Second Peter

There is a wonderful truth that runs through this letter, from the beginning (a prayer) to the end (Peter's final instruction). This wonderful truth is, when God's people know God more deeply it transforms their lives!

• May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:3)
• But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

I'd like to share four things with you in preperation for our study in 2nd Peter:

1. This truth Peter shares is so wonderful and so important that he says that as long as he is alive he will remind them of it and he's writing this letter so that when he departs they will still be reminded of it. (2 Peter 1:12-15)
2. The knowledge of God is what roots our faith deeply in the goodness of God (2 Peter 1:3). It is what nourishes us for growth (2 Peter 1:5-11), defends us from error (2 Peter 2), and strengthens our hope in the return of Jesus (3:1-13).
3. The truth Peter shares is not distant or mysterous but based in real events (as contrasted to "cleverly devised myths"). (2 Peter 1:16-21)
4. We'll find that unlike New Year resolutions, which depend on our strength, determination, and commitment, this transformative power is found in the God alone (2 Peter 1:3)