Judgment and Mercy

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This is the eighth sermon in a series of messages on 2nd Peter. This message is based on 3:1-9 and it speaks about the judgment and mercy of God. Peter explains to his readers that judgment is surely coming in the future, and the only reason it hasn't happened yet is due to the mercy of a loving God who is not willing for any to perish.

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 3:9 ^(NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

Introduction:

We have been working our way through the book of 2^nd Peter for several weeks. We mentioned at the very beginning that the letter was written by the Apostle Peter because false teachers had infiltrated the Christian believers and he wanted to refute them, as well as provide reliable instruction for his readers. In last week’s sermon we took a look at chapter 2 of the book of 2^nd Peter where he describes the characteristics of the false teachers and he informs them of God’s judgment. Now, in chapter 3, Peter expands his message about the coming judgment, but as he does, he also reminds his readers of God’s gracious love and mercy.

Judgment and mercy are interesting topics to think about and discuss. I’ve discovered that a lot of people are similar to me in the fact that we are much more in favor of God’s judgment when we’re talking about other people who have done ungodly things. However, we are much more in favor of God’s love and mercy when we start talking about our own ungodly deeds and attitudes!

It is actually quite amusing sometimes to watch people change their opinions and attitudes about the kinds of sins that deserve the judgment of God and the condemnation of people until they fall into the same sin (or a close family member). Then they typically change our views on judgment and think of many reasons why they deserve mercy. This common human response simply shows us how much we really want God’s mercy for ourselves, which we ought to also want for others. (That is, if we “love our neighbors as ourselves.”)

In chapter 3, Peter explains to his readers that judgment is certain, but it is delayed because of God’s mercy.

I.    Judgment Is Certain (vv. 1-7)

As I pointed out earlier, Peter clearly indicates in chapter two that God does not tolerate error and ungodliness. He gave examples of fallen angels, the world population prior to the flood, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The implication was that judgment will also come for the false teachers who were teaching and leading people astray from the truth.

A. Coming judgment suggests the need for repeated warnings. (1-2)

Starting off here in the third chapter, Peter indicates that since judgment is coming, repeated warnings need to be given.

2 Peter 3:1-2 ^(NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 

Peter’s purpose in writing a second letter is so that they could be reminded of messages given by the holy prophets (OT Scriptures) and by the Apostles themselves.

“stir up” – Gk. διεγείρω; arouse or awaken; i.e. stir up.

Any careful reading of the biblical prophets and apostles show repeated emphases on judgment.

I remember reading from some sources years ago that Jesus spoke much more about hell than about heaven.

Vic Reasoner says, “False doctrine is a sedative. When we ought to be concerned by the teaching of Scripture, false teachers lull us to sleep.” (Commentary on 1 & 2 Peter)

“pure minds” – the word “pure” is a compound word that literally means “judge” and “sunlight.” It suggests something that is held up to the sun to expose any flaws. (Reasoner & A.T. Robertson)

Peter is essentially saying that his readers have not been affected (yet) by the false teachers. They are pure (sun-judged). However, he still feels the urgency to remind them of what has been taught and preached by the prophets and by Jesus Christ through the Apostles. If he feels that these “pure-minded” Christians needed to be reminded, then certainly we need to be occasionally reminded today as well.

What do we need to be reminded of? Well, he hasn’t said yet (that’s coming next), but the answer is: we need to be reminded that God has judged sinners and rebels in the past and He will do so again. We also need to be reminded that people have always scoffed at pending "gloom and doom.”

B. Coming judgment is often mocked. (3-6)

2 Peter 3:3-4 ^{(NKJV) 3}knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

Scoffers have always been around and always will be.

“last days” – for the biblical writers, the last days was the period of time between the first and second coming of the Messiah. It marked the end of the old era. (cf. Heb. 1:2) This is not specifically speaking of the time immediately preceding the second coming, unless we think of it as including all of the time since Christ came.

They base their assumptions on the mistaken opinion or viewpoint that time has always continued without interruption or intervention (uniformitarianism).

2 Peter 3:5-6 ^(NKJV) For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.

Ignorance is willful for some people.

Apparently Peter believed and accepted all other biblical accounts of creation and declares that it all came into being by the Word of God!

It seems apparent also that when Peter describes the earth as “part above water and part in the water,” it leads him into the next point, which is the worldwide flood.

There are plenty of reasons to believe in a worldwide flood in Noah’s day. But there have always been people who willfully reject it, which is why people like those at the Institute for Creation Research and at Answers in Genesis are so dedicated to preserving and promoting scientific evidence for the flood.

C. Coming judgment is on the horizon. (7)

2 Peter 3:7 ^(NKJV) But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

“preserved by the same word” – lit. “have been stored.” God not only created the heaven and earth, but He preserves it all. He holds it all together. We shared some thoughts about this fact on Wednesday night in the Bible study. (cf. Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3)

“reserved for fire” – lit. “are being reserved, guarded or protected.” There is a future time of judgment by fire that is coming. 

 (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – Some Jews, at least, believed in a dual cataclysm of the world, by water and by fire, and attributed this idea to Adam! (i.e. Josephus)

Compare OT references on judgment by fire:

Deuteronomy 32:22 ^(NKJV) For a fire is kindled by my anger, And shall burn to the lowest hell; It shall consume the earth with her increase, And set on fire the foundations of the mountains. 

Malachi 4:1 ^(NKJV) "For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble….

“judgment and perdition” – i.e. condemnation/ damnation, and destruction

The Bible is full of warnings about the final judgment and punishment of those who reject Christ and His commands.

II.  Judgment Is Delayed (vv. 8-9)

Having refuted the claims of the scoffers, Peter proceeds to explain why judgment hasn’t come yet.

A. The delay is not as long as it seems. (8)

2 Peter 3:8 ^(NKJV) But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The first reason Peter offers for the fact that judgment hasn’t come yet has to do with the fact that God’s perspective on time is very different than ours.

“one day… a thousand…” – probably not to be taken literally as though any time the Bible speaks about 1 day then it should be equated with exactly 1,000 years. It is probably just a cliché or euphemism that emphasizes the truth that God is not restricted by time. For The One who is Infinite, all time is like the present.

B. The delay of judgment is rooted in God’s love. (9)

2 Peter 3:9 ^(NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

Peter denies the assumption of many people – i.e. God doesn’t really mean what He says; God is less than diligent in carrying out His threats/promises; etc. But, the real reason for the delay of judgment is because God is longsuffering and God wants everyone to be saved.

“not willing” – We could get into the age-old debate about the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. But the fact of the matter is, there is ample biblical proof of the fact that God wants everyone to be saved, and Jesus did actually die for the whole world.

So, He wants “all to come to repentance.”

“repentance” – a turning away from old way of thinking and living to a new way. 

It is motivated by a genuine and deep sorrow for the fact that our sins cost Jesus His very life. 

It is interesting that Peter doesn’t say that God desires for all men to be saved, although that is what he means. He didn’t say, “God desires all men to go to heaven,” although that is what he’s ultimately talking about. He says, “God doesn’t want anyone to perish but to come to repentance.” Genuine repentance is the way to God.

Conclusion:

Everything Peter says to his readers about the coming judgment is absolutely true. The Bible has warning after warning about the consequences for those who reject Christ and disobey the Word of God; seeking their own will and desires.

But, the Bible is also full of evidence for the love and mercy of God. Any person who willingly comes to Christ and confesses his sin and truly repents of his past wayward living, can find forgiveness and mercy from the Lord!

If there is anyone here today that has not come to God in repentance and in confession trusting in the blood of Christ, you can certainly do that today.

Error in the Church

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This is the seventh sermon in a series of messages on the book of 2 Peter. This message covers chapter two and discusses the issue of heresy and error growing within the church. The Apostle Peter talks about the characteristics of the false teachers as well as their coming judgment, just like the false prophets in the Old Testament.

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 2:1 ^(NKJV) But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 

Introduction:

Five Hundred years ago this coming Tuesday (Oct. 31^st), a Catholic monk who was a professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg, Germany nailed a document to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. The name of this monk was Martin Luther. The document titled, “95 Theses,” was written in protest of the errors and abuses that were promoted by church officials, especially a practice known as the sale of “Indulgences.” There is a longer story behind it all, but a church official had been authorized to sell the indulgences in order to pay off a debt owed by the archbishop of that region. 

What was an “Indulgence?” Well, the Church believed that eternal guilt and punishment for sin could only be forgiven by God, but there was a temporal satisfaction that had to be “paid” by the repentant sinner either in this life or in purgatory. It usually involved some good deed(s), some type of pilgrimage or payment of money to the church. (Penance)

The indulgence was an official document (piece of paper) that could be bought with money and it would free the person from the temporal penalty of sins. Later, it was extended to include the “souls in purgatory” if the living relatives bought indulgences for them. Martin Luther’s efforts to reform the Church led to an outright separation from the church, which is now known as the Great Reformation.

In the passage of Scripture we are considering today, Peter confronts the errors that have been cropping up among the believers of the 1^st century. Confrontation against error was necessary in the 1^st century and has been necessary ever since, including such notorious times as the Great Reformation.

Confronting and defeating error and evil is something that is not always welcome in our society today. Christians today seem to be content to just “love everyone and everything.” There doesn’t seem to be as much concern for what is right or what is true, but “let’s just all get along and learn to love one another and tolerate everything.” 

I want to remind you today that truth matters; biblical doctrines matter; and the clear distinction between right and wrong matters. When Jesus went to the cross He wasn’t just wanting to work out a truce or some agreement where He and the Devil could peacefully co-exist. No, when Jesus Christ went to Calvary’s cross, He went there to accomplish a complete and final victory over the Devil that would eventually bring about the total demise of the kingdom of darkness.

The Apostle Peter is of the same mind. He wants to expose the errors of the false teachers and help the believers to understand the truth and stay in the right relationship with Christ.

Today we are continuing our study of 2^nd Peter by discussing chapter 2. Here we see Peter’s analysis of the source of error among the readers and what’s in store for them. For our discussion today I have decided to adapt an outline of chapter 2 that I borrowed from Dr. Vic Reasoner.

Outline:

Having established the source of truth and its authority in the previous chapter, Peter continues in chapter two to write about The Source of Error (2:1-22).

A. The Characteristics of False Teachers (2:1-3)

2 Peter 2:1-3 ^(NKJV) But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 

1. They will infiltrate the believers.

“among the people;” “among you”

“the people” – a word that usually refers to the a nation, in this case the people of Israel.

There were false prophets in the OT and there are false teachers now in the NT. 

Every time there is something that is really genuine, there will also be a counterfeit.

2. Their teachings are destructive.

“destructive” – perishing, (KJV “damnable”), i.e. eternal destruction. Rev. 9:11 uses same root word for the name of the “angel of the bottomless pit” or “destroyer.”

“heresy” – root word means “choice.” It is a deliberate choice to believe and follow something that goes contrary to God’s Word. 

Their heresy was “denying the Lord who bought them.” 

3. They are immoral. (v. 2)

“pernicious ways” (KJV); “destructive ways” (NKJV) – this is the same word used in v. 10 for “filthy conduct” or “lust of uncleanness” (NKJV). Compare with v. 14.

4. They are greedy. (v. 3)

“by covetousness they will exploit you” 

Many a person has been led astray and sought to lead others astray because of the lure of material gain and prosperity.

Usually, the people of the world can see through it better than the people in the church. Whenever Christians do something to reach out to sinners the sinner may very well be thinking, "Are you doing this for me or for you?" And they can usually tell the difference.

We need to constantly check our motives for what we do.

B. The Precedent of Judgment (2:4-10a)

2 Peter 2:4-10 ^(NKJV) For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; ⁵and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; ⁶and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; ⁷and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked ⁸(for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)-- ⁹then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, ¹⁰and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. 

Peter next gives some clear examples from biblical history where the false, and the counterfeit opponents to God’s truth were condemned and judged by God. The examples he cites includes: Fallen angels, Fallen humanity before the flood, and the Fallen cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

He then reminds his readers that succumbing to the errors and lies of the rebels is not necessary nor inevitable. God can and will deliver those who choose to be godly.

Finally, in this section, he reminds them that unjust, ungodly rebels against the truth will be reserved for future judgment. Who are these people being reserved for judgment? They are individuals who walk according to the “lust of uncleanness and despise authority.” (We could add this description to the characteristics we mentioned earlier.)

C. The Arrogance of False Teachers (2:10b-12)

2 Peter 2:10b-14 ^(NKJV) They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, ¹¹whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. ¹²But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, ¹³and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, ¹⁴having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.

These false teachers were so arrogant they are contrasted with angels who, even though they have great power, they defer to the authority of God.

Not only are they contrasted from angels, but they are compared to mere animals who deliberately and resolutely follow their instincts and take any measures to obtain what they desire.

D. The First False Teacher (2:15-16)

2 Peter 2:15-16 ^(NKJV) They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; ¹⁶but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.

The OT example of the prophet Balaam is used as an illustration of someone who was led astray by the lure of personal gain and was willing to curse the people of God in order to profit. These present false teachers are following the example and leading people astray for personal gain.

E. The Indictment Against False Teachers (2:17-22)

2 Peter 2:17-22 ^(NKJV) These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. ¹⁸For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. ¹⁹While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. ²⁰For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. ²¹For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. ²²But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." 

Peter wraps up this chapter by adding on more of the characteristics that describe these false teachers (17-19).

Ultimately, they are hypocrites because they preach liberty, but they are slaves of corruption and lusts of the flesh. 

They and their followers have returned to the mire that Christ died to deliver them from.

Conclusion:

There have always been errors and false teachers springing up in the church. 

These errors that Peter addressed involved a number of facets, including arrogant claim to superior knowledge, and a belief that all matter is evil and the source of evil. Thus, Jesus existing in human flesh was not sinless and wasn’t truly God, so neither can we humans be truly pure and holy. Sin and corruption will always be a part of our “DNA” so we might as well enjoy our freedom, live the way we want, and hope for final deliverance in the next life.

Even today, there are ongoing errors that rise up in the church and among those who call themselves Christian. So it is absolutely essential that each of us remain committed to faithful reading and studying of the Word, as well as faithful seeking the power and illumination of the Spirit.

We constantly need God’s guidance and direction to remain true and faithful to Jesus Christ and His truth.

Faithful Messengers

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player here.)




This is the sixth sermon in a series of messages on the book of 2 Peter. In this message covering 2 Peter 1:12-21, Pastor Les talks about the Apostle Peter's desire to accurately and faithfully communicate God's message to his readers. He also stresses the divine authorship included in their message.

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Introduction:

Communication in all aspects of life is absolutely essential. Think of any kind of relationship you wish, and you will probably conclude that it could not exist without some level of successful communication. (Family; marriage; social community; governmental; etc., etc.)

In order for communication to occur the speaker must speak with clarity and the listener must understand clearly what has been said. Even when there is no “language barrier” sometimes the message intended doesn’t get communicated.

Reminds me of a joke…

Pastor was taking prayer requests one Sunday and a member asked if they could pray for his hearing. The pastor called him up front and began to pray for the Lord to restore his hearing back to normal.

When the prayer was finished, the pastor asked, “How’s your hearing now, Fred?” 

Fred replied, “I don’t know, it isn’t scheduled until next Thursday at 9:00.”

Today’s message from 2 Peter relates to the matter of effective communication and focuses on the role of the messenger.

When we started this series of messages on 2 Peter several weeks ago I talked a little about the occasion and purpose of the letter. It would appear that the purpose of this letter was to refute some false teachers that had infiltrated the church or emerged from within the churches. The false beliefs and practices consisted of a claim to superior knowledge that freed them from requirements of morality, respect and obedience to authority, and advocates of speculation about angels and the return of Christ. 

Here at the end of chapter one we see Peter’s emphasis on his ministry and purpose to communicate the truth and know that his readers are not only reading/seeing the truth, but that they will intentionally live out the truth. 

God has always faithfully chosen messengers to communicate His Word of truth to humanity, and Peter is asserting his own authority and passion for God’s message to them. As we look into this portion of the Word today, I want us to grasp three characteristics of those whom God has called and used as messengers of His truth.

Faithful messengers provide motivation (12-13)

1.         Part of the motivation is by reminding them of truths they already know. (12)

Someone has said that preaching is very often reminding a person of what he already knows. (Barclay quoted in Reasoner)

Hebrews 2:1 ^(NKJV) Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 

The natural human tendency is to drift away and forget important truths. 

Peter wants to remind them of truths that they were taught earlier by himself and/or others, so that they keep focused and keep motivated toward the goal.

Men and women of God down through the years unto the present have consistently reminded Christians of the important truths of the gospel lest we forget. So that we don’t ever forget the basis for our own salvation. Also, so that we are equipped to accurately tell others what they need to know about the gospel and salvation.

2.         The purpose of reminding them is to “stir them up.” (13)

“stir up” – similar to the image portrayed in John 6:18 “the sea arose because a great wind was blowing.” This was the storm and event when they saw Jesus walking on the water. The sea was stirred up.

To stir someone up is to cause the “sea to rise” in their minds and hearts. That is, to cause a swelling of response.

Many people do not appreciate anyone trying to “stir them up.” Sometimes it is necessary to intentionally “shock” people into thinking about God’s truth and how it needs to be applied in our everyday lives; not just fanciful, dreamy, or unreal imaginations.

Faithful messengers leave a legacy (14-15)

1.         The messenger will not always be here. (14)

2 Peter 1:14 ^(NKJV) knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 

The next thing Peter addresses with his audience is the fact that his life is going to end; maybe soon. Every human messenger has to grapple with his/her own mortality and temporary life and seriously strive to make sure the life and message will continue to be lived in the disciples/students.

“shortly” – a word that probably indicates quickly rather than soon.

“tent” – temporal, physical body

2.         The messenger leaves the right kind of impact. (15)

2 Peter 1:15 ^(NKJV) Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease. 

Peter cares about what the people will remember about him and carry on without him.

The very purpose of Jesus’ ministry to the twelve disciples was to relationally instill within them the principles they would need to remember and live out after He was no longer with them in body.

Faithful messengers communicate divine truth (16-21)

Peter had already been hinting at the issue of the divine origin of his writing, but now in these next verses he is more directly addressing the issue of divine inspiration.

The Word of God has always been under attack. Ever since the Devil questioned the accuracy and authority of God’s word to Adam and Eve, the enemies of God have persistently undermined the accuracy and authority of God’s Word. I’ve been astounded in recent years to hear and read about denominations and church leaders who have previously stood firmly for the authority and reliability of the Bible, but now are apparently caving into the skepticism of the anti-God scientific or academic world.

1.         There’s a difference between hearsay and eyewitness accounts – fables vs. truth/evidence. (16)

2 Peter 1:16 ^(NKJV) For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

“fables” – stories that were “cleverly invented.” (Tyndale)

“power and coming” – debated whether it is referring to the transfiguration (as referenced in the following two verses), or if it is referring to the second coming. The second coming was an important topic covered by Peter later in this same letter, so it is probably a combination of both, with a possible stronger emphasis on the second coming.

Peter’s point is, he and the other apostles did not make up stories about the power, majesty and future return of Jesus, because they saw first-hand a sampling of it on the mountain.

2.         What was witnessed was supernatural. (17-18)

2 Peter 1:17-18 ^(NKJV) For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

(Tyndale N T Commentaries) – The Synoptic Gospels all see the transfiguration as a foretaste not so much of the resurrection as of the [second coming] of Jesus. In all three Gospels it follows immediately on the promise of Jesus that some of his hearers would not taste death until the kingdom came with power.

3.         The testimony has the power to instill spiritual life. (19)

2 Peter 1:19 ^(NKJV) And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

Peter witnessed the transfiguration and burning glory of Christ on the mountain, so he prays for this same glory to be instilled in a spiritual way in their hearts or in their very life.

4.         The message conveyed is of divine origin. (20-21)

2 Peter 1:20-21 ^(NKJV) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

“private interpretation” – probably talking about origin of the Word/prophecy, esp. as seen by the explanation following.

“men…spoke” – human instrument was involved.

“moved by Holy Spirit” – lit. carried along by the HS. Same picture of a wind in a sail. 

Interestingly, spirit, breath and wind are all usually from the same Hebrew or Greek word.

Gives us a strong hint for the necessity of the Holy Spirit to anoint and empower the messenger even today as he/she proclaims the Word of God with the authority of God.

Conclusion:

You’ve heard me say repeatedly that God, the Creator, the Sovereign Authority of this universe, desires to have relationships and desires to be known. In order for Him to be known it is necessary for Him to communicate to us about Himself, for it is impossible for finite beings to grasp and understand the infinite. So, the whole idea of revelation is about God’s self-disclosure to humanity in spoken word, written word and incarnate Word (His Son).

Even though we believe that the written revelation of God is closed – there are no new books of the Bible being inspired or written – it is still necessary for the Holy Spirit to anoint and empower God’s messengers to accurately and effectively communicate God’s Word and God’s message.

Vic Reasoner states, “Those who have regard only for the written Word tend to become rationalists [i.e. cold, dead, academics]. Those who have regard only for the inner witness tend to become fanatics. Deuteronomy 19:15 teaches that a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Faith becomes certainty when we have the dual witness of the Word and the Spirit.”

My passion is to always communicate the Word of the Lord with accuracy and the anointing of the HS so it will persuade listeners to become more and more dedicated to Christ and His will for them.

If God has faithfully spoken to us by His prophets, His Word, and His Son, then we have an awesome responsibility to listen and obey.

Thriving All the Way to Glory

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This is the fifth sermon in a series of messages on the book of 2 Peter. This sermon discusses verses 8-11 of the first chapter in which the Apostle Peter stresses that the lives of the readers should be thriving and growing if they take advantage of the privileges God has provided to them.

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 1:8-11 ^(NKJV) For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Introduction:

How would you describe your life? 

Are you barely getting through each day, feeling like you’ve been stretched to the limits? Do you feel like each day is a chore? Or, do you feel like your life is full of excitement and blessings? Is your life a series of mornings filled with anticipation for what the day will bring?

As you think of these questions, you might decide rather quickly that it really is a combination of both extremes and everything in between.

How about if I ask you to only apply the questions to your life of faith and your relationship with Christ? I suppose that most of us, if we would answer honestly, would also admit that we have great days and then we have other days that are not so great spiritually.

In the Scripture lesson we plan to explore today I think we will find that God’s desires for us to thrive and flourish in our journey of faith. I don’t think it’s really God’s plan for us spiritually to barely drag ourselves through each day and feel depressed and defeated the majority of the time. I think the Word of God presents a picture of hope and victory and joy for the child of God that is living obediently by His grace.

The two passages that were read earlier were chosen because they each present the message of flourishing and thriving. 

The first one (2 Cor. 9) speaks of abounding and flourishing in our financial support of God’s work. The second passage (Eph. 3) is talking about abounding in the love and knowledge God.

Key phrase in Eph. “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think…”

Jesus stated in John 10:10 that He has come so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.

As we continue our study in the book of 2 Peter, we find the same theme emphasized in the passage we want to consider today.

As we examine the passage before us today, we want to talk about the abundant life that God has for us now and the abundant entrance into eternal life.

I.  Abundant life now. (8-10)

v. 8 “If these things be in you and abound”

“These things” – the list of qualities described in vv. 5-7.

“be in you” – a present participle meaning "in your possession" (denotes continuous action)

“abound” – another present participle that means, "increasing." (continuous action) Commentator named, Lenski says, "They don’t develop in a day! "

“make you” – a verb in present tense also denoting continuous action.

 “Not barren or unfruitful” – not idle or dead (i.e. productive) and not unfruitful (i.e. without evidence of life)

The word for “barren” is the same word James used in 2:20, “faith without works is dead.” Becoming barren and unfruitful resembles the parable of the sower and the seed that fell among thorns which choked out the wheat and caused it to die.

We might be able to restate this verse it could sound like this, If these qualities are currently, actively in your possession and continually increasing in measure, they will continually result in you being alive, productive and fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus.

This level of knowledge is a direct rebuke to those false teachers who claimed to have superior knowledge, but were not teaching the truth. 

v. 9 “he who lacks these things”

“these things” – same list referred to in v. 8, and also referred to in v. 10.

How important is it for us to pursue the qualities in verses 5-7 to continually grow in spiritual maturity? Well, if we lack them…

 “Blind and cannot see afar off” – i.e. blind and near-sighted.

One view is: (Tyndale) Some say it means, Blind to heavenly realities and only able to see earthly realities.

Or, “cannot see…” One writer says it means to "willfully blink/shut the eyes." (Tyndale)

The blindness is spiritual because the result is spiritual amnesia.

“have forgotten…” – (Lenski) lit. “received forgetfulness” i.e. allowed someone to give him amnesia.

In other words, gave in to the convincing arguments of others to the extent that he has forgotten his deliverance from sin. “It doesn’t matter how you live…”

To say that a person has forgotten he has been cleansed from his sins probably means that he has returned to his former sinful behavior. But this is not the condition God desires or is pleased with. Look back again to v. 8 – God wants us to be productive and fruitful in our daily spiritual walk by showing our obedience to His Word. He wants us to thrive in our Christian walk of faith. He wants us to be victorious over sin.

v. 10 

“diligent” – repeated emphasis on intentional effort; a sense of urgency; not lazy, but with laser focus.

It is amazing the kinds of things that people diligently study and memorize, but they claim it isn’t possible to memorize scripture or study the Bible. I’ve known people that can give the stats for an unbelievable number of athletes or sports teams, but they can’t memorize the Ten Commandments, John 3:16 or other passages of Scripture. For other people, it’s not sports that has their mind full of stats, figures and information. It is some other subject that has captured their interest and avid attention.

Be “diligent” to do what?

“Make calling and election sure” – lit. “keep making sure for yourself your calling and election.” That is, confirm it and secure it.

God does the calling and the electing, but in His infinite foreknowledge, He elects those who willfully choose to respond/ obey. It is not a decree made in eternity past that is irresistible, but a calling and choosing of those who willfully respond by choosing to repent, believe, and obey. 

“If you do these things” – lit. “keep on practicing.” It is referring back again to the list of virtues and graces listed in vv. 5-7.

“never fall” – “stumble;” The structure and tense of verb stresses a possible permanent fall. 

Again, here is verse 10, the emphasis is on diligence and intentional effort to keep living an abundant life that God desires for each one of us.

II.  Abundant life forever. (11)

Peter continues to explain that abundant life now is not the only thing God plans for us. He wants us to have an abundant life in the next life as well.

“Abundant entrance into everlasting kingdom” (KJV, entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly)

The entrance is not speaking about the doorway or gate, but the act of entering. i.e. when you make the entrance it will not be just barely dragging across the “finish line,” but it will be an abundant entrance because of the grace God has provided.

“ministered” – supplied (NKJV). It is the same word that was used in verse 5, “add” to your faith. We told you before that the background of the word comes from those rich benefactors who would pay all the expenses to supply the needs of Greek drama teams.

Peter seems to be indicating that God’s grace will provide everything needed for us to abundantly/richly enter the kingdom, rather than just barely dragging in.

Conclusion:

I have been trying to describe for you from the words of Peter that God has made every provision necessary for us to live an abundant life in this world and to experience an abundant entrance into the eternal life in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, even though He has made all the provisions, He leaves the choice to us whether we will exert the intentional effort and due diligence to confirm our calling by responding with obedience and learning.

All of the qualities we’ve already talked about in verses 5-7 are necessary for the mature development of our spiritual life of faith. God will provide the grace, but we must provide the person and the willful choice to pursue His knowledge.

Spiritual Maturity - Part 3

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This is the fourth sermon in a series of messages on the book of 2 Peter. This message continues to discuss the list of qualities given in 2 Peter 1:5-7 that believers are urged to develop in their life of faith.

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 1:6-7 ^(NKJV) to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

Introduction:

Most of you know that I have been doing a series of messages on 2^nd Peter, and that the last two sermons have been focused on the list of qualities provided in 2 Peter 1:5-7. I have been referring to this list as a list of traits and qualities included in becoming more spiritually mature as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

Last Sunday we talked about the two qualities of temperance (self-control) and patience (endurance). Before that we explored the topics of faith, virtue and knowledge. Today I want to finish the list that Peter provides here in verses 5-7 by talking to about godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity (love). Or, we could say, “godliness,” “love,” and “more love.”

As we have been doing with the other traits mentioned, let’s examine each of these words to discover what Peter is urging us to exhibit and practice in our lives as we grow spiritually in the faith.

I.    Godliness

The first word we’re considering is the word “godliness.”

Some of you may have heard the phrase, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” The way my mom used to repeat that phrase you would have thought it was in the Bible!

Erma Bombeck ― “Cleanliness is not next to godliness. It isn't even in the same neighborhood. No one has ever gotten a religious experience out of removing burned-on cheese from the grill of the toaster oven.” (www.goodreads.com/quotes)

 “godliness” – εὐσέβεια A compound word. Root = “worship” Prefix = “well”; thus, worship rightly directed. (Robertson’s Word Pictures/Vincent Word Studies)

(Vincent Word Studies in the New Testament) [In secular Greek, godliness is:] "The recognition of dependence upon the gods, the confession of human dependence, the tribute of homage which man renders in the certainty that he needs their favor—all this is εὐσέβεια, manifest in conduct and conversation, in sacrifice and prayer" (Nägelsbach, cited by Cremer). This definition may be almost literally transferred to the Christian word. It embraces the confession of the one living and true God, and life corresponding to this knowledge. 

The word emphasizes the inward attitude of worship and reverence and piety toward God along with conduct and other outward actions that confirm the heart attitude. The outward “motions” of worship without the genuine inward attitude is noted by Apostle Paul as “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” (2 Tim. 3:5) So true godliness is both the inward attitude and outward conduct of reverence and worship toward God whom we are totally dependent upon.

Another source states that godliness denotes character and conduct determined by the principle of love or fear of God in the heart. (Intn’l Std Bible Ency.)

(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – …it was the primary word for ‘religion’ in popular pagan usage. The ‘religious man’ of antiquity, both in Greek and Latin usage … was careful and correct in performing his duties both to gods and men. Perhaps Peter uses it here in deliberate contrast to the false teachers, who were far from proper in their behavior both to God and their fellow men. Peter is at pains to emphasize that true knowledge of God (which they mistakenly boasted they possessed) manifests itself in reverence towards him and respect towards men... Eusebeia is a very practical awareness of God in every aspect of life.

(Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) – Godliness entails both vertical and horizontal duties. It is simultaneous reverence toward deity and a sense of duty toward people.

Observing Peter’s use of the word in this list of traits in which Christian believers should be growing and maturing leads us to conclude that he sees godliness, the attitude and conduct of worship, reverence and love for God as a natural consequence of temperance and patience. 

As we exercise each of the preceding qualities mentioned, we will naturally move into a life of godly attitudes and behavior.

D.A. Carson ― “People do not drift toward Holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated.” (www.goodreads.com/quotes)

May God help each one of us to recognize that godliness is not something that just accidentally happens, but it is an active pursuit of God and letting His likeness shine in our lives and attitudes.

II.  Love and Charity

I want to move on to consider the next two words together. In the KJV, Peter urges his readers to supply along with the performance and practice of all the other previous qualities two more traits identified as “brotherly kindness” and “charity.”

One writer says that “godliness” cannot exist without finding expression in brotherly kindness. The Apostle John says, “If anyone says he loves God and hates his brother, he is a liar.” So love is intimately connected to godliness. And love is the crowning virtue of any list of Christian character traits we must possess and express.

These terms are from two different Greek words that both mean love. In many more recent translations of the Bible “brotherly kindness” is translated as “brotherly affection,” and “Charity” is translated as love.

“brotherly kindness” – φιλαδελφία; Another compound word, brother (adelphos) and love (philéo). 

“charity” – ἀγάπη; love.

In comparing the two words, they are similar in the sense that they include expressions of affection, fondness, and devotion.

Philéo usually includes the idea of love and affection for someone to whom one is closely connected by blood or by faith. It includes true concern, care and hospitality for those with whom there is a strong bond. Philéo is often associated more with emotion and warm feelings of compassion toward another person with whom we have a connection.

Agapē, on the other hand, is a specific kind of love that is demonstrated in sacrifice and unyielding commitment. Agapē is rooted in God and His nature; not in the object of love. It is the ability to express genuine concern and appropriate loving actions in spite of the qualities of the person being loved. Charity (agape) is God’s nature of self-giving love flowing through us into the lives of others who need it.

One writer compares the two terms like this:

(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – In [brotherly kindness] (philia) the partners seek mutual solace [or comfort and support]... [the] feelings are aroused because of what the loved one is. With agapē it is the reverse. God’s agapē [love] is evoked not by what we are, but by what he is. It has its origin in the agent, not in the object. It is not that we are lovable, but that he is love. 

When we practice brotherly love, we carry out actions and deeds of love for those whom we have developed a deep connection and bond either through family or through faith and have grown to appreciate them as a dear friend. We do deeds of kindness and affection for them because we feel a closeness and fondness for them, as well as warm feelings of appreciation. We’ve grown to love them because of their character and who they truly are.

Charity (Agapē love) on the other hand, requires us to do a lot of the same kinds of deeds and actions, but it is not necessarily because the other person is so nice or pleasant or deserving. It is because of God’s nature that is imparted to us through the Holy Spirit and we demonstrate God-like love because of who He is, not because of who the other person is.

A few weeks ago I spoke to you about love and we looked at some of the verses in 1 Cor. 13 as it describes this agapē kind of love.

We talked about qualities of this God-like love such as: Believes all things (Thinks the best); Suffers long; Is kind; Not arrogant; Keeps no record of wrongs.

It is fairly easy to practice these qualities with people whom we have a good relationship with and have come to have brotherly love toward them. But it is not easy at all to practice these qualities toward people who are not in a good relationship with us and in all appearances do not deserve this kind of loving treatment. Yet, that is what God calls us to do.

The more that we are able to demonstrate this divine love, the more it gives evidence of our spiritual growth and maturity. Jesus told His disciples that the one thing which would identify them as His disciples was their love for one another. It is not our doctrine, as important as that is. It is not our conservative or liberal viewpoints. It is not anything else that will communicate “Disciple of Jesus” except how we demonstrate love to one another.

Let us close by singing They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love.