Peter reminds us God is able to His fulfill his promises, patiently (2 Peter 3)

In 2 Peter 3 we see God as  Lord, Savior, Creator, and Patient:

 - 2 Peter 3:9, Lord isn't slow, but patient toward you
 - 2 Peter 3:13, His promise, new heaven and earth - eternal life with God
2 Peter 1:3-4 we may become partakers of the divine nature (again taste and see Psalm 34)

We see a connection to Revelation 16:8-9
The fourth bowl - on the sun, scorches everyone with its fire, they refuse to repent and glorify God (Deuteronomy 28:22 scorching heat and drought until perish; 2 Peter 3:7 heaven and earth are reserved for fire)
(9) they cursed the name of God, refused to repent and glorify him
 - I just listened to "Eternity: Your Choice by Robert Morris" and he had an insight that "glory" is what you're famous for and used famous people in sports, etc... to show the point. When Moses asked to see God's glory, it was like he was asking - what are you famous for?

Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Exodus 33:18-19 NIV

Outline of 2 Peter 3
A) Purpose
1-2) beloved, writing to stir up a sincere mind, remember words spoken prophets, the commandment of the Lord and Savior

B) Current mockers forget God's historical word and power evidenced in their own argument of "beginnings and death" - see Genesis 1-3
 3-4) last days mockers, follow own lusts, "where promise of His coming?", death only no change since the creation
5-6) they forget by word of God heavens existed, earth formed, water form, destroyed by flood

C) Day of Lord will come suddenly, judgment will be swift
7) by His word present heavens, earth reserved for fire, the day of Judgement, destruction of ungodly men
8-9) day is like thousand years, Lord not slow about Promise, patient toward you wishing all to come to repentance
10) Day of Lord, like a thief - heavens pass away, elements destroyed earth and it's workds burned up

Applications: glorify God with our good lives, found in Christ Jesus
 - 11-12) we in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening coming day of God
 - 13) according to His promise, looking for new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells
 - 14) be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless
 - 15-16) regard patience of our Lord as salvation as Paul wrote (The good news of Jesus Christ and it's impact on everyone (Romans))
Warnings: Guard against error, don't fall away from Jesus Christ
17) be on your guard, not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness

Bottom line:
18) grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Him be the glory now and to the day of eternity.

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False prophets introduce destructive heresies, ignoring facts of wrath (2 Peter 2)

2 Peter 2

1) false prophets introduce destructive heresies (paganism/pantheism, agnosticism, dissents), denying Master who bought them
 - 2) many follow sensuality because of them, the way of truth maligned
     God and the world are polar opposites (1 John 2:15‭-‬17)
 - 3a) their greed, exploit you with false words
3b) their judgment/destruction is not idle or asleep
 - 4) God didn't spare angels, cast to hell, committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment
 - 5) God didn't spare the ancient world, preserved Noah, flood world of ungodly
Principle: God's faithfulness in the past at being true to his word, ensures faithfulness in the future
6-8) if condemned Sodom Gomorrah, if rescued righteous Lot (oppressed by the sensuality of unprincipled men/lawless deeds).
 - 9) Then God rescue godly from temptation, then unrighteous punishment day of judgment
 - 10a) especially those indulge in the flesh - it's corrupt desires (I do what I do because I want what I want) and despises authority (Biblical Authority of God), daring, self-willed

The Bible teaches we have 3 enemies, the Eph 2:1-3, the world, the flesh, and the devil
 - a "fleshly" disposition says "I do what I do, because I want what I want" -selfishness
The Holy Spirit opposes the flesh: Gal. 5:16-17
 - a "worldly" disposition says, "take all you can, no one will give it to you" -godlessness
The Father opposes the world: I John 2:15-17, the world tries to shape our thinking toward godlessness (John 15:18-25)
 - a "devilish" disposition says, "I do what I do, because I hate myself and others" - wickedness
The Son opposes the Devil: Luke 4, I John 3:8 - Disposition is the power to deal with something as one pleases

 - 10b) Daring, self-willed, not trembling revile (slander) angelic majesties,
   - Character traits of ungodly: lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy (2 Tim 3:2), Scoffers (Psalm 1, 2 Peter 3:3)
  - Antithesis Character: As God's steward, an overseer must be above reproach--not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. (Titus 1:7)
   - Revile/slanders: You must not blaspheme God or curse ruler of your people (Ex 22:28)

"Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is any sin that a person clings to by continually resisting the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind that there is not one specific sin that is unforgivable, such as lying, stealing or murder, but rather a perpetual hardening of the heart and willfully sinning against God and man (1 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:15). Can blasphemy be forgiven?

11-13) Slander where they have no knowledge like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, suffering wrong for doing wrong, reveling in their deceptions as they carouse with you
14) eyes full of adultery, never cease from sin, heart trained in greed
Principle: Looking comes before the sin (David and Bathsheba)
Application: Biblical Logic: If then conclusion about who God is and what He's historical done will prove for us in the future.
15-16) forsaking the right way, gone astray, the way of Balaam - who loved wages of unrighteousness
 - Balak and Balaam share fear, madness and condemnation
17-18) springs without water, speak arrogant words, vanity
19) promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption, enslaved
20) if escaped defilements of world by knowledge of Lord, Savior Jesus Christ then entangled/overcome again. The last state has become worse for them than the first
21-22) would be better not to know, than to know way of righteousness, then having known it turn away from holy commandment handed to them
Application to save your life: Works the Holy Spirit does in the believers life
 - see also: Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most, Geysers, planters and pruners: How people are born into and matured in the Faith


Bottom line:

Bible claims to be effective, it dramatically effects people (Isaiah 55:9-11 like rain, seed is Word from my mouth - it accomplishes all I desire). Matthew 13:1-23; Luke 8:1-15
Seed: 2 Corinthians 9:10; Isaiah 61:11;Hosea 10:12
Rain: Deuteronomy 32:2; Isaiah 30:23; Psalm 72:6,7;
Response: Hosea 2:21; Isaiah 30:23; Matthew 13:23; Luke 8:15; Luke 8:18
Never underestimate the power of God’s Word to change a person’s heart

Helps received from:
2_peter/2-10 

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Peter shows how born again faith grows up into quality faith (2 Peter 1:1-11)

2 Peter 1
AIM: Eternal life starts with righteousness in Jesus Christ and leads to measurable goodness
Focus verses:

To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 2 Peter 1:1-4

A) Our faith is righteousness, grace and peace - increasingly seeing God's power in our lives
1a) Simon Peter, bond-servant,
 - Paul's opening (Roman 1:1, Phil 1:1) and James 1:1 and Jude 1
1b) an apostle of Jesus Christ,
 - 1 Peter 1:1
to those received faith, same kind as ours
 - Romans 1:12, encouraged by each other's faith, Titus 1:4, common faith
 - 2 Cor 4:13, same spirit of faith - "I believed therefore I spoke"
 - My sticker "God's grace reaches for you" 2 Cor 4:13-18
1c) by the righteousness of God and Savior, Jesus Christ
 - Romans 3:21-26, righteousness apart from the law
 - righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable, compare to goodness in v5
2) Grace and peace, multiplied in knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord
3) Seeing His divine power, granted to us, all life godliness, through knowledge of Him who called us
4a) God's promise,
 - 2 Peter 3:9, Lord isn't slow, but patient toward you
 - 2 Peter 3:13, His promise, new heaven and earth - eternal life with God
4b)  we may become partakers of the divine nature (again taste and see Psalm 34)
 - Eph 4:13, we attain unity of the faith, knowledge of the Son of God
 - Eph 4:24, put on the new self, likeness of God, created in righteousness
 - 1 John 3:2, we are now children of God, (believing the promise)
4c) escaped the corruption in the world by lust
 - Heb 12:10, disciplined or 2 Peter 2:18-20 apostasy

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:5-10

B) Knowledge of God with obedience leads to increasing effective faith

5) for this reason, apply diligence (supplement ESV) in personal faith, make every effort exercising your faith (AMP), NIV simply says Add to your Faith (Eph 2:8-10)
 - moral excellence (principles of right/wrong behavior, proper conduct)/virtue (ESV showing high moral standards)/goodness (NIV the quality of being good, in particular)
 - 6) knowledge (Col 2:3, 2 Peter 1:2
 - self-control (commitment, what we say we'll do)
 - perseverance/steadfastness/perseverance (tested Heb 10:36, James 1:3)
 - 7) godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
 - brotherly kindness/brotherly affection/mutual affection
 - love (Rom 12:10, devoted to one another, 1 Thes 3:12, increasing/overflow for each other)
8) if these faith qualities are yours and increasing, they will keep you from being ineffective/unfruitful
 - John 15:2, every branch not bearing fruit taken away, fruitful increase by Father God
 - Titus 3:14, let us LEARN devotion to good works, to help urgent needs
9) Else blind/short-sighted (2 Peter 1:3), forgotten personal purification from personal/former sins (Eph 5:26 God's word sanctities and cleanses us, Titus 2:14 Redeemed in Christ Matt 1:21, Heb 9:14, 1 John 1:7)
 - Illustration: I'm nearsighted, needed corrective lenses since I was 15. I needed them early but compensated with listening and creating mental images and remembering where distant things were. The faith qualities of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, love are like wearing corrective lenses - the increasing part is like getting a new prescription and seeing clearly and sharp.
10) Therefore! diligently make certain about His calling and choosing you as you practice these things
 - Many are called, few are chosen (Matt 22:14)
 - Gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Rom 11:29)
 - SEEING His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)
**11) for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you
 - John 14:4, Jesus is the way. In John 14 Jesus teaches about trinity and Holy Spirit, Peter preached repentance (Acts 2:38) to receive the Holy Spirit. To work with the Holy Spirit supplementing personal faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love is to be in communion with God "abundantly supplied to you"
 - John 10:7-10,9, Jesus is the door/gate, We start with faith in God and Jesus (John 3:16-21), Luke 11:13 how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him
 - Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 - 2 Tim 4:18, Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom

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Christians united, single-minded according to scripture (1 Peter 3:8-4:19)

1 Peter 3:8-4:19
Peter explains Psalm 34
What’s this scripture about (facts)?
A) Christians be of one mind, in accord with scriptures (1 Peter 3:8-12, Ps 34:12-16)
(8-12)  sympathize, brotherly, kindhearted family, humble spirit/attitude that blesses rightly, not evil in word or deed.

B) Be eager to do good as a witness that I belong to Christ who suffered, died but was raised to life in the Spirit as I've identified with him in baptism
13-14) be eager to do good, you'll be safe, if mistreated for righteousness - still blessed by God
15-16) In heart set Christ apart as Lord, ready to give a logical defense of hope and confident assurance elicited by faith I have with gentleness and respect, let them see my good life because I belong to Christ
17) it's better to suffer for good than wrong
18) Christ suffered, died for our sins without sinning
19) Christ was preached by Noah, yet only a few were saved
20-22) our baptism is a response to God, appeal for a good (clear) conscience we believe what is our through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

What does it mean (principles)?
(8-12) God's word shows how we rightly fit together
(13-22) Good, baptism, speaking and

What does it mean to me (application)?

- (8-12) How will I live out God's purpose for my life today?

(13-22) Doing good, to spread good will, to preach the good news

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Exemplary Life: voluntary, humble, grace-filled unity with each other and God (1 Peter 5)

SOAP method:
Scripture 1. What verse or verses stuck out to you in your reading?
Observation 2. What did you see that touched you personally?
Application 3. How can you apply your observation so that it impacts your life?
Prayer 4. Where do you need God’s help in applying this truth in your life?

1 Peter 5:1-14
A) Peter urges Christian to humble voluntary oversight by God's will, submitting to Christ
1) Peter exhorts elders, witnesses of Christ suffering, partakers in glory to be revealed
Fellow elder: 2 John 1:1, 3 John 1:1, the elder to chosen lady, her children Gaius "whom I love in truth"
Witness of sufferings of Christ: Luke 24:48, Heb 12:1 highlights that the old testament is also witness "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us" referring to Heb 11:1-12:1
 - 1 Peter 4:13, to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing (context 1 Peter 4:12-19 shows that we are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you - we don't suffer as murderer, thief, evildoer or troublesome meddler. We suffer by obeying the gospel of God, according the will of God - entrusting our soul to a faithful Creator in doing what is right).
Partaker in glory to be revealed: 1 Peter 1:5 protected by the power of God through faith,1 Peter 5:7, proof of your faith (see 1 Peter 4:13 again!) Rev 1:9 "John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance "
2-3) shepherd God's people, voluntary oversight by God's will, not gain, not lording it over but being exemplary.
 - application: at work, being the boss
4-5) Chief shepherd appears unfading crown of glory ("white hair"), younger likewise subject to elders, clothed in humility toward one another
 - God opposes the proud, gives grace to the humble
 - Grace is God's empowerment, Karen Keller says, Empowering is the act of giving someone the authority or power to do something

B) We are reminded of our relationship with God and how to live the Christian life
6-7) humble yourselves under mighty hand of God, cast anxiety on Him, He cares for you
 - Like a child behind dad's leg when we're scared.
 - Poor in spirit like children, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matt 5:3, 19:14)
 = Blessings of Moses, explained by Jesus (Deuteronomy 28:1-14;Matthew 5:1-19)
8-9) be of sober spirit, alert, adversary devil seeking someone to devour, resist him, firm in your faith, you are not alone
 - 1 Peter 1:13, "prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
10-11) after suffering a little while, God of all grace who called to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
 - reminds me Genesis 2, God himself made Adam and this is pictured at the resurrection
12-14) Silvanus copy writer, exhorting, testifying true grace of God. Stand firm in it! Babylon, chosen together with you sends you greetings
 - application: stand firm in the true grace of God

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Get rid of evil behavior, secure in Christ to live righteously (1 Peter 2:1-3:7)

1 Peter 2:1-3:7 is about getting rid of evil behavior because we are God's bought by Christ. We do this by depending on God like babies depend on milk. We have the perfect example of how to live in God's will looking at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I like how saturated Peter was in the Word of God as he was taught by Jesus so much more than just what we see in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Luke 24:44-45, John 21:25). I like his pragmatic teaching about keeping away from worldly desires. I noticed for the first time in this study that Psalm 34:8, Matthew 5:13-16. In the beginning of the passage Peter says, "If you have indeed tasted the goodness of God" 1 Peter 2:3 then "Live as foreigners to abstain from sinful desires, live good lives so others see and praise God" (1 Peter 2:11-12

How have you gotten rid of evil behaviors mentioned? What is Peter’s advice for growing in the Lord? (v1-3)

How is Jesus foundational to living a new life that pleases God? (v4-8, see also 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 13:15-16) SLU

Peter uses language of a building (v6-8), a nation (v9-10) pulling from Isaiah 8:14, 28:16, Psalm 118:22, Exodus 19:5-6, Hosea 2:23 (SLU). From Luke 24:44-45, how was Peter able to make these connections?

What advice is given to keep away from worldly desires? (v11-3:7, see also Romans 6:12-14 SLU)

What example did Jesus provide that you’ll put into practice this week “in the same way”? How does the Amplified version help you understand living “in the same way”? (v21-3:7)

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