2 Peter 1-1-4

CHURCH ON RANDALL PLACE: SERMON NOTES 7/22/07

“BEWARE BUT GROW” A STUDY IN 2 PETER

2 PETER 1:1-4

I.                   Introduction

a.       To the Letter

                                                              i.      Author and Recipients: Peter writes to those of a like faith

1.      This is written to the same group as the first letter.

                                                            ii.      Time and Place: Around 67 AD

1.      He mentions his imminent death.  He died under Emperor Nero who committed suicide in 68 AD.

                                                          iii.      Theme and Purpose

1.      To stir them up to remember all that has been spoken by the prophets, the Lord and the apostles so that they may not be carried away by error and to grow in grace and knowledge (1:12-13; 3:17-18).

                                                          iv.      Summary: To remind you of all that God has spoken so that you might grow and not be led astray

1.      Key Verse:  3:17-18

b.      To the Message

                                                              i.      Begins w/ a declaration of all that God has done for them (If you know the depths and riches of all that God has done you will not be swayed by another gospel).

1.      Given salvation, granted everything, in accordance w/ His promises has delivered from corruption and is conforming to the image of His Son.

II.                Equal Faith

a.       Self-Description

                                                              i.      Bond servant and apostle

1.      First a servant

a.       This is a high calling

b.      Description of Recipients- Received a like-faith

                                                              i.      Received: obtained by Divine will.

1.      Not by own effort or taken by force

                                                            ii.      Like faith:  privilege of citizenship equal to native born. 

1.      The faith of the apostles was no different

2.      Contrast w/ false teachers who claimed special knowledge.

3.      Spiritual equality. By the righteousness of God and our Savior

a.       Tribe of Dan

c.       Peter’s Great Desire

                                                              i.      Grace and Peace be multiplied-in knowledge of God.  Alaska exp.

                                                            ii.      Knowledge

1.      Knowledge that influences one’s action; requires personal involvement.

                                                          iii.      As you experience God more and more, His grace and peace are realized.

                                                          iv.      Application: Knowledge of God can not be limited to what is gained by hearing a sermon

1.      Can only supply facts

2.      Necessary to trust Him, worship etc.

3.      This is my desire as well.

III.             You are Complete!

a.       A great lie told by the false teachers.  Created dependency on them/not God

b.      The greater truth of Scripture. In Him you have everything you need for life and Godliness.

                                                              i.      To have a vital relationship w/ Him.  To overcome temptation, to resist the devil, to be alert and prepared, to understand His word.

                                                            ii.      It has been granted. It is a gift.  Not because of your status etc. It comes from God, initiated by Him.

                                                          iii.      By His divine power:  The power that raised the dead, cast the stars into heaven.

                                                          iv.      Col 2:10

1.      False teachers claimed special knowledge that would add something.  But you have all you need.

c.       The means

                                                              i.      Knowledge of the One who called us.

1.      Not knowledge of facts but experiential knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and excellence.

IV.             Partakers of His Nature

a.       For by these

b.      He has granted promises.

                                                              i.      To escape the world’s corruption

1.      A dead body

2.      A deterioration of what was meant to be by God.

a.       A virus:

3.      You have escaped that by His promises:

a.       Eternal Life

                                                            ii.      To become partakers of His Divine nature

1.      Victory over sin and death bec of promise of new life (1 Pet 1:3), protecting power (1 Pet 1:5), enabling power (2 Pet 1:3).

c.       Promises have power.

d.      God’s promises do 2 things

                                                              i.      Separate you from the decaying world

                                                            ii.      Conform you into the image of His Son.

                                                          iii.      You have escaped the world’s corruption by the promises of God and are being re-created by His promises.

V.                Conclusion

a.       We are servants of the Most High God.  No matter your title or education level or position we are first servants.  And this is a high calling.

                                                              i.      We all came into the Kingdom the same way: by His righteousness

b.      We must move beyond knowledge that gathers facts and truly experience Him.

                                                              i.      Private times, utilizing my gifts

c.       God has granted us everything necessary to overcome this decaying world and live victoriously w/ Him.

d.      His promises are not empty words but sources of power to enable us to do all He has commanded.  Know them and stand upon them.