Intro To 2 Peter Part 3 Series

Lesson III

Introduction to 2 Peter

Introduction:

1. In lesson I of the Introduction to this series, we

a. Identified the Author as the Apostle Peter

b. Identified the audience to whom the letter was sent as “those who have obtained like

precious faith with us (the Apostles) through the righteousness of God and our Savior

Jesus Christ which includes us.

c. Identified the purpose of the letter is the concern that Peter has for the “threat or danger

that is facing the church,” and that same danger threatens us today.

2. In Lesson II of the Introduction to this series, we identified Five things that Peter deals with in

this letter.

a. He teaches that “The standard for Christian living is the witness of the Prophets

and Apostles,” since the Prophets and Apostles only witnessed what God told them.

b. Peter warns that False teachers will arise even within the fellowship.” 2 Peter 2:1

c. Peter identifies “what was involved in Heresy,” which is a denial of the authenticity of

Jesus as the Son of God, born of a Virgin, that he died and rose again.

d. Peter also warns that “False teaching and Doctrine results in false conduct and a loss of

ethics which results in a bold self-assertiveness.”

e. “Peter was attempting to stir up a fresh devotion to the faith” according to 2 Peter 1:12

and 3:1, 2;

1. 2 Peter 1:12

12) Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though

ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

2. 2 Peter 3:1-2

1) This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2) That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

3. In today’s lesson, we are going to a brief walk through 2 Peter

V. The theme of 2 Peter is “knowledge.”

1. Chapter 1

a. Grace & truth comes through a “knowledge of God.” (v2)

2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

b. God’s divine power has given all things that pertain unto life and godliness through

the knowledge of Jesus. (v3)

3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

c. If we add to our faith the virtues in verses 5-7 then we will be fruitful in the

knowledge of Jesus (v8)

8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

d. True knowledge makes us to know that Scripture is not by private interpretation, but

as the Spirit moved upon men of old they “spake and wrote.” (v21)

21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2. Chapter 2

a. We escape the pollution’s of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and

Savior Jesus Christ. (v20a)

20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,...

b. When people are again “entangled and overcame,” it is because they lose their

knowledge of Jesus (v20b) and go back to the mire for Spiritual Blindness occurs

where there is no knowledge of Jesus.

Note: It stands to reason that if people escape the pollutions of the world through the knowledge

of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then if “they are again entangled therein, and

overcome,..” it has to be because the left or forgot the knowledge they had of Jesus.

1. 2 Peter 1:9

But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Note: “These things” refer to the virtues mentioned inverses 5-7.

2. 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.