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Context
As we go through a quick bible study on part of 2 Peter, we need to remember that we are being written to by an apostle of Jesus that is in jail being punished for being a Christian. Youch. He’s writing to the early church, that is – brand new believers and followers of Jesus, to remind them of the promises of God and what this means for their lives.
Followers of what used to be called “the Way” really stirred things up in their day. Their lifestyles went against the tradition laws of the Pharisees and Sadducees as well as removed them from fitting in with the people of the Roman Empire. They were radical people who lived different lives in the name of Jesus. I love it!!
We are still called to look different from the rest of the world. We do so by sanctification, which is the process of God molding us to more closely reflect Him. Bible study is a major part of that. We have a FREE Bible study checklist to help you get more out of your study. You’ll stay focused, grow more, and change your life for the better. Grab it below!
Reminders & Reassurance
2 Peter 1:12-21
12 Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure. 16 For we didn’t follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
Highlighting
Now we get into categorizing the verses as a part of our bible study. Check out my post on studying the Bible on your own for what the different colors stand for and where I get that info. Verses can almost always fit into more than one category so if you start highlighting according to the Good Morning Girls categories know that your highlights aren’t going to be identical to mine. The purpose is to get you to analyze the scripture and what topic its covering. I love the way it looks too. 🙂
- Verse 12= teaching
- Verse 13= teaching
- Verse 14= death; Jesus
- Verse 15= teaching
- Verse 16= people; Jesus; people
- Verse 17= Jesus/God
- Verse 18= people
- Verse 19= prophecy; instruction
- Verse 20= teaching; prophecy
- Verse 21= prophecy/people; Holy Spirit
OBSERVATIONS & APPLICATIONS
It bears saying again, Peter was locked away in a dark, dirty jail when writing this letter. Take a moment to consider the conditions he was in and the treatment he received. He knew his time to die was coming quickly. He needed to make sure he got everything out on paper that he wanted the early Christians to know and remember.
We can easily apply verses 12 through 15 of this 2 Peter bible study to our own lives by telling others (that we have a relationship with) what we know about Jesus. Yes we should tell errr’rybody about Jesus. But the good conversations are going to be with people you know a lil bit better. No one wants a stranger to preach to them.
Does it feel like you’re running each day in the hamster wheel, living out the same tasks in the same places with the same people without ever really going anywhere. This bible study reminds us that there is a purpose for this everyday norm. Loving others for the glory of Jesus is anything but mundane. Share His love through action and conversation with someone.
Peter also reminds the readers that he’s not just telling stories. He saw, he heard, he lived these things firsthand. He used lessons from his life to mentor others and passed down what he learned from Jesus to the next wave of followers. Thank you Peter!
I think its important for us to have mentors in life. We need someone who has lived a little more life than we have to share their life wisdom with us. In my past I’ve had neighbors and church members that lived life alongside me as mentors. They know what’s going on in my life and share stories from their past that are applicable to my current situations. They also help whenever they see me in need, remind me of scripture that can offer hope, and sincerely pray for me as I grow. Find a mentor! You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the comfort and encouragement that having someone like this in your life brings.
PROMISE FROM GOD
This promise from God isn’t only found in our bible study of 2 Peter but is sprinkled all through scripture. He is coming back! Yay yay yay yay!! We don’t know when but in all honesty does it really matter that much? We can trust His promise that He is coming back. There is a healthy mix of fear (respect for His power) and excitement when you are convinced (believe without seeing) that He is returning to conquer and renew.
COMMAND TO KEEP
Verse 19 of our study reminds us to heed the prophecy. We should make an effort to know our bibles (hence this bible study! Huzzah!). This doesn’t have to be a daunting mountain of a task either. Little sections can be read quickly each day. Devotional emails like these can be a great start to your work day inbox.
Read the quick notes and book introductions in your study bible. The NLT study bible is a fantastic place to start. It was my first bible as an adult believer and taught me a monumental amount that helped me grow as a follower of Jesus.
Learn about the culture and the environment in which the authors wrote. Wonder about a practice you read about? Curious about the traditions the Jewish people and the Roman people had? Google can basically find anything! 😉
Memorize short verses that will help you live life. I have some that I use for everyday situations like traffic, difficult coworkers, etc. They remind me of God’s will just like Peter reminds the early Christians in 2 Peter. I’d love to share them with you!
TIMELESS PRINCIPLES
God doesn’t keep the good news a secret. The early church had problems with false teachers and today’s church still struggles with teachings that don’t line up with God’s word. No wonder the command in this is to know the word of God. There’s a test LOL!
TAKEAWAY
I’m so thankful that there are people gifted enough to teach God’s word and brave enough to do it even in the face of hostility. I’m so happy to go through this bible study of 2 Peter with you too! Let’s daily remind ourselves of Him and know the truth in order to filter out the lies and false teachings.
Blessings!
To get to know me better, read about me & my saved love.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE Bible study checklist to get more out of your study time.
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Read Next:
- Guidance for the Growing Believer; A Bible Study of 2 Peter
- Are You a Hot Mess?! Why That’s Ok…and Can Even Be a Good Thing
- Romans 8 Commentary – The Spirit of Life, Verses 1-11
- Advice on How to Identify False Teachings
- Gaining Knowledge; Looking at the Timeline of the Bible to Learn the Order of the Books of the Bible