Life Project Blog

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

2 Peter 1:12-15

These verses are the transition that brings together two things that Peter is connecting for our instruction, the text we looked at last time and what follows. Earlier, Peter spoke of our spiritual growth in Christ and how that is a participation in Him, and next, the idea of how prophecy in Scripture is from God, with remarkable and wonderful implications.

These verses not only connect, but they remind us of something else that is wonderful to ponder: the coming of Jesus Christ.  Peter is reminding us of the things we are already supposed to know, and this is some great discipleship on his part, but then he learned from the Master Himself!  You will recall how Jesus often had to remind Peter of things he was already supposed to have grasped, but that Peter might have forgotten. Remember the times that Peter understood something one time, and then later blurted out the opposite?  Now here is the mature Peter, trying to keep us from making his old mistakes.

Yes, he is going to keep reminding us of what we already know, reinforcing that firm foundation upon which our hope is built.  For as long as he remained with them, he would continue to teach and re-teach the truth about Jesus and about our spiritual development so that we can serve Him.

So maybe we should consider these things before we go on to Peter’s next topic, and see amazing linkage. Maybe we should be reminded of our foundation in Jesus Christ and of our need to grow in our relationship with Jesus each and every day… and maybe we should also carefully observe the method of making a mature disciple from a disciple who learned at the feet of the Master Himself: Keep reinforcing the foundation of faith and how we grow from there. Patiently remind those with whom we work to ensure that the Way becomes part of their beings, and patiently allow our older disciples to do the same in us, so that we may continue to grow into His likeness.

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18

After the brief transition of the last few verses, Peter is moving on to remind us that he is an eyewitness of Jesus Christ, that he was present when God the Father spoke from heaven on the mountain announcing who Jesus was; Peter knows what he is talking about! Peter is reminding us that he is an authoritative witness to these factual events, and isn’t merely a teller of stories and “oral traditions”, as some might claim.  Do you get the impression that he might be building up to something…?  I do!

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:19-21

In these last few verses of chapter one, Peter makes a rather bold statement, that he has the prophetic message, and that it is completely reliable. Now our question is this: Is Peter talking about the Old Testament prophets, or is he about the prophesy himself?  He goes on to tell us that we had better pay attention, and then reminds us that no prophet speaks on his own, but that they deliver a message from God, as they were led by the Holy Spirit. So, which is it?

The easy thing to do would be to “cheat” and peek at the next chapter; it doesn’t look like Peter is quoting much there, but he sure has a message.

This letter is included in the New Testament because it was believed that Peter, the Apostle, was writing it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus, we consider it to be reliable as a message of God.  The old prophets prophesied under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and thus their prophecies are considered to be the reliable message of God.  Thus, Peter’s statements are on a par with those of the prophets: Prophecy is the delivering of a message from God− it is not telling the future, although sometimes that is part of the process, but most often they are delivering a message from God about a situation that God wants to communicate about.  Most often, the books of prophecy in the Old Testament contain God’s indictment of the way His people are acting, including warnings about what might happen if they don’t knock it off.

Peter has just established his own credentials as an eye-witness of Christ, and added the injunction that we’d better pay attention to what is coming… and this after telling us how to grow spiritually. Thus, I just might conclude that in our next session, we are going to receive a serious warning.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:3-11

After the customary greetings, Peter gets into an interesting concept that he calls “the knowledge of him who called us.”  For me, the notion of having “precious promises” by which we can “participate in the divine nature” is staggering; just stop and think about that… we are able to participate in the divine nature! When you see a statement like that, you must come to realize the fact that this is not just some academic or abstract concept… it is participation, which is an active way of life. This is all brought about by the fact that we have “escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” What are these “precious promises”? Forgiveness of sins, eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the transformation of minds… for starters.

The second paragraph of our text shows what spiritual growth looks like. We add several qualities to our faith. Faith is the point of beginning for all of the rest, so with faith as a foundation Peter calls upon us to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love. Notice how each one of these leads to the next one, as though they were bricks being added to the foundation to build the walls of a house. Then notice what Peter says next: For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It sounds like there is an expectation that we will be doing something with this growth, serving God in some capacity. If we don’t have these qualities, it will be as though we are blind, forgetting that our sins are no more.  This sounds like lacking the qualities he mentioned will result in our lives seeing no change from our relationship with Christ, as though nothing had ever happened.  I’m guessing that we have all seen Christians who were in possession of faith, but who never changed in any other way, almost like they were Christians in name only…

In the last paragraph, Peter calls the addition of the qualities he mentioned confirming your “calling and election.” which gives a different twist to these terms than is often preached about.  Here’s an idea for you, think on this:

So, God has called all people to repentance and faith in Christ. Many will respond to this calling, and they will be called elect.  Those must add certain qualities and traits to their faith by growing in their understanding and maturity as Christians.  When they do, they will serve His purpose because above all else, they are filed with His love for others, and in so doing, their warm reception into His presence is assured, and will never stumble in their walk with Christ.

Sounds like a plan to me!

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,  casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11

Peter sums up his letter in these few verses, so let’s join in his summation…

We need to humble ourselves in His service, casting off our anxieties, and firm in our hope and faith in His love. Don’t be too concerned about earthly challenges and problems; keep your focus on your relationship with Him. He cares for you… can you imagine?  He has a whole universe to run, and yet He cares for you. Just let that sink in…. Amazing.

Humble in spirit, and secure in Jesus Christ, we also need to be clear in our minds, alert in our lives, for we are on the front lines in a conflict that rages all around us, a conflict that we can’t exactly see in the usual sense, a spiritual contest.  Our foe is on the prowl, looking to pick us off one by one: Scary. Be ready to resist.

It might not strike you at first that Peter’s admonition to resist the devil is good news, but actually, it is.  Once again, I find myself pointing out here that something which can be commanded is something that we can do, therefore, in spite of the strength and cunning of our Adversary, he can be resisted.  Come to think of it, why should this be a surprise?  Jesus has already overcome this world, He has already defeated the devil and His Spirit lives within us, therefore, in Him is our victory!  Better let that one sink in too…

We are not alone.  Not only can we access the presence of Christ any time, we are also one with our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. Oh yes, there are tough times ahead, but we can and will endure them, and in the end our destination in Christ is safe and assured… and glorious!

Love one another!

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;  but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.  For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

And “if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?”

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Peter ends the fourth chapter by once again mentioning those under persecution for their faith.  Since he is repeating the thought here, I thought this might be a good time to reflect upon those who suffer for other reasons.  We all know people who suffer with chronic disease, mental and emotional problems, financial hardship, disabilities and other conditions or circumstances that cause pain, hurt and despair, and these need our loving support.  It is for us to reach out to offer help, to nurture and to bring comfort; may we not forget this.

For those who might find themselves in such a situation, Peter offers encouragement and guidance. We should be cheerful and hopeful. Always we should keep our trust and hope in Him, that we might give Him glory and impress those around us, not with how great we are, but so that they may see how great He is.

Yes, it is true that this life has been called a “vale of tears.”  There are certainly times like that, but our hope, our joy and our strength in Christ has overcome all that.  It is rather for us to have our eyes, minds and souls fixed upon Jesus through any hardship, so that His glory, power and love might be made manifest to the whole world around us.

Peter is winding up his letter now with some insight that he shares with local church leaders… and the younger men. First for the leadership:

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Peter 5:1-4

The words that are usually translated into English as “elder, pastor, shepherd, bishop and overseer” are used interchangeably in the New Testament to refer to the leaders of each local church congregation; what I like to call the Leadership Team.  I realize that many who read this come from church backgrounds that have a structure different than that of the first century church, so in that case, the principles and application should apply to your church leaders, whatever they might be called.

The thing that really jumps out to me is the fact that a leader is not at all a big shot, he is instead the servant of all. Notice that Peter emphasizes humility, rather than position, service, rather than rank and sacrifice rather than personal gain. An elder is to be an example of servant-leadership, as Jesus Himself was our example of servant-leadership. So often churches go wrong because the leaders of the church seek to exalt themselves above their flock, rather than to serve in humility, forgetting entirely that the crown of glory does not come in this life, but when Jesus returns.

Next, Peter has insight for the younger ones…

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:5-7

Younger people are not famous for being submissive to their elders. We must understand that in context, Peter isn’t referring only to those who are young in years, but also to those who are spiritually young.  When my kids were teenagers, they knew everything.  They knew that getting along in life, paying bills, managing finances and maintaining a household was really easy, and that I wasn’t very good at it; they all could have done a better job than I did.  Now they are grown and have their own households… and they all, each in his or her own way, have admitted that it isn’t as easy as they thought it would be.  As a leader in the local church for more years than I’d like to count, I can recall many times when younger Christians of various ages were quite vocal about things they knew much more about than the leadership; they didn’t hesitate to point out everything we did that was wrong in their eyes… and then later had to admit that there had been so many things they hadn’t understood before. Peter, of course, is aware of all of this, for little has changed in human nature.

He advises the younger to submit to the leadership of their leaders. His instruction for all of us is to be clothed in humility, as Jesus was humble. In time, as the younger in faith grow in their understanding and maturity, they will be lifted up in the congregation.  Until then, we must always remember that you aren’t in a position to make disciples until you are mature enough to become a disciple yourself.

As a final observation, have you noticed that Peter’s message in this context is essentially the same as that for slaves, wives, husbands, good citizens and those in suffering? Humility, service, putting the needs of others first and giving glory to God.  These can all be summed up in a phrase: Love one another.

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:7-11

In approaching this text, you can go one of two ways. The first and most common way of looking at it is to analyze it line by line and word by word.  The second is to read it in its entirety and ask yourself what Peter is getting at. Both approaches should take us to the same place, but sometimes we become sidetracked in the details and forget why we are looking in the first place. Thus, for this lesson, let’s use the second and less common method.  What’s Peter trying to say here?

I think it is something like this: Set aside selfish things so that you may glorify God.

Let’s go back and check…

He starts by telling us that time is short, so let’s get serious: The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.  Yes, this is an easy one… Then he reminds us to love one another with fervor.  Such love is never selfish, for selfish, ‘what I can get out of it’ love, is never “fervent.” This is even clearer when you read the second part of the sentence, for it points directly to forgiveness. Forgiving those whom we love fervently is a selfless act. Here’s how Peter put it:  Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Then he tells us to be hospitable without complaint, and since the Greek word can also be rendered as “generous” it’s clear once again that Peter wants us to be selfless. Here are his words:  Be hospitable to one another without complaint. “Without complaint” seals this one for me, how about you?  He goes on to mention that we have each received a special (spiritual) gift from God, and then tells us to use it for the building up of the Body as good stewards, not for our own advancement.  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Now it gets really interesting. If we speak, we are to speak as though our words were the Word of God, so I see that they are not just my own words, my own thoughts any more. If we serve, we should serve like we are serving from God’s strength and not our own.  This would seem to imply that we are to serve for God’s purpose, since He supplied our strength: whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; nothing of “me” here…

Finally, we have arrived at the “why” part, so that God will be glorified: so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Looking back to where we started, I’d say we got it just about right!  Living for Jesus in love is all about God and other people, and not at all about me. Lord, may each of us take this message from your Word to heart!

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

1 Peter 4:1-6

Peter is now summing up what we covered last time: Therefore…

Jesus as our great example suffered death so that many would be saved from sin and death; therefore, we need to take on the same purpose as He, which is to say that we too need to concern ourselves with the salvation of those who have not yet found it, even in our times of trial and suffering. This somewhat awkward sentence goes on to tell us that since those who suffer for Christ have put an end to living for the allures of this world, they will now live for the will of God.  This is another way of saying that we set aside the things of this world to serve Christ.  We have already had our chance for worldly living, that is now over… and our former associates will sure be surprised!

I’ve run into many who hesitated to commit to Christ for fear that their family and friends will think them crazy, and I’ve always assured them that they are probably right.  When they commit to Him anyway, and over time their lives change, friends and family often follow them to the cross. Let’s be clear, this doesn’t usually happen overnight, but it often happens with time. These former associates may also “malign” you, but this is something for which they will ultimately be called to account for.

This is why the gospel has been preached to those who live without Christ, even though they are dead in their sins, they may respond to the gospel and live as children of God.  To be perfectly honest, this is our calling, to take the gospel to those who have yet to commit to Christ, or as Jesus Himself said, to “make disciples.” It is what we do because we love our fellow humans, even when they do not first love us.

That might sound familiar to some of you…

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

1 Peter 3:18-22

As the chapter concludes, Peter continues his discussion of opportunity and suffering, with the ultimate example of Jesus.  Jesus suffered greatly that we might be saved from sin and death, and He did this while deserving none of the suffering, but accepted it anyway for the opportunity to redeem humanity.  As a result, He was killed in the body, but made alive again in the Spirit. This is a familiar story for a Christian I hope…

I really try to avoid complicating these lessons with discussions of various translations and Greek… but to understand verse 19, I can’t see a way to avoid it.

The NIV goes on to say: After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— In the NIV, there is a footnote after the words “…made alive…” that I have edited out (but probably shouldn’t have) that reads, “Or but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also.”  

The more literal translation of the NASB says, in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison.  Looking at the Greek, I found the words, ᾧ καὶ (hos  kai) which mean “in which also”

Thus, I conclude that what Peter is telling us is that Jesus died in the body and was made alive again in the Spirit, in which also (in the Spirit) he preached to those who are now dead, but who were disobedient in Noah’s day.  The introduction of Noah’s day is important in Peter’s overall point as we will see in a minute.  Sorry for this little excursion, but this is a verse that is often misunderstood, as some do teach that Jesus died and went to Hell to redeem the lost there, and while that might be a nice thought, it isn’t the point Peter is making here, I’m afraid.

Jesus, in the Spirit, or as the Spirit, preached repentance to those who were acting in rebellion against God while Noah was building his ark, as God was about to judge the earth and wanted to save as many as possible from His judgment, but in the end, only eight would follow God and they were saved through the waters of the flood (being in the ark). The waters of the flood now symbolize baptism, which saves us also, not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ… You will surely recall that Paul makes similar comparisons between our “death” in baptism, and our being raised out of the water to a new life.

As a result of what Jesus did, He now sits in majesty in heaven… and in due course we, as His co-heirs will join Him.  This is the ultimate opportunity for suffering, should God will it for us, to become a testimony of our faith in Him, that others who see this will come to belief and repentance.  Therefore, should suffering come your way, take heart, for God is working through you, and you will receive the prize for which we all strive.