Read 2 Peter 1:12-15 – The Need To Be Reminded
1. In Luke 22:32, Jesus gave Peter the instruction to “strengthen your brethren.” In verses 12-15 we see him doing that as he reminds the Christians of the truths of God. Our minds have the tendency to get accustomed to the truth and take it for granted. We forget what we ought to remember and remember what we ought to forget! – Wiersbe What might the life of a Christian look like if he has come to take the truth of God for granted? What consequences might this person face?
2. The Christians that Peter is writing to, like many of us, know and are established in the truth. And yet, in verses 12-15, a form of the word “remind” occurs 3 times. In your experience, of what truths have you at times needed to be reminded? What does Phil. 3:1 add to our understanding?
3. We don’t know how Peter knew he would be dying soon (shortly I must put off my tent), but Jesus had told Peter what manner of death he would experience. What does John 21:18-19 tell us?
4. In verse 15 Peter shares his great desire that Christians would continue on in their faith, always walking in truth, even after his death. He speaks to us too. List some ways to stay reminded?
Read 2 Peter 1:16-18 – The Eyewitness
1. In our society we value eyewitness accounts. The same was true in the times of this writing. The word “fables” in verse 16 is the Greek word mythos. The phrase “cunningly devised fables” surely speaks of the deception the enemy uses today! But Peter’s message, the gospel message, is no ancient myth! Peter writes as an eyewitness! Review the event spoken of from Matt. 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36. Describe the impact this event must have had on the 3 witnesses.
2. (vs 16) Peter says he was an eyewitness to the majesty of Jesus. Define majesty.
3. (vs 17) God the Son received honor and glory from God the Father. How is the Father’s glory described?
4. (vs 17) “Beloved” means dearly loved, precious, cherished, esteemed. This is the Father’s affectionate description of His Son. God uses the same words in Matt 3:16-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34. Describe this event. 5. (vs 18) Peter had endured much and would die a martyr, but his faith was strong. What are we told
that Peter had heard? Surely this would have encouraged him in his faith!
6. Be amazed as you connect the dots between Matt. 17:2 and Rev. 21:23 & 22:5.
Read 2 Peter 1:19-21 – A More Sure Witness
1. Peter’s eyewitness testimony about Jesus was amazing and convincing, but the testimony of the Word of God about Jesus is even more sure. Over 300 prophecies that have been fulfilled are confirmation that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. Can you list a few of these prophecies?
2. How would you describe the instruction “to heed”? According to verse 19, the prophetic Word – the Scriptures, the Word of God – is as a light that shines in a dark place. What does this mean? Is this your experience with the Word of God?
a. This description of the Word of God is also found in Psalm 119:105. What does it say?
b. See also Psalm 119:130.
3. (19) For how long will the light shine in a dark place? When is this?
4. Why might Peter have needed to write verse 20?
5. Another idea about verse 20 links it to verse 21 and recognizes that the word translated “interpretation” can also mean “origin.” The entire Bible originates with God. There is no private source for the Bible; the prophets did not supply their own solutions or explanations to the mysteries of life. Rather, God spoke through them; He alone is responsible for what is written in Scripture. – NKJV Study Bible Why is this an important fact to understand?
6. Prophecy never came by the will of man and neither does the exercise of the gift of prophecy. Both are always words from God through the Holy Spirit. Among other reasons, prophecy was given for the confirmation of the Word of God, and so that God’s people would be looking forward to what was/is to come. What is the purpose of the gift of prophecy? (1 Cor. 14:3)
7. According to Green, the ancient Greek word translated “moved” has the sense of carried along, as a ship being carried along by the wind or the current (the same word is used of a ship in Acts 27:15, 17). It is as if the writers of Scripture “raised their sails” in cooperation with God and the Holy Spirit carried them along in the direction He wished. – Guzik. Though this verse applies directly to the giving of prophecy, how might this picture of “raising a sail” apply also to the Spirit filled and Spirit led Christian today?