures, as the Spirit of God makes their meaning clear.\par \pard\sb100\sa100 6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God\rquote s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden [wisdom,] which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 [the wisdom] which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written, \ldblquote THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND [which] HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.\rdblquote 10 For to us God revealed [them] through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the [thoughts] of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the [thoughts] of God no one knowsLVAL{ except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual [thoughts] with spiritual [words.] 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man (\cf1\ul 1Co_2:6-15\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj The Holy Spirit is the key to accurate interpretation, and the accuracy of this interpretation will be indicated, in part, by the consensus of many interpreters.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Conclusion\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 Years ago, Joe Bayly wrote a book on death entitled,\i The View From A Hearse.\i0 In later editions, the title was changed to\i The Last Thing We Ever Talk About.\i0 Frankly, I like the first title best. I believe Bayly\rquote s first title could also serve as the title for this message. Peter is writing from the perspective of his imminent death. This second and final epistle penned by Peter is his \ldblquote view from a hearse.\rdblquote\par What a different man Peter is here from the Peter of the Gospels. In the Gospels, Peter resisted our Lord\rquote s discussion of His death (see \cf1\ul Mat_16:21-28\cf3\ulnone ) and was none too excited about Jesus\rquote words concerning his own death (see \cf1\ul Joh_21:18-23\cf3\ulnone ). Now, his death is not a dreaded possibility but an accepted certainty. Now, Peter views death through the hope of the gospel and the certainty of his future inheritance (see \cf1\ul 1Pe_1:7\cf3\ulnone ). In light of the limited time Peter has left, he is all the more intent on fulfilling his calling. He seeks to remind not only those living in his day, butLVAL| those of us who read his epistle today of the life-transforming truths of the Word of God. When the perspective of the hearse is shaped by the hope of the gospel, we will see that\i the one thing which matters most is man\rquote s relationship to God through Jesus Christ, and that this relationship must be based on the truths of the Word of God,\i0 not on the cleverly devised claims of men.\par Just as Peter viewed his life and ministry from the hearse, so should we. We should recognize that the time is short and that only what is done for Christ will last. Paul put it this way:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. 11 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing (\cf1\ul 1Th_5:11\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj Peter will close this epistle with these words:\par \pard\sb100\sa100 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (\cf1\ul 2Pe_3:11-13\cf3\ulnone ).\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj As we live out our days, there is no higher calling than to reminLVAL}d one another of the truths of the Word of God. Men do not need our advice nearly so much as they need to heed God\rquote s Word. Men do not need new truth, but to be reminded of God\rquote s truth, the old, old story of God\rquote s redeeming love in Christ.\par Peter reminded his readers, including us, by writing this inspired epistle. If we are to be reminded of the only truths which are eternally important, that reminder will come from the Scriptures. And if we are to be reminded constantly, then we must constantly be in the Word ourselves, for this is where God\rquote s reminders are found.\par As Peter saw his days of ministry coming to their conclusion, he sought not only to employ his energy in that which would eternally benefit his readers, he sought to employ his efforts in such a way as to outlive him. Peter continues to minister to this day because he wrote this epistle which we are studying. Peter was \ldblquote laying up treasure in heaven;\rdblquote he was being a \ldblquote good steward.\rdblquote While you and I cannot minister beyond the grave by writing Scripture, there are ways we may invest our time, our gifts, and our resources so that our ministry outlives us. Let us give serious thought to how we may be good stewards of the gospel, as Peter was.\par I believe Peter\rquote s words in this text call into question any who would claim to have a \ldblquote prophetic revelation\rdblquote for men today. As I understand the Scriptures, God has spoken finally and fully in His Son and through the apostles (see \cf1\ul Heb_1:1-3\cf3\ulnone ; \cf1\ul Heb_2:1-4\cf3\ulnone ). We need no additional revelation. What we really need is to continually be reminded of what God has already said in His Word. We need to seek to understand and apply these truths more fully.\par And as we come to the Scriptures, let us not seek to make them conform to our will and our distorted perspective and desires. Let us come to them looking to the Spirit of God to illuminate our hearts and minds so that GodlLVAL|\rquote s truth transforms us into conformity with His divine nature. \par The apostles are all gone, but their words are not. They were content to depart knowing they had fulfilled their calling by being used of God to speak for Him through their inspired writings. May you and I by God\rquote s grace take heed to their writings as God\rquote s \ldblquote more sure word of prophecy.\rdblquote And, \ldblquote even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you,\rdblquote may we be diligent to be in God\rquote s Word so that we \ldblquote may be able to call these things to mind.\rdblquote\par \pard\kerning28\f2\fs22 ------------------\par \pard\fi720\sa60\qj\lang3082\kerning0\super\f0\fs20 [42]\nosupersub\f1 If this is the case, verses 1-11 provide us with a very concise summary of the truth of the gospel, those truths which are essential for salvation and sanctification (or, in Peter\rquote s words, \ldblquote life and godliness\rdblquote ).\par \super\f0 [43]\nosupersub\f1 It is apparent from \cf1\ul 2Pe_3:14-16\cf3\ulnone that Peter includes Paul among the apostles (\ldblquote we\rdblquote ) through whom God has revealed His truth.\par \super\f0 [44]\nosupersub\f1 I have wondered why the account of Saul\rquote s conversion was recorded three times in the Book of Acts. Was one account not enough? The account in chapter 9 (verses 1-9) is in the third person, while the accounts in chapters 22 (verses 4-11) and 26 (verses 12-18) are in the first person. But perhaps the primary reason is to emphasize the fact that Paul is a true apostle, having seen the risen Lord as did the rest of the apostles.\par \pard\lang1033\kerning28\f2\fs22\par } LVAL<{\rtf1\ansi\deff0\deftab1304{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green128\blue0;\red51\green102\blue102;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\stylesheet{ Normal;}{\s1 heading 1;}{\s2 heading 2;}} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\keepn\s1\sb240\sa60\qc\lang3082\kerning28\b\f0\fs20 Lesson 6: False Teachers \line (\cf1\ul 2Pe_2:1-3\cf0\ulnone )\cf2\f1\par \pard\sb100\sa100\cf3\lang1033\kerning0\b0 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. \par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 Introduction\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 My wife Jeannette and I recently spent several relaxing days in northern Ontario with Bill and Marilyn McRae.\super\f0 [45]\nosupersub\f1 During our visit, I installed sensor lights to come on automatically as they approached their cottage. When I removed the existing light fixture, I discovered some of the insulation from the electrical wires was missing. When I removed a piece of the siding to gain better access to the wires, I was greeted by a little black head peering over the siding. At first I thought it was a mouse, but when it screeched and spread its wings, I knew it was a bat. Indeed, several bats tumbled to the deck, creating quite a commotion especially with our wives. Although I had not realized it, those little creatures had crept in unnoticed, nibbling away at the wiring insulation and creating a very real unseen hazard.\par Peter writes in the second and third chapters of his epistle about the unLVALseen danger of false teachers who arise within the church. Such teachers are often unrecognized, especially in their earliest forms, partly because they profess to share a \ldblquote like precious faith.\rdblquote Yet, they secretly introduce false teaching, teachings which are destructive to themselves and to all who follow them. \par When we think of \ldblquote false teachers,\rdblquote our minds immediately turn to false religions or the cults. We think of a man like David Koresh whose bizarre teachings resulted not just in his own death, but the fiery death of scores of men, women, and children at his Waco compound. False teachers do prey on the church from without, but they can also arise from within (compare \cf1\ul Act_20:28-30\cf3\ulnone ). These are the \ldblquote false teachers\rdblquote Peter warns us about in his second epistle. \par These two chapters in 2 Peter very closely parallel the teaching which we find in Jude. Jude therefore provides an illuminating commentary on the Book of Second Peter. As we study chapters 2 and 3 of 2 Peter, we will refer to Jude\rquote s epistle.\par \pard\keepn\s2\sb180\sa60\qc\cf0\lang3082\b\f0 False Teachers Throughout History\cf2\f1\par \pard\fi720\sb60\sa60\qj\cf3\lang1033\b0 False teachers and their teachings have always posed a danger to those in the household of faith (and those outside as well). After Israel\rquote s exodus from Egypt, God warned that false prophets would arise: \par \pard\sb100\sa100 1 \ldblquote If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, \lquote Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,\rquote 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all you