2 Peter 1:3–4, 10–21

Explore the Bible 
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

LIVING WITH TRUTH

2 Peter 1:3–4, 10–21

Display Your Relationship (3–4, 10–11)
Peter began his second epistle by reminding the Christians what Jesus had done for them through justification (1:1–2). Christians are declared righteous in the sight of God because of Jesus’ sacrificial death for them. That is what Martin Luther called “the great exchange.” When you stand before Jesus, there is only one correct answer as to your righteousness: You do not have any. But in Christ you have been declared righteous.

Peter then reminded the believers what the Holy Spirit does in them through regeneration (1:3–4). We are all sinners by nature (Ps. 51:5; Eph. 2:3), dead and blind to the Spirit and knowledge of God. God changes our hearts, our very nature. No one ever meets Jesus and stays the same.  

Peter shows us four things in vv. 3–4 that accompany regeneration. First we receive a new power to flee sin and pursue righteousness. In Christ we lack nothing needed to live a godly life. Second we receive a new understanding to see what Jesus has done and who He is. You will have a hunger to know God. Third we receive a new nature. As a Christian you are not perfect or sinless, but something in you has changed. Do you wrestle with sinful desires rather than just give in to them? Fourth we receive new desires. Namely, Christians long for God Himself and His desires. You receive a passion to live a life for Christ. 

Christianity has a personal, private dimension to it. Christians need to spend time with Jesus in the Word of God, pray and enjoy His presence in their lives. But Christianity also has a public, practical dimension to it. Christian, your relationship with Jesus should radically change you so that others will see Jesus in you. Christ in you transforms your mind, emotions, body, will, relationships and mission for life. That amount of Christ-produced change cannot be kept a secret.  

Defend Your Testimony (12–18)
Peter wrote to remind the believers of Christian truth they already knew. We should desire to teach in such a way that the people we teach will remember the truth long after we are gone. Christian, stop collecting knowledge of the truth and doing nothing with it. Act on the knowledge you already have. Do not just sit there. Do something for heaven’s sake!

In vv. 16–18 we have the testimony concerning Jesus, God’s Son. Peter wrote declaring that he was not following cleverly devised myths. He was an eyewitness of events in the life of Jesus, including the revelation of His glory at the transfiguration. We have earthly eyewitnesses of His majesty. Think about the writers of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, James, Jude and Peter. These writers were either Jesus’ apostles or a close associate of an apostle. Peter was saying, “Trust the authors of Scripture.” Who will you trust?  

Not only do we have earthly eyewitnesses of His majesty; we also have a heavenly exalted witness of His glory. There cannot be a better testimony than God Himself. Peter wrote that while they were on the holy mountain with Jesus they had heard the very voice of Father God declare that Jesus was His Son.

Depend on Inspired Scripture (19–21)
We have the truth of God’s Scriptures. The Bible was written by divine inspiration. The Holy Spirit breathed out the very words of God through human personalities. The Bible is accurate and true. If you want to hear from God, read the Bible. The Scripture illuminates our souls as a lamp shining in a dark place. We do well to pay attention to it.

Since Scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit, He guides in the interpretation of Scripture. He also governed the production of Scripture. No Scripture ever originated within the heart of man. The Bible, properly interpreted in context, teaches us the truth about God, life, sin, Jesus and salvation. You can depend on the inspired Scripture.