2 Peter, Lesson 1

Introduction

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for journeying with us on the epistle of 2 Peter today. We thank the Holy Spirit for inspiring Peter to write such an excellent masterpiece. Thank You for ministering to us by Your enduring Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Author, Date, and Recipients

Scholars believed that Peter wrote 2 Peter from prison in Rome before his execution between 64 to 67 AD. Peter was an apostle of Jesus Christ, who witnessed the transfiguration. 2 Peter was his deathbed epistle and swan song. Scholars believed that his recipients were the same as those of 1 Peter, the diasporic messianic Christian Jews in Asia Minor.

Theme

God’s inspiration of scripture. Warning on apostate prophets, apostasies and heresies. Encouragement on the Day of the Lord.

Purpose

Peter attacked, rebuked, and opposed false heretic teachers who taught a false knowledge of Christ and promoted sexual permissiveness to the churches.

Outline

2 Peter 1: 1-21, Salutation, Peter’s impending martyrdom, God’s inspiration of scripture

2 Peter 2:1-22, apostate prophets, apostasies, heresies

2 Peter 3:1-18, the day of the Lord, the new heaven and the new earth, final encouragement, doxology

Application:

Peter’s generation is very similar to ours. Today we have cults that go around houses to promote cult theology and deviant Bible study. We also have heretic preachers and teachers who peddled false theology and misused the gospel for financial gain. The only sure way to prevent deception is to know the word of God for yourself. There is no shortcut to this. A diligent study of the Bible is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Through Bible study, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we pray that You will open our eyes to see the truth and open our ears to hear the truth. We pray for discernment of heresy. We pray for wisdom and knowledge to rightly divide Your Word of Truth, in Jesus’ name, Amen.