ON OUR WAY! (2 Peter 1:1-2)

2 Peter, Expository, General Letters, New Testament

2 PETER 1:1-2 – ON OUR WAY!

An Introduction to 2 Peter

In our day of modern technology, it is not unusual to tell someone that we are on our way. We may do it by a quick phone call, a text, twitter, email, or a message on Facebook Messenger. We are telling people that we have begun the journey and that they can expect us at a certain time. We cannot expect to finish a journey unless we are on our way.

We are beginning a study of the Book of 2 Peter. When Peter wrote this letter, the church was being inundated with false teachers who were trying to lead believers astray.

Peter saw the danger, but also knew that he was not going to be around much longer. Look at 1 Peter 1:13-15. The Christian Life is a journey, and Peter wanted his listeners to finish well! He wanted them to complete their Christian walk to the very end. So, we will study this book with the view that Peter is encouraging us to finish well.

To finish well, we need to start well. We need to be on way! In 1 Peter 1:1-2 we find five words that will help us make sure that we are on our way to finishing well.

INTRODUCTION – 2 Peter 1:1a

  • Simon (worldly character) Peter (Spiritual character)
  • Bondservant to Jesus (Slavery that made him free)
  • Apostle (Authority to speak for Jesus.)

FAITH – 2 Peter 1:1b

  • Peter puts himself on same level of all believers. Saving faith is the same for all, secured through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Through faith we have the same standing. John 1:12-13

RIGHTEOUSNESS 1:1b

  • Human beings are not righteous in themselves. Romans 3:10, 23
  • Faith is grounded in the righteousness of “our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” This attests to Christ’s deity.
  • Christ the Righteous One, paid the penalty for the unrighteous. Hence through faith in Him, we have his righteousness. Romans 5:1-9

GRACE – 2 Peter 1:2

  • “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” God gives me what I don’t deserve.
  • Grace begins at salvation and is experienced throughout our lifetimes. 2 Peter 3:18

PEACE – 2 Peter 1:2

  • We are declared righteous before God so that we have peace with God. Romans 5:1
  • We experience the peace of God multiplied to us we “trust and obey”. Isaiah 26:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7

KNOWLEDGE – 2 Peter 1:2

  • Knowing the Father and the Son better should be our goal. Ephesians 1:17, Philippians 3:10-15