Jacob's Ladder
This marks the start of a prolonged series on the Gospel of Luke. As we’ve already examined the book of Acts, it seems reasonable that the first Gospel we study should be Luke as both share a common author. Ask anyone to compare the gospels and two facts will almost always be mentioned: (1) that John is the Gospel of Love, and (2) that Luke is the Historical Gospel. While it is true that John gives us a look into Jesus’ personal struggles and relates stories not contained in any other gospel account, it is not true that Luke is purely a historical account.
2 Peter - Stealing Sheep
Peter has thrown down the gauntlet. In the first part of chapter two he has given a warning to false teachers, explaining God’s skill at judging the wicked (Noah’s flood and the cites of Sodom and Gomorrah are provided as examples) and at rescuing the righteous (Noah’s and Lot’s families are cases in point). He now turns his attention to warning those who follow false teachers. If false teachers are headed toward destruction and eternal punishment, how can their followers escape the same fate? It may appear that they are escaping self-control and discipline, but are really running toward God’s punishment.
2 Peter - False Teachers
The Lord had revealed to Peter that his death was eminent (2 Peter 1.14) and Peter, in light of this, is passing on what he believes is most important and pressing to Jesus-followers of his day. Obviously, that makes the content of this letter important to us as well. What may be surprising to many is just how much time Peter spends addressing false teachings and their teachers. Nearly half the letter exhorts, exposes and warns believers about those who would lead them astray and overcomes the objections such men raise against their faith – objections that continue to this day.
2 Peter - Sanctification
Yesterday we learned that Peter is helping to define the Christian life through a series of three elements; the first of these elements is regeneration. We defined regeneration as restoring one’s inclination toward righteousness and a right relationship with the Creator. The second of these three elements is sanctification. This term is used widely in both testaments to signify something or some people as set apart as sacred. In Peter’s use, the term is used more specifically as “the process of gradual purification from sin and progressive spiritual growth that should mark the life of the believer.”
Review - Faithlife Study Bible
When we started our study on 2 Peter last month I mentioned that I would be using an online tool I found, and later review it for our readers. That tool was the Faithlife Study Bible, available as an app for iOS and Android devices, and as a browser-based app at bible.faithlife.org. While we’ve published information about the equipment we use to research, write and produce this site, we’ve never formally reviewed a product before. That’s something that is about to change; we look forward to bringing you more.
2 Peter - False Theology
“God hates me” the friend across the table from me announced. At first I wasn’t sure if he was quoting Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon or if he was serious. My friend has been deeply struggling with his faith for some time, and this was a release. He was serious, and he said it with a good deal of malice. I could have tried a gentle approach, but given the nature of the statement and his attitude I decided to be direct. “Don’t presume to speak for God,” I responded. “Especially when God says the opposite. He loves you.”
2 Peter - Godly Character
Peter pokes fun at Paul saying some of his teachings are hard to understand, but Peter is no slouch when it comes to teaching truth. His approach may be different, but he brings home the tough teachings as well as anyone. Take these first few verses of chapter one for example. There is truth well communicated in the opening verses with just a surface reading, but its when we start asking questions about what is written that the deeper meaning shines through. Let’s take a look at verses 5 through 7 to learn how to read the rest of Peter’s writings.
2 Peter - Regeneration
When I started working in IT, like most people, I started in a call center. This can be either a good or bad experience for beginners, and the experience has nothing to do with one’s equipment or the attitudes of the customers that call. It has everything to do with the training one receives. My experience was a good one. My managers made sure I had the technical know-how before they hired me, but once in the center my first two weeks were spent shadowing other techs, then having them shadow me as I started taking calls. That time was invaluable.
Peter and Jude
Before moving on to chapter three in our series on 2 Peter, we need to recognize chapter two’s similarities with the book of Jude. The writer identifying himself as Jude, was most likely the half-brother of Christ, son of Mary and Joseph. He did not consider himself worthy of the titles “apostle” or “brother,” as he did not believe in Jesus until after a post-resurrection appearance (John 7.5). Both passages warn of apostates infiltrating the church, that they will be rooted out as God has done before, and that we are to live holy lives in patient endurance until Jesus’ return.
2 Peter - False Gospels
We ended last week learning about false teachers, and Peter’s warning against following them. Today we examine in detail the dangers of falling away from Jesus to follow another gospel. Yes, another gospel, for there are many out there. From the “eat, drink and be merry” gospel of the epicureans to the strict living in a mental construct of the stoics, very little has changed over the centuries. Each false gospel has its appeal, for if they didn’t they wouldn’t be so tempting. Falling to any temptation has its consequences, but falling to another gospel involves one day experiencing the wrath of God.
2 Peter - Eternal Security
Last week in our series we began uncovering Peter’s explanation of how Jesus is sufficient for Christian living through three elements. The first of these elements is regeneration, defined as restoring one’s inclination toward righteousness and a right relationship with God. The second is sanctification, the process of purification and spiritual growth. Today we take on the third truth, that Jesus is sufficient for our eternal security. I realize that term is loaded, and ask that you set aside what you think you know so you can rightly understand what Peter wants you to know.
2 Peter Introduction
Yesterday we talked about two things modern believer’s need, dedication to our mission and the courage to act on the mission. Paul certainly engaged the culture of the Athenians, but there is another apostle who confronted his culture in a less cerebral fashion, a manner in which some of our readers may find a little more familiar. The apostle Peter was like a force of nature at times, and his two letters are no exception to his confrontational style. While we have already completed a study of 1 Peter, now may be an opportune time to study 2 Peter.