1. The power of God
2. The promises of God
3. And the people that live for God
• If we are the people that rely on God's power and promises we will be the people that live for Him.
Peter continues to remind us about 5 things:
1.He reminds them regarding the things they know. V.12a
•2 Peter 3:1,
•Philippians 3:1
(Paul understood that we should hear things repeatedly, that's how we learn) (Children need to be told over and over again) that's why we go to Church always.
•Paul ministering in Acts 20 didn't not stop reminding them day and night with tears.
•"For This Reason" --speaking about v.11 'entrance into Heaven.
2)He reminds them about the strength they have. V.12b
He wants to remind them that they are established in the present truth.
a)Establish- 13x in NT- Steroids, to be made strong, strengthened.
b)What is this present truth they had? The power of God, and the promises of God.
c)Our strength is not something you work for, it is being received from the Lord.
•Eph 6:10
•Col 1:11
•Eph 3:16
•2 Tim 2:1
•If we are trying to be strengthen by anything or anyone else then God, we are in the flesh, you cannot please God or do any ministry apart from faith.
3) He reminds us of the stirring they need. V.13-15
a) Peter understood he was at the end of his life, Church history says he died after this letter, he was crucified upside down. In ad 68.
b)James 4:14
c)Stir- 7x in NT- means to activate, to wake up, to flip a switch, to arouse from sleep.
1.4.Peter hoped that his letter would continue to stir and motivate the believers after his death, when he wouldn't be able to encourage them in person.
4) Peter reminds them about the voice they hear. V.16-18
1.1. Peter reminds us of his experience, when on the mt. of Transfiguration, they heard a voice from heaven, seeing Moses and Elijah. (Peter, James, and John)
3.Peter is speaking about Jesus coming back with power and glory, some say this will not happen.
3.1.2 Thess 1:7-10 "and to [give] you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed."
• Matt 24:30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
• Is Jesus coming back with power and glory? Yes.
• Watch out for those who say Jesus will not come back. I am amazed how people buy right into these lies, the voices of men.
Peter also reminds them of the voice of God. V.17-18
• Matthew 17:5 "While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
• The Voice of God speaks of Jesus Christ
• The voice of man speaks of Cunning fables
Three things I learned from this passage about Jesus is:
1) Jesus is the Son of God- Peter told Jesus He is God. Jesus said the Holy Spirit has revealed this to him.
• Some say Jesus is: a Archangel, satan's brother, a good teacher.
2) Jesus is pleasing to God. Matt 17:5 our lives need to be lived in pleasing God. How do we please God?
• It involves faith. Apart from faith you cannot please God.
• Faith is a gift.
• Putting your faith in God pleases God.
3) Hear Him' Jesus is the Word of God 1 John 1:14, we are to search the scripture daily not weekly!
• John 17:17 "Your Word is Truth"
• 1 Thess 5:21 "Test all things; hold fast what is good."
• How do we test all things? Not on how we feel or think. But in light of the Word of God, cause our feelings and thoughts change. (that's why mormans are in trouble)
5 ) He reminds them about the prophecy they received. V.19-21
The prophecy was from the old testament. I learn 3 things about the Word of God.
1. The Word of God is Sure-v.19a
i) The experience on the Mt. of Transfiguration did not validate the Word of God.
ii) It is Sure not because of us, but because of Christ.
• Truth never comes from experience, truth was there before the experience. But our experience must come from faith through His Truth.
2. The Word of God shines -19b
i) "morning Star" speaking of Jesus
ii) Psalm 119:105
iii) Proverbs 6:23
iv) John 8:12
• Revelation 22:16 Jesus is the Morning Star
3. The Word of God is given by the Spirit. V.20-21 (we know this but it's a reminder)
i) 2 Timothy 3:13-17
ii) The Word of God did not come from men, but through the Spirit of God, that the Word of God came.
iii) Heb 4:12
iv) His Word does not only complete us but equips us.