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2 Peter 1:16 – His Majestic Return

Posted on April 5, 2017 by Will

Fore not following cleverly devised fables, we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, having been eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Truth to Learn

Christ’s glorious return is not a wishful, made-up story. It is a promise from Christ himself, attested to by angels.

Behind the Words

“Following” is from the Greek word exakoloutheō, which is a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” but used here as an intensifier and akoloutheō, meaning “to follow.” This word has the meaning of “to follow carefully, to pursue, or to precisely copy.”

The words “cleverly devised” come from a form of the Greek word sophidzō, meaning “to make wise” or “to devise skillfully.” It refers to something that is carefully crafted with the skill of a wise master craftsman.

The word “fables” is translated from muthos, from which we get our English word myth. This Greek word means, “that which is fabricated by the mind in contrast to reality.”

“Power” is translated from dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. Although our English word “power” implies strength in action, this Greek word literally means “possessing great ability.”

The word translated “majesty” is megaleiotēs, which is based on the word megas, meaning “great” or “big.” In this form it means “greatness.”

Meaning Explained

One of the foundational truths, characteristic of Peter’s ministry, is the fact that Jesus Christ will return soon. This is a doctrine that was preached by all the apostles and is one that was ridiculed by detractors of Christianity from the very beginning. In response to this opposition and by way of emphasizing the points he has been making since the beginning of this letter, Peter now offers evidence of why he believes so strongly that Christ will, indeed, return again soon.

He opens this verse saying that he and the others have not been carefully following cleverly crafted stories, or myths. That is, the stories of Christ’s resurrection and His coming again are not made-up at all. Peter’s belief in Christ’s return is based on personal experience (he saw Jesus’ glory) and the promise from our Savior that He would return.

Peter says that they did not make up these stories; instead, he says that “they had been eyewitnesses ….” He is referring to the time when he actually experienced the majesty of Jesus Christ when He was transformed before him on the mountain top.

Because Peter had personally experienced this event, the majesty and glorious splendor of the Savior, he was absolutely convinced of Christ’s promised return. He tells us that this return will not simply be a casual experience any more than the one that he witnessed. Peter refers to it as, “the power and coming or our Lord.” In fact, Christ’s return will be with such a demonstration of power that no one will be able to deny it.

Application

Do you believe Christ’s return will be soon? Will you be ready when He does? Are you ready right now?

It could be today!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:15 – Eternal Retirement Plan

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Will

And I will be diligent to cause you to always have remembrance of these things after my departure.

Truth to Learn

God has a job for us to be doing until we take our last breath.

Behind the Words

The expression “will be diligent” is translated from the word spoudadzō, which is from the same root as the word translated “diligent” back in verse 5 and again in verse 10. This word refers to speed, earnestness, diligence, or zeal. It is used in today’s verse in the future, active, indicative tense, indicating continual earnestness in the future.

The word, “departure” is translated from the Greek word exodon, from which we get our English word exodus, meaning “to exit” or “to leave.” Peter is once again making a reference to his departure from this life to his eternal life with our Lord. This same word was used by Luke in his description of events on the mount of transfiguration where Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about his coming death:

who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:31)

Meaning Explained

There is something remarkable in the simplicity of this verse. Peter has already made a couple of references to the fact that he is going to die soon (physically), and he makes reference to it again in this verse. Yet he is neither without hope nor purpose. The race is nearly done for him and he is not easing up at all. Instead, he is ever mindful that he still has work to do and he has found a way to continue that work even after his departure.

Here is a demonstration of true love. In his final days in this life, Peter is more concerned about what he can still do to help other Christians than he is about himself. He even wants to leave something behind which will continue to edify Christians after he is gone.

He has spent the better part of this chapter urging us all to continue to work hard at developing Christian character. Peter knows the importance of not slacking in this endeavor, and he is leading by example. This is not some kind of theological positioning by Peter, nor is he simply pontificating. This is the real deal to him. He is so convinced of his position in Christ, he is so aware of what his God has done for him, that he will not ease up until the race is finished.

Peter says that he, himself, “will be diligent” to do these things. Peter’s mind was fixed on the work that God had called him to do. He is not looking to retire until he dies, and he is not looking to ease up until his departure. He even wants his work to continue on after his departure.

Application

Are you busy right now working for our Lord, or are you working for yourself? Do you even know what God wants you to be doing? If not, then get on your knees and ask Him.

Then, let us all be like Peter, continually working our hardest for God and His glory, right up until we take our last breath! Then, we shall be ushered into the presence of the King, arrayed in our finest, prepared to cast our crowns at His feet because He is worthy!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:14 – The Final Doorway

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Will

because I know that I will soon lay aside my tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

Truth to Learn

Life here on earth is short and only temporary. What we do during this time, however, will have eternal consequences.

Behind the Words

Eidō is the word translated “I know.” It means “to see” or “to know.” It is expressed in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, but the emphasis is on the effect.

The expression “lay it aside” comes from the Greek word apothesis, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of tithemi, which means “to lay something down” or “to put something in the proper place.” It is the word that is used to express the removing of one’s clothes and laying them down or putting them away. It expresses a calm, casual experience.

The word “tabernacle” appeared in the previous verse and, in the Greek text, also appears in this verse, though it has been translated as the word “it” in some translations. A literal translation of the first half of this verse would be:

having known that soon is the laying aside of my tabernacle

Tabernacle is a word that is often misunderstood today. Because of its reputation for great acoustics, the Mormon Tabernacle, a huge, massive structure built expressly for public performances, is what is often thought of when we hear this word. However, that’s not at all what this word means. It comes from the Greek word skēnōmatos, which refers to “a tent.” It is the word from which we get our English word “skin.” A skēnōmatos is a small flimsy structure that is used in a transient nature as a temporary dwelling place. Similarly, our earthly body is not permanent nor something for us to use in a public display to draw attention to ourselves. It is, rather, a flimsy, temporary dwelling place for our soul.

Meaning Explained

Peter knew that the time of his death was drawing near. The type of death he should die was prophesied by Christ some 30 years earlier (John 21:18,19). On the surface it seems that this is all Peter has to say in today’s verse. But, as is often the case with Scripture, if we are in a hurry when we read, we dash right past some nuggets on the way. This nugget is what Peter refers to as his tent or his tabernacle. He knows that this body is temporary and the time spent in it is fleeting. But he is ready to calmly and confidently lay it aside and walk into eternity. He’s not looking at death, he’s looking at eternity with Christ.

One day in the future we too will put off this temporary dwelling place as we pass through the gates that lead from this life to eternity. It is both an end and a beginning, the end of our time on this earth and the beginning of glory in the presence of the Lord. When we walk through that door, we will be able to look back and see whether it has been a life of service (the production of eternal rewards) or a life of emptiness (time wasted that could have been used for God’s glory), which Solomon called “vanity.”

Application

When you reach death’s door will you be ready to calmly lay aside this tabernacle and head into eternity? Or will you finally realize that you could have done much more if your focus had been on God instead of yourself?

It’s not too late! We still have time left, so let’s get to work for God and for His glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:13 – Late Life Refresher

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Will

I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly tent to stir you up with a reminder.

Truth to Learn

We need to keep encouraging each other to stay the course because we haven’t much time left.

Behind the Words

“I consider” is translated from hēgeomai, which is a form of ago, meaning “to lead.” Metaphorically, this word refers to “leading out with the mind.” Therefore, it is interpreted as, “to esteem, consider, regard, or reckon.”

The word “right” comes from the Greek word dikaion, which refers to that which is “proper, right, or appropriate”

The word translated “stir … up” is diegeirō, which means “to arouse, to wake up fully, or to stir up.”

Meaning Explained

Peter is aware that he is being rather forceful in his admonition to us all regarding the necessity of Christian growth and maturity. He has used very strong words to urge us on in this regard, but he is not apologetic regarding his words. He says that it is right for him to do this. He believes that he has a responsibility to be constantly reminding us all that we need to be continually working on becoming more mature in our Christian experience.

Specifically, Peter feels that he is obliged to stir up our memory. We all have a tendency to get lazy and careless regarding our walk with the Lord, and Peter feels compelled, as we all should, to grab us by the shoulder and wake us up. He does so by reminding us of those things that we already know. Anyone who has ever studied a foreign language knows how critical it is to constantly review the basic principles until they become second nature. Only after we know the basics without thinking about them can we continue on to the next level with confidence.

Peter also knows that his time on this earth is coming to an end, and he feels a necessity to do as much as he can in the time he has left. When we were young, we had our whole lives ahead of us, and there was not much of a sense of urgency to do what we knew we should be doing. As we got older, we realized that time is passing us by, and time that has passed cannot be made up. As we recognize God’s calling on our life and realize how much He has done for us, we feel more compelled to work hard for Him in the things He expects from us. As the end of life approaches, we become acutely aware that this life is transient, and only what is done for God has any real lasting value.

That’s where Peter is right now. He wants to make the most of his remaining days by constantly reminding us to work hard for the One who has given His life for us.

Application

Let our ears not be deaf!

Let our minds not be cloudy!

Let us not be caught asleep on the watch!

Rather, let us purpose in our hearts to wake up and work diligently, for the time is fleeting, our life is short, and He is coming soon!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:12 – Continual Refresher Courses

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Will

So I will always remind you of these things, though having known them and having been firmly established in the truth you now have.

Truth to Learn

We need to be continually learning and refreshing our knowledge of God through His Word.

Behind the Words

“Having known” comes from a form of the Greek word eidō, meaning “to see,” that is, “to perceive.” As such, it is also used to express perception in the form of experiential knowledge. Hence, it is often translated as “to know.” It is expressed here as a perfect active participle, which implies past continual accumulated action. We could actually translate the meaning as, “having already perceived and come to understand …”

He then says that we have also been “established” which is from the Greek word stēridzō, meaning “to be firmly set in place” or “to be grounded.” This verb is also a perfect participle, but is in the passive voice (something done to us).

Meaning Explained

Peter begins this verse with another connective word, “So.” He told us that we need to develop the Christian character qualities of faith, morality, knowledge and understanding, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. He said that in developing these we become fruitful, we maintain our spiritual vision, and we become stabilized on the foundation. And, he told us that developing these will cause us to receive a splendid entrance into the presence of the King. Therefore, Peter is compelled to continually remind us of these truths.

Obviously, he thinks that there is great importance in developing these qualities. That is why he has used such strong language in urging us to work hard on them and why he gives such evidence of their effect on us. Therefore, he tells his readers, he personally will not be negligent in constantly reminding them (and us) of these things. It is not that Peter thinks we have not yet learned what he has told us. In fact, he makes it clear that he knows that these truths have already been learned.

In other words, Peter is saying that he believes his readers have already worked hard at developing these character qualities in themselves, having perceived their importance, and having become firmly established, not in the past but “in the truth you now have.” There is some disagreement as to exactly what Peter is referring to by this expression. Either it refers to all the truth that has been learned from God’s holy Word, or it is a specific reference to the gospel truth, the truth in which we were saved. Whichever it is, Peter wants to make sure that it is constantly taught and re-taught so that we will be firmly grounded in it.

It is incumbent on us all, not just preachers, to constantly remind each other of the importance of things that we have already learned. Not so much because we forget, but because the cares of this life, the things of the world, and our own sin nature cloud our memory and distract us from our mission.

Application

Let us never get to the point where we think we know all there is to know about living a victorious Christian life. No matter how much we know about the Bible and our faith, we can always learn more. We all need continual refresher courses in living a life committed to our faith and submitted to our God.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:11 – Heavenly Homecoming

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Will

for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Truth to Learn

Our entrance into heaven will be affected by the way we spend our life here on the earth.

Behind the Words

Peter starts off this verse with the Greek words houtōs gar, which are connective words meaning, “for in this way.” In other words, “having built these character qualities upon the foundation of our calling and election …”

The next two Greek words are wonderfully descriptive. Although they are the next two words in the Greek text, they are translated at the end of this verse. They are, plousios, meaning “abundantly” or “copiously,” almost to the point of being excessive, and epichorēgeō, which is a compound word made up of epi, meaning “above” or “over” and choregeō, meaning “to furnish, to supply, or to outfit.” Hence, we will be lavishly outfitted or “dressed” for a very spectacular event: our entrance into the eternal kingdom

Meaning Explained

Peter has been exhorting us to work diligently to build the previously mentioned Christian character qualities upon the foundation of our calling and election. He said that in doing this, we will never lose our salvation. Peter now tells us that there will be a future benefit to us as well if we develop these character qualities.

Scripture tells us that immediately after the rapture of the church, when Christ returns with the departed saints and unites us all with our heavenly bodies, we will appear before the Bema Seat (judgment seat) of Christ. This is the believers’ judgment where we will receive rewards in the form of crowns for the things we have done in this life. The next thing after the Bema Seat Judgment will be the introduction of the saints to the great King of Kings. Peter is here giving us a glimpse of this “entrance into the eternal kingdom.”

We will be lavishly outfitted for our entrance into the eternal kingdom and our presentation to the God of all creation. Peter refers to it as “the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This will be our celebratory homecoming event. It is likely that this will also be our opportunity to cast our crowns at His feet proclaiming, “You are worthy, O Lord!”

But, let us not lose focus on what Peter is saying in the midst of all this pomp and circumstance. The point he is making in this verse is that what we do on this earth with the life (both the physical life and the spiritual life) we have been freely given will have a dramatic future effect on us that is worthy of note.

Some will be ushered into the eternal kingdom with the smell of smoke clinging to them as all their earthly works have been burned-up because they were self-serving instead of God-serving. Others will be ushered into the kingdom lavishly adorned because they have spent their time of sojourning here on this earth in the humble service of their Lord and Savior. These are those who lived this life for the glory of God rather than for their own glory.

Application

How will you be dressed when you are ushered into the kingdom and appear face-to-face before the one who gave his all for you? Will you smell of smoke, or will you be richly adorned with a crown to cast at His feet?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:10 – Secure Salvation

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Will

Therefore, my brothers, instead be all the more diligent to make your calling and election firm. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,

Truth to Learn

If you are truly saved, then you are completely saved, forever!

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from dio, which means “for which, wherefore, or therefore.”

The word “diligent” is translated from the Greek verb spoudadzō, which comes from the same root as one of the words we looked at in verse five, spoude. It refers to “speed, earnestness, diligence, or zeal.” It is used here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. In the context of the past few verses, this could possibly be translated as “zealous.”

“Calling” is from the Greek klēsis, which refers to “an invitation.” And the word “election” is from the Greek eklogē, which comes from eklegō (to choose), referring to something that was “chosen” or “selected.”

The word “firm” is from “bebaios,” meaning “fixed” or “firm.” Figuratively, this word refers to the foundation upon which something is built. Literally, we could translate this word as “foundational,” meaning that which is sure, firm, secure, and upon which other things can be built.

The expression “you will never stumble” is translated from ou me ptaisēte pote, which literally means, “no not stumble ever.” The double negative, although improper in English, is a way of emphasizing the point in Greek. We could translate this as “you will in no way stumble, ever!”

Meaning Explained

Peter has been talking about the character qualities that all Christians need to develop in order to be mature, and he spoke in verse nine about the consequences of not diligently pursuing these qualities. Those who don’t work hard at developing these qualities actually become less Christ-like and become blinded, unable to see the truth, and they become forgetful of the work done to wipe out the consequences of their sins. Therefore, says Peter, work even harder at developing these Christian characteristics.

When Peter says to “make your calling and election firm” he is not saying “to eliminate doubt” about them. He is not questioning the doctrine of election; rather he is affirming it by saying that we are to be diligent in demonstrating the firmness of our calling and election. The word “if” is not in the original Greek. Literally he says, “for doing these things there is no way you would stumble, ever!”

There has been much debate about what he means that there is no way we would ever stumble. But if we look at the next verse we see that he is talking about our entrance into the everlasting kingdom. In other words, Peter is telling us that as we build on the sure foundation of our salvation, which was made sure by our calling and election, then we will absolutely never lose our salvation, ever!

Application

Perhaps you have been taught that if you commit certain kinds of sins you will lose your salvation. According to Peter, however, if you are demonstrating your salvation by developing these character qualities, it is proof that you are saved, and you will never ever lose your salvation.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:9 – Blinding Laziness

Posted on March 27, 2017 by Will

For anyone who does not have these things is blind, nearsighted, having forgotten the cleansing of his past sins.

Truth to Learn

Being spiritually lazy is an indication that we have forgotten what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.

Behind the Words

The word translated “blind” is tuphlos, which means “to be enveloped with smoke.” There are two effects that smoke has on our vision. The first is that it obscures our vision and cuts down how far we can see. The second thing that smoke does is that it irritates the eyes and causes an involuntary muscle reaction which causes them to shut tight. Hence, this word has come to mean “blind.”

The word “nearsighted” comes from the Greek word muōpadzō, which literally means “to shut the eyes” or “to squint.” It refers to a person who squints the eyes in an effort to see things far away. Hence, it has been translated as nearsighted.

Meaning Explained

Peter has been talking about the Christian character qualities that we all need to be working hard to develop in ourselves. Now he looks at the other side of the coin, so to speak. He talks about what happens to us if we don’t apply ourselves to developing these qualities.

Peter is telling us that if we are not earnestly trying to grow in our Christian experience, then we are walking into smoke and our vision (that is our spiritual vision) is greatly hampered, perhaps even cut off. Peter then tells us that the next step in our wanderings is that we forget what our gracious God has done for us in cleansing us from our sins.

This sounds like what used to be referred to as “backsliding.” Let us not take it lightly, though! It is a serious condition for a Christian. Remember that we have an enemy who walks around “like a roaring lion seeking whom He might devour.” Not only that, he wants to take away our joy and our peace. He knows that all he has to do is help us to become lazy Christians and we will gradually go spiritually blind, and we will forget what our real reason for living is.

Jesus’ death on the cross and the shedding of His blood has cleansed us from our sins. He has given His all for us, we need to show Him how thankful we are by giving our all for Him. If we aren’t living for Him and growing in our faith, then we’re just being selfish.

Application

Do you feel like God is not listening to your prayers? Have you lost the joy of your salvation? Do you find it hard to see (understand) what God is trying to tell you? If so, re-read the first seven verses in this chapter slowly and carefully and put yourself to work developing the Christian character qualities that we have been talking about for the past week. Confess your sins to God and humble yourself before Him, and in His time He will lift you up. I call it “submit and commit!”

One final closing thought for today is summed up in a couple of questions that I heard as a young Christian, which have stuck with me and which God has used a number of times to prod me when I have become spiritually lazy.

Does God seem far away? Who do you think moved?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:8 – A Growing Christian

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Will

For these things being in you and abounding, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

We need to be continually growing in our Christian faith.

Behind the Words

The word “being” is the Greek word huparchonta, which means “to begin to be” or “to come into existence.” It is expressed here as a present, active participle, indicating continual action. So we could translate the beginning of this verse as, “For these things are beginning to be to you” or “For you are continually acquiring these things.”

The word “abounding” is translated from the Greek word pleonadzō, which means “to cause to increase.” In the Greek text this word and huparchonta are joined by the equivalent of our English word “and.” The implication is that we should be constantly acquiring these character qualities and consistently building on what we already have.

“Ineffective” is from argos, meaning “not working” or “inactive,” and “unproductive” is from akarpos, meaning “without fruit.”

Meaning Explained

Okay, so why is it so important that we develop these Christian qualities that Peter has been talking about? Why should we work hard at developing faith, morality, knowledge and understanding, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love? Peter says that if these qualities are constantly growing in us then we will neither be idle nor unfruitful.

The last phrase of today’s verse is a little misleading due to an unfortunate translation. The word translated “in” is the Greek word “eis” which means “into” or “unto” implying a result, and the word translated “knowledge” is the word “epignosin” which means complete knowledge or full understanding. Peter is saying that developing these Christian qualities in abundance will result in constant successful efforts in the service of the King, resulting in a complete understanding of Him.

This was the Apostle Paul’s desire in Philippians 3:7-10 where he expressed disdain for the things of this world in favor of knowing Christ,

But whatever things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. But no, rather, I also count all things to be loss because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them to be dung, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him; not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but through the faith of Christ, having the righteousness of God by faith, to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, having been conformed to His death;

Is that your desire, to disdain worldly accomplishments, to know God better, to serve Him more faithfully?

Application

Back in verse five we said: as a Christian you’re either moving forward, or you’re sliding backward. Which direction is your Christian life going? Which way does God want you to go?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Peter 1:7 – Lovely Focus

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Will

and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Truth to Learn

The ultimate objective of a Christian is to love.

Behind the Words

“Brotherly kindness” is the translation of the Greek word philadelphia. This is a very familiar compound word made up of philos, which literally means “dear” but by implication means “fondness” or “familial love,” and adelphos, which means “brother.” Hence, the translation “brotherly kindness” or “brotherly love.”

The final word in this verse is agape. So much has been said about this word that it hardly seems necessary to say more. It refers to “benevolence, goodwill, or affection.” It is the kind of self-less love that is focused on doing what is best for the object of the love, in spite of what he or she thinks they want.

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse, Peter continues his list of character qualities that we are to work at developing. So far the list includes faith, morality (goodness), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness. The last two items he includes are brotherly kindness and love.

Brotherly kindness is the kind of affection that we have for close friends. It is a desire to do good things for them, making their comfort and needs equal to or greater than our own. Agape love, however, describes a type of love that displays the utmost in concern and care for the object of the love. It is a self-sacrificing love that endures pain and hardship for the sake of the loved one. The ultimate demonstration of agape love was when God the Father gave His Son to be sacrificed as payment for our sins, even though we didn’t ask for it (or even know that we needed it). There is no greater love than this. Jesus explained it to His disciples this way:

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. (John 15:12,13)

The Apostle John says that this is how we know what agape love is:

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (I John 3:16)

It is the love of the Son to the Father that even though He didn’t want to go through with it, Jesus was willing to do so because it was what the Father wanted.

"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39b)

This kind of love does not come naturally to any of us. It is not a feeling but an action. It’s evidenced not by what we say, but what we do. And, it only comes as we build up our Christian character and allow God to love others through us.

Application

Neither brotherly kindness nor love is focused on self. They are both focused on others. We cannot be focused on ourselves and focused on God at the same time. Our love of God is demonstrated by our submission to Him and His will. Where is your focus today?

In God's service, for His glory,