Transcript

We now sail into the book of 2 Peter. This letter written by the apostle Peter came sometime after his first letter and, more significantly, just a short time before his execution by order of the Roman Empire.

As this second and final letter from Peter opens, we note immediately that it is written to fellow Christians: “To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (verse 1). In other words, this inspired letter from the first century is written to every one of us today.

Peter then reminds us of what God has done for those who have placed their faith in Christ:

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. (verses 3-4)

This means that to know Christ is to not only be saved for heaven but also equipped for life on earth.

He writes in verse 4 that we also “become partakers of the divine nature.” That does not mean we become God—or “little gods,” as some false teachers claim today. This means that we now have a new nature, a Christlike nature. That does not mean that we arrive at perfection—just ask your spouse or children! It means that we are now equipped to grow more like Christ.

So, Peter reminds us of these truths regarding what God has done for us. Then, he flips over the coin and begins to talk about what we can do for God.

In verses 5-11, we are given a list of qualities to add to our character. Peter puts it this way in verse 5: “Supplement your faith.” That is, add these supplements, these character qualities, as you grow up in the faith.

I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more my doctor wants me to take vitamin supplements. I am evidently not producing enough vitamin D, so I am supposed to supplement my diet with a vitamin D pill. I have asked my doctor if I can supplement my diet with a Snickers candy bar, but he will not agree—evidently, there is no vitamin D in that, which is very unfortunate.

Peter is saying here to supplement your Christianity with these qualities. This is not going to be easy, by the way. There is a big difference between eating candy and developing character, which is a lifelong journey.

The list begins n verse 5 with “faith.” This word actually refers to faithfulness, which is developed as you learn to trust the Lord.

The next quality in verse 5 is “virtue.” This same word is translated “excellence” up in verse 3, where it refers to the moral purity of our Lord. Christlike moral excellence should be our own personal goal.

Next, in verse 6, is the supplement of “knowledge.” This is practical knowledge that applies to life, and it comes from God’s Word. We are to be lifelong learners, and there is always something to learn from the Bible that we did not know—something we can apply to our own lives.

Next is “self-control.” This is self-discipline that battles sinful desires.

“Steadfastness” is next. This refers to standing against pressure to conform to culture. This character quality is followed by “godliness,” which is devotion to God.

The last two qualities, in verse 7, are “brotherly affection” and “love.” These are characteristics the world does not have. People in our world have love for themselves but not for others.

As you think about this list of supplements, do not become discouraged. You are not going to add these qualities consistently and perfectly. Peter is not talking about perfection; he is talking about progression. The question is not whether or not you are doing this perfectly; the question is whether or not this is a priority.

Peter concludes this list with an amazing guarantee:

If these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (verse 8)

When these virtues are your priority and you are intentionally applying them and growing, you will be fruitful in your life. Can you imagine a promise from anybody that literally guarantees an effective, fruitful life worth living? Well, here it is—a spiritual supplement program that guarantees a fruitful life.

And the good news is that no Christian is left out. This is not a program for super-spiritual Christians, especially gifted Christians, dynamic Christians. No, this is for you and me. We just need to add these supplements to our lives, and we will be heading in the right direction.

Along the way, our sense of assurance will grow as well. Peter writes in verse 10 that this assures us of our “calling and election.” Our desire to pursue this supplement program increases our assurance that we belong to Christ and that there are future rewards for faithful living, when we enter “into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (verse 11).

And clearly, heaven is on Peter’s mind here. Look at verses 13-14:

I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon.

He knows it will not be long before he dies a martyr’s death for the name of Christ.

Peter has already had a taste of glory, hasn’t he? He was on the Mount of Transfiguration and saw the Lord, along with Elijah and Moses, robed in glory and brilliant light. He writes about it, beginning in verse 16:

We made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ … we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

At that moment, so many Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah—what Peter calls in verse 19 “the prophetic word”—were confirmed by the word of the Father from heaven, proclaiming Jesus His “beloved Son” (verse 17). Those Old Testament prophecies found their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Remember how Peter denied the Lord when under pressure to admit that he knew Jesus. Just a little pressure from a servant girl, and Peter caved in. But now, as an older man, there is no thought of denial. He stands upon the truths of the majesty and deity of Jesus Christ.

And Peter knows a day is coming when the Lord will return; he calls it the day dawning and the morning star rising (verse 19).

In the meantime, beloved, add to your life the supplements program he has referred to here. Biblical knowledge and application are not optional; they are essential, because the Bible is God’s inspired revelation to us. Peter explains, “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation” (verse 20). Peter is not trying to shut down your men’s or women’s Bible studies. He is referring to the origin of Scripture. He is saying Scripture did not come from some writers’ own ideas or opinions but originated with God.

In case we missed the point, he repeats it in verse 21:

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.  

Like wind in the sails that move a ship along, the Holy Spirit breathed God’s message into the minds and hearts of the biblical authors over the course of 1500 years and in several different languages. And yet we have 66 books in perfect alignment thematically, historically, and theologically. This book has been inspected more than any other book on the planet, and yet it stands proven true and alive and miraculously capable of changing us from the inside out.

And as for Peter, it changed him from a self-confident failure into a courageous ambassador for Christ.