Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between what is true and what only sounds true? In this Bible study, we open the first chapter of 2 Peter, a short letter that tackles that very question. It was written to ordinary believers, and it speaks as clearly today as it did then. Along the way, you’ll discover what it means to be a servant who is also sent, why every believer stands on equal ground, and how God has already given us everything we need to grow.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

• 2 Peter has the least historical support of any New Testament book, which led to long-standing debate about whether it belongs in the canon, yet it is accepted here as authentic and inspired.
• The letter is highly relevant today because it deals with false teachers and wrong doctrines, which are nothing new and keep returning under different names.
• One such error is the idea that believers, washed in the blood, are free from any moral law. This grows from taking part of a truth and ignoring the rest.
• Being under grace should make us respect God’s law and take it more seriously, not less.
• A text taken out of its context becomes a pretext, and the true context of any verse is the whole teaching of Scripture, much like fitting one piece into a finished jigsaw picture.
• God cannot lie, and the Bible is the word of truth because it comes from the God of truth.
• The study follows seven points beginning with the letter B: bond servant, brother, bountiful, behaviour, broken, brilliant, and bestir yourself.
• Bond servant: the Greek word doulos describes a bondage without subjugation, a voluntary service. Jesus himself took this posture when he willingly went to the cross.
• Apostle simply means one sent on a mission, so every Christian is sent to take the gospel to those who do not know it.
• If we are true servants, obedience and a willingness to go will follow, driven by love and not compulsion.
• Brother: true Christianity is a brotherhood, and every believer shares the same faith and the same honour and privilege as the first disciples and the great people of faith.
• What matters about faith is not how much we have but where we place it. Little faith in something solid is better than great faith in something fragile.
• Every believer is part of one body. Gifts differ, but no one is to be elevated above another, and the hidden parts matter as much as the public ones.
• The church is not a building but people who are called out of the world, local, national, universal, and heavenly.
• Two questions to ponder: who do we serve, and how do we demonstrate that service?
• Bountiful blessings: God has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness, along with his precious promises, so that we can grow into the image of Christ.
• Behaviour: our culture demands rights, but with every right come responsibilities. Being children of God means acting like children of God, and the qualities of faith, excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, - kindness and love should be growing in us.
• Broken: we are lacking when we become short-sighted, forget the purity of our calling, or divide into factions.
• Brilliant: the honour and power of the Lord shine out as a wonderful expression of our Saviour.
• Bestir yourself: do not simply listen and move on. Be a light shining in a dark place, trusting that the Holy Spirit who inspired Scripture will help us understand it.

For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11

So where does all of this leave us? Right at the feet of Jesus. He is the one who was never forced, yet chose to serve. He is the one who was sent, so that we could be brought home. And he is the one who calls us brothers and sisters, sharing everything he has with us. Nothing has been held back, and everything we need to grow, to stand firm and to shine has already been given. So next time you wonder whether you have enough faith, or enough strength, or enough understanding, remember that it was never about how much you bring. It is about who you trust, and he has never let anyone down.

Bible References

• 2 Peter 1:
• 1 Corinthians 6:12
• 1 Corinthians 10:23
• Isaiah 6:8
• Philippians 2
• Hebrews 3
• John 1
• John 21
• Hebrews 11
• Matthew 26:39
• Matthew 26:53
• 2 Kings 19:35
• Isaiah 37:36
• John 8:12
• Matthew 5:14